NBA Winter Magazine 2022

EDITOR

Julie Holmes

National Beef Association

Concorde House 24 Warwick New Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5JG 01434 601005 julie@nationalbeefassociation.com

DEPUTY EDITOR

Neil Shand ceo@nationalbeefassociation.com

CHAIRMAN

Andrew Laughton

ADVERTISING

Holmes 01434 601005

WINTER 2022: Issue 25 NEXT ISSUE: SPRING 2023 NBA give notice that no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of the publishers. Every care is taken when compiling editorial and advertisements and the publishers can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions arising from publication. Views expressed and information contained in The National Beef Association Magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the National Beef Association who cannot therefore be held responsible for any reason arising therefrom. Neither the Association, the Publisher nor the Editors endorses any services or products advertised in this Magazine.

Welcome to the Winter edition of Beef magazine Andrew Laughton

Hello and welcome to the Winter edition of our Beef magazine. As the year draws to a close we can reflect on that dry summer followed by a relatively mild backend albeit wet as “nature pays her debt” but allowing for some late (very) cuts of silage to put a bit back in the clamps and fill some bellies over the winter. Talking of winter, we have just had our first couple of frosts which the cattle are enjoying as much as I am – good air.

As I look back and forward at the same time, I want to reflect on a meeting I attended recently and some of the subsequent conversations that are surfacing on an increasingly regular basis. I was asked to go and talk about our sector along with others talking about theirs with Bishop Stephen of Lincoln who also sits in the House of Lords.

All sectors had the same message –production costs! and their recognition, or lack of, by the retailers and government too. There were also comments of levels of regulation, trade deals and the failure of ELM. Very strong messages respecting the current challenges facing farming were sent to Westminster but as I walked back to my car afterwards in the shadow of our magnificent cathedral I did wonder, as always, would the message get through to those decision makers; I did feel as though the Imp was laughing at me from high up there!

However, within days messages from egg producers were circulating making it clear that it wasn’t just avian flu curtailing production but that folk weren’t putting the next laying flock in because they couldn’t cover their costs of production in other words they were saying in no uncertain terms “No” to the retailers. Another conversation revealed a salad grower who was also denied any increase has cut their acreage by 25% with the added benefit of it reducing his labour headache too! A parsnip producer I hear has cut his area by 30% not surprising given the cost versus return we heard of in Lincoln. We all know the horrendous potato situation too as many of us will have been offered 100s of tonnes of potatoes for stockfeed which have cost £3000/acre to grow. Sow and boar slaughterings up 50odd% - the list goes on.

Also we are all aware of the rise in cow slaughterings, not to mention calf numbers too. This means that their progeny or themselves will not be on the shelves in two years time. So perhaps the Imp wasn’t laughing at me at all, but given it appears that every last bit of blood has been wrung out of that agricultural stone it might just be he is wryly smiling at the prospect of ever powerful buyers just being pleased to get product on the shelves. And not just any product but to our standards and environmental footprint – I hope our public will continue to demand that.

Along with an understanding that we need an income just the same as many others demanding more out there …… after all we are a very much needed profession and I do dare to believe that is beginning to dawn on those folk at the top……at last!

That leaves with the most important bit and that is pass my Compliments of the Season to you all, may you and yours enjoy a peaceful (in both ways as we remember) Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Take care Andrew

And we must remember there is not only a domestic demand for beef but a global demand too – with that in mind I am confident that there is a bright outlook for the coming year.

Neil Shand

Chief Executive

We leave 2022 with the same wish list we had in 2021. In last year’s winter magazine, I said “the prediction based on current issues is that next year’s challenges will revolve around industry reputation, environmental solutions and farm support.”

A year on, what has changed? Well, three prime ministers, four chancellors and three Defra secretaries later, there is a sense of change to come, but its detail is far from transparent, and pathetically slow in its roll out.

I have consistently - and persistentlychallenged DEFRA with the accusation that ELM is not fit for purpose, and I’ve seen nothing yet to change my mind.

However, there are strong rumours that change is on its way, driven by fear of food shortages and supply problems; a fear that has certainly been fuelled by the war in Ukraine. It’s incredibly sad, and more than a little worrying that Government couldn’t see it for themselves -  that it needed a war in Europe to make them wake up and smell the coffee.

I hope that my optimism that real change is coming is not misplaced. It’s six and a half years since the Brexit vote, it’s two years since we left the EU, and still we have an industry desperately crying out for substance on future agricultural support. Cows are disappearing fast, input costs are escalating exponentially, and our producers are feeling the pressure.

However, there does appear to be a slow but definite change in mindset. Producers are saying no to lower prices, no to being bullied within the supply chain, and no to continuing to lose money.

As an organisation, we will continue to beat the drum loudly in the corridors of

The fact we have made so little progress in a year can justifiably be laid firmly at the door of the Government, and can – and should – be used as a catalyst to ensure we are not sitting in the same position beating the same drum this time next year.

At the time of writing, every major public service is talking about strike action - it seems there are many with short memories. Business upon business received Government support during Covid, and they, in turn, appear to have poured the goodwill down the proverbial drain. I’m not taking sides, but neither can we bust the country, nor do we want to end up with food shortages.

Some organisations have come out with statements that may have been better kept out of the public domain for now. Panic buying creates more problems than solutions, and those that have the least always suffer the most. Creating fear of food shortages in the run up to Christmas is not the best message to deliver to the public, we won’t strike, regardless of the pressure on Agricultural incomes!!

The reality is that we are facing massive contraction from the industry across all sectors. In ours, it’s likely the suckler herd will decrease by a double digit figure. This is happening alongside a dramatic increase in beef bred dairy calves being slaughtered at a young age due to the cost of feed. This is not a good combination, and will lead to a major shortage of British produced beef  in two year’s time, but potentially significant rewards for those that stay in the game.

Beef Expo 22 was a tremendous success, and undoubtedly the sector being starved of the event due to Covid 19 contributed to this. The board have considered this and believe that to keep the event fresh and thriving, it should be held bi-annually. Therefore, we will not host an event in 2023 but we will return again in 2024 with a venue and date being announced very soon.

Amidst all the challenges we have to - and can - remain positive. Demand for beef for Christmas is good; all major retailers are pushing beef for Christmas as they can’t guarantee delivery of other proteins. We need to further embrace the support we get from the consumer, build on it, and ensure the demand for home-grown remains strong, securing a vibrant trade for British beef. Our resilience and strength are unrivalled.

Have a safe and prosperous 2023.

Westminster and strive for the right type of industry support.

Our members own the land and the ruminants; collectively we can deliver environmental gain and food production, the two things Government want, but somehow seem unable to link. They need to provide incentives to allow the industry to deliver what they need, not beat us with a metaphorical stick.

INTRODUCING FENCOVIS®

AMP grazing proves its resilience in drought

FAI Farms farm manager, Silas HedleyLawrence, says adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing, which is being trialled by FAI as part of a four-year project with McDonald’s UK and Ireland, has been invaluable during one of the hottest and driest summers on record.

He believes farmers interested in becoming more resilient to future weather extremes should consider AMP grazing - which involves ensuring there is no bare soil, leaving grass to grow longer, and grazing a high density of livestock in a defined area for a short period of time, followed by long rest periods.

“Some livestock farmers will graze grass right down to the ground before moving cattle on. For those that did that in May and early June of this year, everything would have been grazed away and this was then followed by a period of no rain and subsequently, little to no grass growth,” says Mr Hedley-Lawrence.

“For example, we had very little rain between June and September. But, because we leave a lot of grass behind, what’s left has carried on photosynthesising. The roots have also managed to access retained moisture in the top layers of the soil due to the insulating and cooling effect of the longer residual.”

As well as stimulating grass growth, this system of grazing enables farmers to trap more moisture when it does rain, adds Mr Hedley-Lawrence.

means when we do get any moisture, we’ve been able to hold onto most of it as the residual stops evaporation, and maintains soil structure and temperature to aid with infiltration rates.”

The resilience of the AMP grazing system is also evident in cattle growth rates, says Mr Hedley-Lawrence.

“This means that during the spring the pasture barely notices it’s been grazed and the annual grass growth curve is not negatively impacted right from the start of the growing season.

“In more standard grazing management systems, where pastures were left looking more like a golf course during the summer, rainfall would have been relatively ineffective, due to most of it evaporating off the bare and hot ground, or running off into watercourses due to the hard baked soil.”

He adds: “But in our fields because we’re leaving half of the grass behind, it’s a dense mat with deeper root structures. This

“We’ve not been supplementing our cattle with any concentrated feeds or high energy licks and they’ve only been on pasture in the drought. However, they’re still putting on an average of more than a kg of daily liveweight gain a day,” he explains.

“With AMP grazing the animals are still performing without us having to spend a fortune on imported feeds. This means we’re not losing efficiency on our growth rates because of the weather conditions.”

More information about the AMP grazing system at FAI Farms is available online at www.faifarms.com/mcdonalds-uk-ampgrazing-project/

“In comparison, the AMP grazing system aims to graze no more than 25% of what’s on offer during the spring, 50% in the summer and 75% in the winter, before moving cattle on,” he explains.

The use of adaptive multi-paddock grazing has seen an Oxfordshire farm maintain cattle growth rates without the need for supplementary feeding this summer.

STAY FULLY CHARGED

When being a dirty stop out actually saves you cash, sleepless nights and headaches.

Powering up with Pel and embracing the elements with Kaiwaka lets you make the most of your forage and banishes some of those wet winter blues.

Order online from your office, take your mucky boots off first! Scan the QR code to get started or visit: www.kiwikit.co.uk/outwintering

Time to get onboard with Medicine Hub

You have probably heard about Medicine Hub, the industry-wide initiative that is setting out to gather antibiotic use data from cattle and sheep enterprises in the UK. Developed by AHDB, Medicine Hub has been supported by industry representative organisations and the veterinary profession.

“Producers in the UK adhere to some of the most rigorous and robust production standards around, and work hard to achieve high levels of health and welfare as well as low antibiotic use, something the industry is rightly proud of,” says vet Mandy Nevel, head of animal health and welfare at AHDB and who has been instrumental in the development of Medicine Hub.

“Even though individual farms must record medicine use, until now there has been no central online resource for doing so at a national level, something that is set to change with Medicine Hub. And it’s worth noting that,

even if you have used no antibiotics in the last calendar year, this information is important to capture,” she adds. Vets together with farmers, set ambitious targets for antibiotic use that have been adopted by RUMA (Responsible Use of Antibiotics in Agriculture alliance) targets task force.

“Of course, antibiotics have a role in managing the health of animals and should be used appropriately. We really need to understand what is being used and what rate and in which categories of animal; Medicine Hub will provide this facility.”

Medicine use data are often transferred on to Medicine Hub via vet practice’s computer records or by a bulk data holder, perhaps a third party that an assurance scheme or supply chain works with, once the appropriate permissions have been granted.

Mark Jelley

As a Red Tractor farm, Mark and his vet were already looking at antibiotic data, but the Hub presents it in a more user-friendly way. The reports that can be generated are able to highlight areas in need of attention. For example, records showed that a lot of antibiotics were being used for calves with naval infections due to inadequate pen hygiene. Changes to pen management and hygiene protocols have now been implemented.

Interested?

For more information, go to https://www.medicinehub.org.uk . There is also information there explaining how to start and what to do if you want your vet, software provider or other data holder to share data on your behalf. Further support is available at medicinehub@ahdb.org.uk (Tel: 02477 719 414).

Mark Jelley, beef farmer in Northamptonshire with a 95-cow suckler herd finishing all calves on the 500-acre mixed farm. He works with NFU, AHDB and is chair of the Cattle Antibiotic Guardian Group.

“We set up an account in

conjunction with

my

vet practice, Towcester Farm Vets and,

to be fair, it was all fairly minimal

effort from our

side,” he says.

“It is possible for farmers to register on the Hub and upload data, but it is easier to get your vet practice or other large data holder with whom your farm business shares medicine data to do this for you,” adds Mark.

Mandy Nevel adds: “We are often asked by farmers about the data – who gets to see it, where is it shared and so on. Data always belongs to the farmer. The farmer can choose to give permission for the vet or any other holder of data to upload it on their behalf.

At all times, the farmer remains in complete control of who can and cannot see their data. Medicine Hub will only publish anonymised data.”

Integrating beef production into arable rotations

The high costs and increasing competition for land means that starting or expanding beef enterprises can be challenging. One option being explored by some beef producers is to graze cattle on arable units, either by renting land or by paying arable farmers to keep cattle. Dr Lizzie Sagoo, ADAS Soil Scientist and project lead, explains why this makes good businesses sense.

The AHDB funded sustainable beef systems in arable units project was set up to look at the benefits of integrating beef into arable rotations. Measurements were carried out at two farm sites, one in Cambridgeshire (Thriplow Farm) and the other in Somerset (Norwood Farm).

Improving soil health

Continuous arable cropping with annual cultivations and little or no inputs of organic materials have led to reductions in soil organic matter content. Temporary leys have the potential to increase soil organic matter levels by stopping annual cultivation and increasing the return of organic matter in the form of root and litter turnover.

Measurements at Norwood Farm showed a significant improvement in soil properties after three years of grass and clover, and multispecies leys. Topsoil soil organic matter increased by an average of 0.3 percentage points (from 7.8% in 2017 to 8.1% in 2020), equivalent to an increase of 6 t/ha organic matter in the top 15 cm of soil. Earthworm numbers increased by 60% from 158 to 253 worms/m2, and total earthworm biomass increased threefold from 46 to 137 g/m2.

These improvements to soil properties can be expected to benefit following arable crops in the rotation. Organic matter holds approximately 10 times its weight in water; therefore the 6 t/ ha increase in organic matter content measured at Norwood can be expected to increase water holding capacity by approximately 60,000 litres per hectare in the top 15 cm, equivalent to 6 mm of rainfall. Spring barley yields were increased by 0.7 t/ha

following the three-year grass and clover ley at Norwood Farm compared to continuous arable production.

Understanding the economics

This project has shown that there is potential for the arable farmer to make a positive margin from cattle grazing a ley in an arable rotation. A cost benefit analysis of integrating beef into arable systems at both Thriplow and Norwood Farms, showed a positive net margin of around £250/ha (before rent and finance). AHDB Farmbench results showed that whilst these margins cannot match the returns from a winter wheat crop, they are as good as if not better than some of the other common combinable

crops, especially a traditional break crop of winter beans. Furthermore, margins can be improved by entering the land into a subsidy or stewardship agreement, and by accounting for the increased yields from the following arable crop

The AHDB Market Intelligence team have created a simple Excel based tool to help farmers calculate potential costs and margins of integrating beef into arable rotations available online https://bit.ly/ ForCalc

The calculator is populated by utilising dropdown lists which provide a ‘mix and match’ of different infrastructure set-ups, ley establishments and cattle rearing systems.

Much less residual feed due Automatic feeding

Because it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get good employees in the agricultural sector the Deiman family has completely shifted to automation. In addition to the dairy cows, the family has an arable branch with approximately 100 hectares. They do almost all the work themselves so they would like to get the work done with limited labor.

To feed the cows they have chosen for the Triomatic automated feed system. It saves a lot of time, according to Jan Hendrik Deiman: “We fill the bunkers every day and that is the only work actually. The feeding robot feeds 34 times a day and sweeps the feed every hour. The Triomatic feeding robot mixes while it drives to the cows so that it can start dispensing immediately after it has been filled. That is pure time savings.”

Little work

”We have opted for the Trioliet bunker system (T30) in which the feed is thrown in loose. In fact, it is a simple system where the feed is loosely placed in it. We have 5 bunkers for the feed. There is a bottom

chain and two rollers. We have little work with it. And we noticed that we have much less residual feed. This means that all the feed provided is eaten by the cows..

Although they have built a new barn, the robot also feeds into the old barn. “The

new barn has a narrow feed alley of about 3 meters, which the robot can easily cross. But also in the existing barn where the feeding paths are 4.5 meters wide, the robot can feed on both sides because it can drive under the conductor rail at an angle.”

AHDB Beef & Lamb’s Five-Year Sector Plan

In May, levy payers were asked to feed into the work delivered by AHDB through the Shape the Future vote.

As a result, AHDB will considerably change what it does for the Beef sector. The details were revealed at the launch of its five-year Sector plan on 10 November.

Colin Bateman, Sector Chair, said: “The most striking feature of this plan is that all work will be expected to protect or promote the reputation of the sector, either directly or indirectly.”

There will be three core areas of work that will collaborate with each other to do this and will support the overarching reputation aims:

• Marketing

• Exports

• Insight and evidence

Marketing

“Levy payers can only support the reputation of the industry if they have good opportunities to sell the beef that they produce at profitable prices,” said Colin.

“The domestic market is incredibly valuable. Many foods are competing for shoppers’

spend, and not just other meats. A positive consumer attitude towards beef is vital to sustain long-term demand.”

The aim of this work is to protect longterm demand by championing beef as an excellent choice for consumers.

AHDB will:

• Continue the We Eat Balanced campaign, joining forces with other sectors to reduce costs and give greater impact to our work with consumers

• Deliver other highly visible targeted marketing campaigns across national TV, online, social and press

• Showcase our world-class farming standards to consumers, including animal health and welfare and environmental credentials

• Work with retailers to improve the shopping experience in the meat aisle

Exports

“The more beef we can sell around the world, the better chance we have of getting the best value for the whole carcase and so support farmgate prices” added Colin.

“The aim is to increase market access and drive exports to underpin prices.”

AHDB will:

• Continue to open new markets by collaborating with government and industry to realise new sales opportunities, including approval for beef to China and South Korea

• Champion red meat at international trade shows in target markets such as North America, the EU, Asia and the Middle East

• Host foreign buyers and governments seeking to approve and facilitate increases in access and trade

• Work with exporters to enable them to visit target markets and increase trade

• Support exports of beef in established markets by working closely with exporters

Insight and evidence

“It is only possible to protect and promote the reputation of beef if AHDB can provide evidence of excellent on farm practices demonstrated across our industry” Colin explained.

“However, farmers can only employ the best techniques if they are aware of them, and they are profitable enough to adopt. AHDB provides independent insight and evidence to support farmers and, in turn, the reputation of the industry.”

The aim of this work is to enable levy payers to improve their on-farm practices and gather data to support the reputation of beef. The insight work underpins AHDB’s marketing work to enable delivery of focused campaigns to give value back to levy payers.

AHDB will work in the following areas:

Animal health and welfare

• Collect data to underpin the reputation of beef. For example, the use of antibiotics in the sector via AHDB’s Medicine Hub

• Work with others to prevent or minimise the effect of any diseases, such as BVD and TB, which can affect the physical and economic performance of the herd, and the reputation of the sector

• Work with Defra to develop the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway

Environment

• Build on our existing knowledge and use it to help levy payers navigate changes to environmental policy

• Provide the best practical advice on techniques that will boost profits and minimise environmental impact

• Develop a roadmap to work with industry to develop and document shared objectives to benchmark the impact of beef production on the environment, and provide proof of continuous improvement

• Work with the industry to develop standard approaches and metrics where they are most needed

• Commission an independent review of the role genetics can play in reaching net zero, and consider how this can be optimised and funded

Market intelligence

• Supply price information

• Analyse cost of production and farm margins, including international comparisons

• Follow consumption trends that could impact on demand levels and standards of production

• Monitor emerging longer-term market signals that will impact on profits and the ability to compete at home or overseas

• Provide 24/7 access to all this information and other practical resources on an improved website

Reputation

The aim of this work is to protect and promote the reputation of beef to consumers.

AHDB will:

• Educate consumers of the future by working with the British Nutrition Foundation, supporting Open Farm Sundays, providing teaching materials for schools, and supporting Healthy Eating Week

• Promote the image of red meat in the media by stressing the benefits of eating beef and challenging misinformation

• Bring the industry together to tackle reputational issues, identifying the most effective messages to promote the industry while encouraging others to share them widely

• Provide expert spokespeople, case studies and the facts for the press and media

• Actively seek opportunities to promote the positive work of the industry and its benefits for wider society

• Respond to government consultations and address Select Committees using evidence to positively inform government policy decisions

• Inform policy development to ensure beef and lamb remain a key part of the Government’s Eatwell Guide

• Remain alert to emerging reputational issues and policy direction

Work reducing or stopping following the vote

AHDB’s Beef & Lamb Sector Council has acted on clear messages from levy payers to amplify their work on marketing, exports and reputation. Delivering this work, combined with a reduction in total income, means that hard choices have to be made and some work must be reduced or stopped.

There were lower scores in areas such as environment and animal welfare. While much of this is vital to underpin the reputation of red meat, AHDB will not duplicate what others are already providing. Other areas, such as transition from BPS and people in agriculture, will also be pared back. The council has asked AHDB to collaborate with government, industry, and others to consider alternative funding routes.

Guest Vet

Prof. Jonathan M E Statham

MA VetMB DCHP FRCVS

Beef Farmers to access new funds through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway

Beef Expo Darlington was a great event this summer. Getting together face-to-face to celebrate our industry was particularly sweet after the trials of the Coronavirus pandemic at (hopefully) its worst. It was a pleasure to support the event and industry as Bishopton Veterinary Group and RAFT Solutions exhibited there (as a local venue) and to meet with so many people-old friends and new- both on and off our stand. The event made me think about many things-but a couple in particular:

1. Food security and sustainable production of food from livestock are absolutely critical and so we need to continue to educate and engage

2. Infectious disease can wreak havoc whether you are human, bovine or avian.

Covid-19 started that train of thought and the current avian influenza outbreak continued it, but what about the threats for the beef industry? ‘Net zero’ pressures for beef are very real. How do we manage a transition to an industry where consumers expect that beef production will involve associated greenhouse gas emissions to be balanced by sequestration on a farm business? The message is surely that beef farming is part of the solution not the problem-as we value food and the benefits to soil, rotational cropping and arable production that flow from grazing ruminants and reducing requirements for fertiliser and chemicals.

A huge opportunity to achieve a balance between food security, the environment, human health/wellbeing and animal health

& welfare starts with good health & fertility; as we reduce the waste of disease and poor reproduction to produce highly nutritious food sustainably. The threat of major exotic disease is a good reason to manage border trade biosecurity with great care and we should also look to major endemic diseases of cattle, such as BVD, Johnes disease, IBR, salmonella, neospora etc.

An effective partnership between farmers and vets is essential to deliver good herd health programmes.

(kg of CO2 equivalents/kg beef) by around 14% and save upto £552 per cow per year, with a mean impact of £46.50.

Agricultural transition

Farming is experiencing the most rapid period of change in 50 years. To remain profitable in these challenging times, farm businesses are looking how to adapt. In England, policy changes - removal of Direct Payments and phasing in of new policies under the Agricultural Transition Plan – will see public money used to deliver ‘public goods’. The repositioned funding aims to benefit animal health and welfare, farm productivity, food security, public health, UK trade and the environment.

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) supports:

• Sustainable food production founded on high welfare

• Disease prevention

• Antimicrobial resistance

• Reduced GHG emissions

Animal Health & Welfare Pathway

This is a cost-effective approach that will also support the drive for sustainable food from our cattle. For example, it is estimated that BVD costs around £61m per year in England alone. Eradicating BVD from a beef herd, using removal of persistently infected animals and vaccination, will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity

The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway forms part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and is a long-term, government-industry partnership across cattle (beef and dairy), sheep, pig and poultry (layer and broiler) sectors to support continual improvement in health and welfare standards. The first of four steps is providing farmers in England with a fully funded veterinary led team visit.

Active herd health involves ‘doing’ (not just writing a static plan) that will include measurement of performance, proactive vaccination programmes and therefore reduction of the need for antibiotics.

The annual health and welfare review

From Autumn 2022, farmers have begun to access this fully funded, annual farm visit, from their own vet and this opens up to wide participation in January 2023. The programme is initially funded for up to three years. Initially available for cattle, sheep and pig farmers eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and who have more than 10 cattle, 20 sheep or 50 pigs. Industry agreed payment rates, per review, include testing for priority diseases-ie BVD in cattle.

STEP 4 STEP

Capital grants

From early 2023, farmers can apply for grants to co-fund capital investments that support key health and welfare priorities. Farmers will be able to agree with their vet the most appropriate investments for their farm and animals.

• Small grants – selected from a list of equipment and technology items

• Larger grants – for new housing, building upgrades and pasture improvements

Disease eradication control programmes

From 2023, a financial support package will be available for farmers to prevent and reduce priority diseases.

Payment-by-results

Payment-by-results will reward farmers who demonstrate high health and welfare outcomes in herds and flocks. Trials likely in 2023, with national roll out in 2025.

This is a programme which will develop from these early steps and offers support for beef farmers working with their vets to adapt to this changing landscape.

Further details available at: Animal Health and Welfare Pathway - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

75th British Cattle Breeding Conference designed to create discussion, debate and vision

British farmers are constantly being advised to scrutinise what they do and adapt according to market demands, but is this happening when it comes to cattle breeding?

The 75th British Cattle Breeding conference will be held at Telford Hotel and Golf Resort, Shropshire, from Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th January, and will bring together experience and science from across the industry in the UK and beyond to create discussion, debate, vision and, as always, to guide the way in putting science into practice on British cattle farms.

With increasing pressures on farmers the opening session will question is it time for change? Keynote speakers will share their insight into the latest challenges and opportunities.

Opening the Beef Day presentations Lucianne Allen, Sales and Marketing Director for Aubrey Allen, will explore how the industry is faring in the war against meat. Never one to shy away from a difficult conversation Lucianne, a former criminal barrister, will discuss the consequences of the beef industry losing and how working together could make a difference. She has been Sales Director for the national catering butcher for the past 15 years and in the past four years has won three accolades in the Women in Meat Business Awards.

John Giles from Promar International will share insight from the soft fruit industry and how lessons learned in the past 10 to 15 years could benefit livestock farmers. In his role as Divisional Director for Agri-Food, John has completed projects in the UK and some 60 countries across the world and has extensive experience in the beef, dairy, pork, poultry and horticultural sectors. Consumer developments in the UK market and export opportunities in postBrexit post-Covid Britain will also be on the agenda.

Sustainable breeding is about more than net zero – profitability, welfare and consumer perception all need to be considered too. Our expert speakers will discuss the importance of avoiding carbon tunnel vision in our second conference session.

The role of genetics in producing a resilient, forage efficient beef animal is the focus of Arron Nerbas’s presentation. Arron

runs an intergenerational ranch business, Nerbas Bros Angus, in Manitoba, Canada. The forage only operation has 550 cows and has been applying regenerative principles for nearly 20 years. As well as discussing their genetic process, Arron will share how their regenerative approach has benefited the land, soil, ecosystem and economic business model.

Prof Geoff Simm, Director of the Global Academy of Agriculture & Food Systems at the University of Edinburgh, will address the question: Where does beef fit into feeding the world? He will explore changes to production systems and technical opportunities that may help producers address growing pressures that challenge traditional approaches.

Arron Nerbas.

In the final presentation of the beef session, Terence Pye will bring a farmer’s perspective. He will share how his breeding programme resulted in dramatic improvements in calving ease and directly enhanced herd performance, profitability, sustainability and welfare of animals in his suckler herd. Together with his wife and daughter, Terence runs a herd of 70 pedigree Salers cows plus followers on their 95ha farm in North Yorkshire. Under their Rigel prefix they sell breeding stock, with customers across the UK and Europe, and have exported semen to Canada.

Producing functional cattle which perform well and thrive in our farming systems is the focus of the third conference session at this year’s BCBC conference.

Improved herd health for increased fertility was the priority for a pilot project by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC). Its Red Meat Development Programme supports beef farmers to work closely with vets on proactive animal health planning. This presentation will give a vet’s view on the work carried out and the take away learnings that can benefit others in the sector.

Eric Fontanillas, of IngenomiX in France, will explain how the company evaluated the calving-first heat interval (CFHI) in Limousin cattle. The company used accelerometer collars to detect first heat in Limousin females in research on 35 farms over four years. The evaluated heritability, together with the great variability of the phenotype, allowed IngenomiX to set up a genomic selection programme for CFHI on the Limousin breed.

Results from a KTIF project ‘Feeding for fertility in the suckler herd’ will be presented by Dr Lorna MacPherson. Lorna is Senior Dairy Consultant with SAC Consulting based in Aberdeen. She will outline how the project in eastern Scotland monitored the nutritional status of cows over the spring calving period in 2020.

How can hybrid vigour benefit the beef supply chain? Our expert speakers will explore the issues in the fourth session of the BCBC 2023 Conference.

Benefits and insights of an integrated beef supply chain is the topic of Richard Phelps’s presentation opening the session. Richard is Group Agriculture Director for ABP UK and Managing Director of Blade Farming, and will outline how collaboration – particularly on genetics – can help overcome challenges and maximise opportunities currently faced by the sector.

Carmarthenshire beef farmer Aled Evans will share the story of how he and brother Iwan devised a dairy calf rearing system and beef finishing enterprise which had lifestyle and legacy targets first and foremost. Since starting the business seven years ago, they have become one of the UK’s flagship grazing units expanding from 180 calves in 2015 to 650 in 2021, and were named Farmers Weekly Beef Farmer in the same year.

James Evans, Director of Farming at Grassroots Farming, will discuss how the business was established by three farmers who spotted an opportunity to supply beef from regenerative farms to a national burger chain. The business suffered some Covid-related setbacks but has now entered an agreement to provide all 45 ‘Honest Burger’ restaurants with certified regenerative beef by 2024.

A panel of leading farmers will discuss the hot topics for British cattle breeders in the final sessions of the beef day at the BCBC 2023 conference.

Three successful beef farmers will be getting to grips with the most pressing topics for the sector in our panel discussion which will conclude the conference’s Beef Day.

Bridget Borlase runs a butchery business alongside a small herd of pedigree Simmental suckler cows in Hertfordshire. Her success with ‘Bridget B’s Butchery’ saw her named Women in Meat’s Craft Butcher of the Year in 2021.

Paul Williams was Farmers Weekly Beef Farmer of the Year in 2017. He runs a suckler and dairy beef system in Snowdonia National Park. The business rears calves from 14 days old through to 20 months with an emphasis on genetics and use of technology. Completing the beef panel is John Scott from the Scottish Highlands. John’s family business produces beef and lamb from 250 Beef Shorthorn and Luing cows and 3000 ewes, alongside an arable unit producing spring barley and wheat for milling as well as biomass and wind energy projects.

For a limited time take advantage of the early bird and group booking discounts.

The full programme and registration details are now available on our website www.cattlebreeders.org.uk or contact Heidi at heidi. bradbury@cattlebreeders.org.uk for further information.

In our 75th year, we have endeavoured to create a programme that highlights the importance of breeding and genetics in creating a sustainable British cattle industry across all sectors commercial and pedigree alike.

Terence Pye.

Aled Evans.

Farmers say policy uncertainty holding back investment in growth-boosting technology

As the Government mulls changes to agricultural funding and regulation to increase economic growth, the Social Market Foundation says that ‘precision farming’ tools, such as electronic ID tags, smart weighing systems, monitoring collars and farm management apps, could help close the agricultural productivity gap between the UK and countries like The Netherlands, Australia, and the US. (See notes)

Agricultural productivity is a focus for the Government’s Growth Plan, with ministers promising imminent action to make British farmers more efficient.

Yet in a research report based on interviews with farmers across the UK, the SMF found that many are holding off on spending money to modernise their operations due to uncertainty over new post-Brexit funding streams.

With Secretary of State Ranil Jayawardena proclaiming his Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs “an economic growth department” at the Conservative party conference earlier this month, the SMF urged the Government to reorient farming subsidies towards investment in precision technologies. At present, only 9% of government grants in England are earmarked for productivityenhancing activities.

Farmers told the SMF that recent government policy announcements are complicated and confusing to navigate. This unpredictability is making it hard to plan ahead and make investments.

The think-tank found that the future of government funding is the “single biggest issue in agricultural policy” and the “single most important factor in shaping the future of technological adoption”.

Academic evidence highlighted by the SMF report suggests that precision technologies can bring considerable benefits to farming productivity, as well as improvements in animal welfare and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

While farmers say they “want more technology and want to change” – and recognise the benefits of new technologies – they feel “stuck in a limbo” as policy uncertainty is a major barrier to widespread adoption of technology.

Other SMF recommendations include:

• Raising awareness of cutting-edge methods among farmers: the new What Works Centre for agriculture must be established with government support within the next 12 months.

• Improving farmers’ access to key data held by slaughterhouses and retailers

• Requiring electronic IDs for cattle, a move that has improved the use of technology in other countries

• Making farming more attractive as a career to younger people, including reviewing generosity and eligibility criteria of young farmer payments

This report was sponsored by MSD Animal Health UK. The SMF retains complete editorial independence.

Aveek Bhattacharya, SMF Chief Economist and co-author of the report said:

“Brexit offers the opportunity to fundamentally change the subsidy system and address British farming’s longstanding productivity challenges. Yet that opportunity is being squandered and uncertainty over the future of agricultural funding risks making things worse by undermining farmers’ confidence and ability to invest.

“When it comes to adoption of new, cutting-edge technologies – key to enhancing productivity – farmers are more than willing but the Government needs to meet them halfway with a better-designed subsidy system.

“Better use of technology in farming could help the Government achieve its objective of boosting economic growth, but only if farm subsidies are well-targeted and offer

strong incentives to invest in tools that improve farm efficiency.”

Ian Anderson, Allflex Managing Director, MSD Animal Health UK, said:

“Health monitoring applications help farmers to predict health and welfare issues and spot problems in their animals early on. Working with their veterinary professional, this allows timely decisions to be made regarding possible treatment, with the aim of reducing the deterioration of the animal’s health, reducing antibiotic use and managing negative impacts on production.

“And when it comes to breeding, beef and dairy farmers are using the technology to optimise conception rates while being more efficient with labour, time and other input costs.

“Every farmer deserves to have the advantages that such advances in modern agriculture are bringing.”

Sam Gayton, Business Unit Director –Ruminants, MSD Animal Health UK, said:

“We welcome the report published today by the Social Market Foundation. Supporting the productivity and efficiency of UK livestock farming by engaging our highly skilled, hardworking farming community is a priority for MSD Animal Health UK and we are committed to ongoing partnership with the industry as a whole, with policy makers and with individual farmers and their veterinary professionals.

“Success in this area is critical to our future food security and is a central factor in the international competitiveness and future trade success of UK agriculture. Using the right technology, UK livestock farming will continue its progress in sustainable farming practices, efficiency and productivity, while achieving the highest animal welfare standards. We believe these are priorities for food consumers, industry and government alike.”

Future funding certainty is critical to British livestock farmers as they consider increased investment in technologies that have the potential to cut food costs, improve productivity and boost growth, a think tank warns today.

REGIONAL COUNCIL CONTACTS

NORTHERN

William Walton - Chairman

Northumberland, NE47 Email: fay.penpeugh@hotmail.com

SOUTH WEST

Robert Venner - Chairman

Email: robert.venner@gth.net

Phoebe Hart - Secretary Tel: 07309 666895 Email: phoebe.hart@ molevalleyfarmers.com

WALES

Contact Head Office Tel: 01434 601005

NORTHERN IRELAND

Stephen Heenan - Chairman County Down, BT30 8RT Tel: 07889 159496

Email: stephenheenan63@yahoo.co.uk

SCOTLAND

Paul Ross - Chairman

Email: paul@lenahowe.co.uk

Neil Wilson - Vice Chairman Email: neil@sabadvisory.co.uk Tel: 07734812704

NBA Regional Round-ups

South West

The South West committee held it’s annual Farm Walk this year on 1st September at Snowden Hill Farm, Chard, courtesy of Martin, Rose, Tom and Adam Burrough. Members were shown around the numerous sheds of cattle and given ample opportunity to discuss rations, the handling system and trade with Martin. Martin then took us to his adjoining digester set up and further discussion took place on rations, repairs and tariffs. What was apparent that both businesses revolved around feeding a “gut”. Subsequently members were then treated to home made pasties and rocky road cake, with a welcome cup of tea or coffee in Rose’s farm shop. Thanks go to the Burrough Family for their very generous hospitality and for making members so welcome and making the walk most interesting.

Plans are under way for next year’s Farm Walk and if anyone would like to join us, if a non member, they merely need to join the NBA, which can be done at the national office and we look forward to seeing them in due course.

Thanks must also go to Pheobe Hart and Rosemary Risdon for being our Secretary and Honorary Treasurer again this year. It was a shame that Bill Harper’s Grazewell event wasn’t able to come to fruition but hopefully it might another year.

Personally I am really pleased the new AHDB Beef and Lamb Sector Council strategy is focused around protecting the reputation of our product. We as producers

are under pressure from the media with respect to the health perceptions of red meat and the welfare and carbon footprint of our stock. The new strategy is focused on exports and domestic marketing and developing the evidence to support our product’s reputation to encourage those two work streams.

The new strategy has moved away from the former one of advising producers of how to produce more for less by achieving efficiencies, to one of promoting our product home and abroad to sell it to best advantage.

The technical work behind that will be focused on developing the evidence to protect our reputation to enable that promotion.

I have enjoyed my two terms on the B&L Sector Council representing the LAA and hopefully once my second term concludes next Spring, another LAA member will come forward to continue the work and support Colin Bateman, who has proved to be a very worthy Sector chair.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Neil Shand for his efforts through the last year. He’s doing a sterling job and I look forward to working with him through 2023.

Best wishes to all South West members for the remainder of 2022 and all the best for 2023.

Rob Venner

Northern Ireland

With most cattle housed inside for winter, our weather has been reasonably mild although temperatures down to 3 degrees over the past few days. We would prefer experiencing winter conditions in winter than at turn out in springtime when grass should be growing.

Beef factories are raising concerns as a major shortage of finished cattle is being predicted for the early part of next year.

Prime kill is running 8% above the same period last year and weekly slaughter numbers hitting record lows with forecasts showing fewer cattle on farms.

With higher prices for concentrates, less meal will be fed and subsequent longer times to finish beef animals.

TB is still a huge struggle and the UFU, in conjunction with DEARA’s independent advisory body, TB Eradication Partnership, have held a series of autumn roadshows allowing our farmers an opportunity to engage with the above bodies, in an attempt to eradicate the disease, which has caused mental and financial devastation for many of our farming families.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a more prosperous New Year.

Advantage Feeders 3-Way Restriction System gives you the most control over the intake of your cattle.

When set in the restricted position, cattle use the saliva on their tongue to access the supplement out of the feed area.

After 5-10 minutes of licking, their tongue becomes dry, and they can no longer access the feed. So they graze for a period before returning.

Advantage Feeders can restrict supplements from 2kg/day10kg/day. It is this restriction capability, paired with regular pasture or silage intake, that supports rapid growth rates.

5500HD

NBA Level 3 winner Laura Kennedy (Larne), a graduate from the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture course. Also in the photograph is CAFRE Lecturer John Hamilton and Northern Ireland Chairman Stephen Heenan.

Parasite Watch

Sioned Timothy Technical Services Manager, Boehringer

Ingelheim Animal Health

Worming cattle at housing removes damaging parasites acquired over the grazing season and can protect productivity over winter.

The priority should be to assess and treat youngstock. Young animals haven’t developed sufficient immunity to gutworms and are more likely to be negatively impacted by the resulting slower growth rates and longer finishing times. Heifer fertility can also be impaired.

Follow Boehringer Ingelheim’s Assess - Test - Treat approach to managing worms at housing:

1. Assess the risk to youngstock over the grazing season. Take account of the worm challenge that youngstock face, and any worming treatments given at grass, alongside any farmspecific conditions including grazing management practices.

2. Measure growth rates over the season (faecal egg count tests are unreliable at this time of year). If youngstock have failed to meet expected daily liveweight gain targets with adequate nutrition, a worm burden is the likely cause.

3. Use the most appropriate wormer treatment at housing alongside good application technique to help ensure the product is as effective as possible and you are not contributing to the rise in wormer resistance. Apply wormers correctly; calibrate and test application equipment before use and weigh each animal for accurate dosing.

Talk to your vet or animal health adviser to help you assess the worm challenge risk in your stock, and implement an appropriate wormer protocol this winter.

For more information, visit beattheparasites. com or check out the Beat the Parasites Hub at FGinsight.com/beattheparasites

An educational service from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health UK Ltd (“BI”). Further information available from BI, RG12 8YS, UK. The Steerhead® logo is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France SCS, used under licence.

24 The National Beef Association Magazine | WINTER 2022

STRONG BRITISH LIVESTOCK PRESENCE AT EUROTIER 2022

November 15-18, Hannover, Germany

The British Livestock stand at the world’s leading indoor agricultural expo, EuroTier, garnered an extremely encouraging level of interest and positive support from the UK breeding sector at the biennial Hannover, Germany event.

Despite the ongoing absence of a Border Control Post (BCP) required for export of live animals since Brexit, exhibitors were able to take enquiries for semen and embryos as well as forge relationships with current and potential customers and suppliers. After a gap of four years, EuroTier returned with over 1,800 exhibitors from 57 countries; more than 106,000 visitors from 141 counties toured the 14 halls over the four days.

The UK stand was busy throughout and benefited from the presence of the following organisations: Hereford Cattle Society, UK Sire Services, Ballintur Lleyns, Farmgene, British Wagyu, Wyndford Wagyu, British Limousin Cattle Society, National Beef Association, Suffolk Sheep Society, Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society, Scawfell Genetics, British Pig Association, UKTAG and UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) with additional funding provided by AHDB.

Stand Managers were Richard Saunders on behalf of the British Livestock Genetics Consortium and vet Rob Grinnall representing UKECP. Commenting, Rob Grinnall said: “Interest in British Livestock either through semen or live animals remains high at EuroTier, and it is frustrating that the importers are thwarted by the lack of a sea-based BCP; especially when one sees the huge demand for sheep genetics via embryos which has begun in the USA following the recent agreement of their EHC. Nevertheless, Eurotier is an amazing exhibition at which to be present and to represent the British Industry.”

Isle Veterinary Group Run for Yellow Wellies

Isle Veterinary Group – part of IVC Evidensia - is a veterinary practice based in Ely, Cambridgeshire. The race team, from their Farm and Equine branch, was made up of large animal vets and support staff: Abby Cowlan, David Scott, Dorottya Nagy, Kerri Mesher, Laura Stephen, Sally Stoddart, Veronica Kirkpatrick; with previous running experience across the group ranging from none to ultramarathons. Some members of the team whizzed round, others struck a more leisurely pace, but all seven were delighted to complete without stopping, and enjoyed the fabulous atmosphere and surroundings. They wore yellow to show support for their chosen charity, the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies).

Clinical Director Laura Stephen said ‘We chose to support this charity as its values are close to our hearts. The Farm Safety Foundation run two major annual campaigns – Farm Safety Week (17-21st July 2023) and Mind Your Head (13-17th February 2023).

Serious farm accidents are all too prevalent – farming has the poorest safety record of any industry in the UK. Fatal and serious injuries have affected the lives of many of us. Farm Safety Week may be one week of the year but it is a week when the whole agricultural industry works together to remind everyone living and working in farming how important it is to work safely and to think about “Who Would Fill Your Boots” if they were to have a life-limiting, life-changing or life-ending injury at work. Within the agricultural industry, hours are long, weather is unpredictable and many people work alone, often under significant financial pressure. Coupled with the pace of modern-day society, this can lead to poor mental health. Their other main campaign, Mind Your Head was launched in 2018 to draw attention to serious concerns facing the industry but nobody could have foreseen the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain shortages, pork crisis and, now, issues with the egg and poultry sector. Their 7th Mind Your Head campaign in February

comes at a time when there is a collective acknowledgement that levels of mental health in the sector are deteriorating.

Through these campaigns and their education programme - which has seen over 20,000 young farmers receiving farm safety training at land-based colleges and universities across the UK and through the YFC network - this small but mighty charity is driving an improvement in the attitudes and behaviours of the next generation of farmers and we are proud to support that.

Their online resources include ‘Staying Safe on the Farm – a guide for young people’, ‘Staying Safe on the Farm – a guide for parents’ and ‘The Little Book of Minding Your Head’, all of which can be accessed in the resources section of their website www.yellowwellies.org

Isle Veterinary Group are extremely grateful to all those who sponsored their run and helped to raise over £1,500 for the charity to date. If you would like to contribute, please visit their JustGiving page www.justgiving/islevetgroup - all the money donated goes directly to the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), and every penny helps the charity to continue this good work.

On Sunday 13th November 2022, seven members of Isle Veterinary Group – Farm and Equine donned their trainers to run in the 10km race around Sandringham, Norfolk in support of the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies).

CRAFTED FOR SUCCESS

Are you marketing cattle to best advantage?

Livestock markets underpin the price structure within the beef industry.

While a fixed price per kg guarantee through the direct supply chain has been seen by many as the ‘safe’ route to market for the UK beef industry, producers are being warned that they may be missing out on establishing the full value of their stock.

Beef farmers are being reminded that there is no substitution for the competition and transparency of the live sales ring, with exceptional trade witnessed at livestock markets across England and Wales in the last year.

Top-end quality butchers cattle have commanded a premium throughout 2022, with a stable liveweight trade for all prime cattle through the year. If producers and finishers are not meeting these prices through direct supply chains, then the question is, ‘are you marketing your stock in the right place?’

Selling quality has definitely come to the fore, particularly with summer and early autumn prices reaching figures previously unheard of during normal sale fixtures.

“Best butchers animals have certainly been selling at a premium, with buyers looking to secure stock as numbers remain tight,” explains Mark Burgoyne, cattle auctioneer at Bridgnorth Livestock Market. “We have been seeing upwards of 340p/kg at ordinary markets, prices we would previously only ever have seen at Christmas markets.”

According to Mr Burgoyne, this helps keep the average price up, and underpins the price structure within the whole industry. The liveweight ring is unique in that it is the only stage in the supply chain that wants to maximise the value of the stock for the farmer.

He adds, “The market has been resilient throughout, and the fundamentals of the competitive sales environment has supported that.”

Live markets do not want prices to drop and will do all they can to stop the processing and retailing industries from dictating prices.

“The livestock market allows you to sell all your stock and get a sensible price, with no deductions for overweight, underweight or overage animals,” says Mr Burgoyne.

“The regimentation and scaling of the system through the direct supply chain has become too one dimensional, with the grid

Scott Ferrie.

Mark Bugoyne.

system churning

into producing 300-400 kg animals. There is nothing wrong with the actual product, just because it is out of that spec.”

Scott Ferrie, head of prime stock sales at Darlington Auction Mart, agrees, stating, “The live ring does not discriminate, while deadweight sets multiple demands. There are no age or weight caps through the live ring. Crucially, those buying the fat cattle are buying the animal they see in front of them.

Both Mr Ferrie and Mr Burgoyne believe the auctioneer plays a crucial role in providing a more hands-on role supporting the farmer and providing advice at the coalface, matching the right stock to the right buyers from around the ring.

Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) comments, “The average livestock farm, as a small business, has little negotiating strength when entering into complicated private contract talks with powerful buyers. “This exposes them to increased risk and leaves them susceptible to arrangements that will potentially significantly undervalue their animals.

He adds,” The whole tenet of the live sales system is geared towards providing an open and transparent platform, in which neither

buyer nor seller can unfairly influence the price.

“The auctioneer operates as an independent entity, working for both parties to ensure a fair price is achieved, based on current demand.”

It is this system that underpins that whole beef price structure, and could be the difference between producers establishing the full value of their stock or not.

to showcase breed genetics Societies work in partnership

Joint herd visits were held at Allison Devereux Farms, Co Durham in August and at Ty’n Hendre Farm, Bangor in September. Both herds consisted of Salers suckler cows, largely served by Charolais bulls producing the much sought after ‘golden calf’. Salers were selected for their exceptional maternal qualities of fertility, milking ability and calving ease, and the Charolais was preferred as the terminal sire, for there unrivalled growth rates, versatility and carcass attributes.

Siân Sharp, Breed Secretary of the Salers Cattle Society of the UK explained, “we were delighted to work in partnership with the British Charolais Cattle Society. The Salers inherent fertility, predictable calving ease and large pelvic structure means the breed really does suit any terminal sire and the Charolais is a very popular cross, particularly for the store market”. She added, “in these uncertain times, we wanted to demonstrate that farmers could modify their current systems, and get more live calves with less intervention, as well as achieve fast growing cattle that meet market requirements, enabling them to see a sustainable return on their investment”.

Allen Drysdale Chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society explained, “this has been a ground-breaking exercise for two breed society’s to work so closely together to deliver two very successful open days. I felt it has been a huge success and an absolute pleasure to work so closely with a forward thinking and go ahead breed like the Salers. We do not compete directly in the market place and with the ever-escalating costs of holding open days, it makes sense not only financially for both breeds but it also opens up the market to a potential different customer; A commercial famer who would normally use a Charolais as their terminal sire can see the huge advantages of using a Salers as their foundation cow, they are what I believe as the ultimate suckler cow and they do what they say on the tin. On the other hand, a commercial farmer who would normally use a Salers as their maternal cow, were able to see

In 2022 the British Charolais Cattle Society and the Salers Cattle Society of the UK, in addition to their core business activities, embarked on a partnership project to showcase the two breeds and demonstrate how their genetics complement each other, to produce a profit within any livestock management system.

the huge financial and environmental benefits of using a Charolais as the ultimate terminal sire to complement their very versatile and hardworking Salers cow to produce the “golden calf” which will be easily born, quick to its feet to suckle, have exceptional growth rates and a carcase to meet any requirement and most importantly leave the best return on investment.”

At Allison Devereux Farms, Co. Durham, the Harperley herd had been closed since 2017, the livestock policy was to calve at two years of age and Paul Allison said,

“Charolais / Salers herds are the only commercial crossing suckler herds to be found in France and there are a lot of reasons for that…. it just worked!”.

49 cows were put to Salers bulls, 56 cows ran with Charolais bulls, and all heifers were bulled to a Salers. Cows ran for a maximum period of twelve weeks and heifers for six weeks.

Rotational grazing had been adopted to help graze later in the autumn than previously and cows to breed replacements were selected on calf birth weight, calving ease, locomotion, temperament, 200 DW (milk), EBVs and cow size. Charolais bulls were selected on direct calving ease, 400DW, EBVs temperament and locomotion. Paul had a strict cull policy of animals with undesirable traits and insisted that creep was not used.

Charolais cross heifers, the bottom 25% of pure Salers heifers along with all the bulls were sold as stores at around 12 months. Most breeding stock were sold off farm, but Paul sold some in-calf 2 ½ year old females with calves at foot, and a couple of the bulls at the Premier Sale, Castle Douglas in November.

The event was complemented by an introduction to both breeds from Terence Pye and guest speakers. 2019 Nuffield Scholar Sarah Pick took guests through her experiences whilst on her scholarship where she was lucky enough to travel to the USA, Canada, and Australia; as well as Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.

No matter which country she visited, it had been clear that the success of calving heifers at two had been determined by genetics, selection, and nutrition. Sarah had no doubt that calving at two years increased

profitability but to be successful breeders needed to ensure they got their breeding policy; selection criteria and management correct. Bess Jowsey LIC Pasture to Profit Consultant explained her principles to effective grazing and pasture management and how these techniques had been applied at Allison Devereux Farms. She believed optimising the growth and utilisation of pasture was key to a long-term resilient farming model in the UK, when combined with quality stock, and financial and people management skills.

She had a keen interest in regenerative approaches and how these could be successfully applied in commercial farming. Rhidian Jones an independent livestock and grassland consultant with RJ Livestock Systems and 5 Agri had spent nine years as a beef and sheep specialist with SAC Consulting, discussed outwintering systems on beef and sheep farms and in particular related his findings back to Low Harperley Farm.

In Wales, the joint visit attracted a massive audience that travelled from as far afield as Aberdeen and they witnessed for themselves the extreme versatility of both breeds.

Arwel Owen, British Charolais Cattle Society, opened the day and John Richards, Hybu Cig Cymru one of the major event sponsors, discussed the current beef market and market requirements. Chris Duller guided participants through grassland management techniques in a beef system and Stefan Totir, Bodrwnsiwn Veterinary Practice, described the block calving system used at Ty’n Hendre and cow fertility.

Farming 280 acres on a tenanted unit meant everything at Ty’n Hendre was carefully scrutinised and had to pay its way, the previous suckler herd of cross cows had struggled to pay its way and had caused too many issues.

amount of creep offered to calves pre-sale to help them adapt when they moved on to a finisher, the family aimed to sell them early, to facilitate the wintering of cows more cheaply. The calves were sold in large groups and stood out for their evenness and uniformity.

Aside from a small amount of creep feed, no other feed was bought in for the herd, with cows wintered on grass silage and free access to rock salt. They all received a mineral drench ahead of calving which helped boost the quality of their colostrum. Alun and his family believed the Salers crossed with the Charolais was a cross that could not be rivalled.

In recent years heifers had been bulled to calve at two years old, with both heifers and first calved cows put to Salers bulls and older cows all served by Charolais bulls. When it came to sourcing Charolais bulls Alun paid close attention to both physical appearance and performance and genomic information, aiming to buy bulls with the ability to produce premium priced calves. Calving started in mid-February and lasted for 12 weeks; the aim was to have most of the herd calved in the first third of the calving period.

The calves, both heifers and steers were well sought after when they were sold as suckled calves each autumn. Repeat buyers tended to seek them out year after year for their quick growth and easy fleshing. They were sold in the first week of October, with a small

Both Societies would like to thank the following sponsors, Robson Animal Health, Vickers and Barrass, Henderson Tractors, Mole Country Stores, Cybi Cyf and the Pritchard family, Ruthin Market, D W Williams Feeds, Welshpool Livestock Services, Emyr Evans, Menai Tractors, Lafan Cymru, St Asaph Livestock Market, Hybu Cig Cymru, Agri Lloyd, Aber Falls Distillery, Mona Tractors, Bodrwnsiwn Vets, Farm Fencing Supplies, W H Evans, Arfon Roberts and Oliver Seeds.

In 2024 the British Charolais Cattle Society and the Salers Cattle Society of the UK will work in partnership again with a visit to a family business based near Banchory, Scotland. The large-scale beef enterprise consists of 420 commercial suckler cows and 30 pedigree Salers, while 550 acres of spring barley is grown for malting and home-use. Further details will be advertised nearer the time.

Salers cows had made suckler farming more enjoyable for the family and these days the herd was largely served by Charolais bulls.

Breed Society

Podehole wins National Beef Shorthorn herd competition

The Podehole herd of Charles and Sally Horrell, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, has been named as the winner of the Beef Shorthorn Society’s inaugural National Herd Competition which was launched as part of the breed’s 200th anniversary celebrations.

Judged by George Somerville, former farm manager at Glenkiln Farms, Dumfries and Galloway and sponsored by Pedigree Sales Online Livestock Auctions, the competition pitted the winners of the regional herd competitions against each other for the first time.

Regional winners from 2021 competitions were assessed by Mr Somerville over the summer with the judge commenting on the exceptional quality he saw in every herd he visited across the UK.

“The depth of breeding evident in all the herds was exceptional and the quality of cows I saw was tremendous and bodes well for the future of the breed in every corner of the country.

“However, the Podehole herd stood out as the most complete and balanced herd of all those I visited and I congratulate the Horrell family on such a great herd of cows. In every herd I visited their were great examples of the breed and many, many cattle I’d be happy to have in a herd,” he added.

Other finalists were Major John Gibb and Catriona Gibb’s Glenisla herd, Scotland, Stuart and Gail Currie’s Beautry herd, Northern England, LEP Farms’ Meonhill herd, Southern England, Brian and Eryth Thomas’ Frenni herd, Wales and Alfie and James Shaw’s Glebefarm herd, Northern Ireland.

The presentation of the award was made at the Society’s development day hosted by Society president Charles Horton at Hannington, Wiltshire.

Attended by more than 60 Society members the event included five workshops focussed on key aspects of breeding and herd management.

From a veterinary perspective, members were able to listen to Bella Maine of Larkmead Vets discuss pelvic measurement in heifers and other essential aspects of herd fertility, while Jim Barber demonstrated ultra sound scanning in relation to performance recording and the benefits it brings.

Breed Societies,

Email your copy and any images to julie@nationalbeefassociation.com

Meanwhile, Mike Deakins gave an explanation of cow classification, enabling members to better understand the usefulness it can lend to management and breeding decisions.

Daniel Slade of Thame Market was also on hand to offer members guidance on cattle selection for slaughter and hitting the right specification, while Harbro’s Michael Richardson talked through feeding and nutrition to maximise growth and development in cattle of all ages.

Beef Shorthorn Society operations manager Clive Brown said the event, one of several organised by the Society this year, had been a huge success with members coming from far and wide to add to their knowledge base.

“These events have been a huge success and enabled members to come together and both learn and socialise with like-minded people from across the country. As ever the camaraderie and shared belief in the breed has shone through and that is sure to stand the breed in good stead going forward.”

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Longhorn AGM weekend

The Longhorn Cattle Society had it’s AGM weekend in Devon and Somerset in October, visiting Fowlescombe Farm on Saturday and then Westcott Farm on Sunday. The Society’s thanks go to both hosts; having a large group of members come and scrutinise your business is not for the faint hearted, but the knowledge exchange was definitely two-way. Both farms are early in their Longhorn journeys and members were impressed with the vision and aspirations both farms have for the management of their cattle, their land and their landscapes.

Annual awards

The AGM is the time when the annual awards are presented, and members’ support of shows is acknowledged. Many congratulations to all members who took part in the show season this year

Bull of the Year - Herbertsherd Issac, Bertie Stanley

Cow of the Year - Gentons Quirky, Bertie Facon

Senior Heifer of the Year - Carreg Utopia, Bernard & Margaret Llewellyn

Junior Heifer of the Year - Newton Forget Me Not, David Walker

Young Handler of the Year - Rhianydd Davies

Newcomers Award - Peter Wild and Charlotte Wild

President’s Award

Presented at the end of the President’s term of office, the President’s award is given by the President to a member whom they feel has made a significant contribution to the breed. Coming to the end of her term, President Nicky Luckett gave the award to Peter Close of the Fishwick herd, saying that Peter had always worked hard to promote the breed, keeping classes going at shows when they were waning, encouraging new members into Longhorns, promoting the crossbreeding attributes of Longhorns and always being happy to offer advice if asked. He had served on Council many times over the years and always gave freely of his time to support the Longhorn Society and it’s members.

New President

Having come to the end of her term, which was extended for a year due to COVID-19, Nicky Luckett handed the presidential baton over to David Blockley of the Southfield herd, who will be the Society’s president for 2023 and 2024.

New website and logo

Also in October the Longhorn Cattle Society launched it’s new website. The site has been completely refreshed in terms of looks but the main navigation remains the same and it is now compatible with mobiles and tablets and their current browsers. More content is being added on a regular basis and the Knowledgebase will be the go-to resource for Society information. www. longhorncattlesociety. com

Our Longhorn Cattle Society logo has also had a refresh, updating it to a contemporary font whilst still retaining the distinctive Longhorn ‘look’.

David Blockley President 2023-2024.

AGM 2022 Fowlescombe Farm steers.

AGM 2022 Westcott cows.

AGM 2022 Peter Close, President’s Award, President Nicky Luckett.

The winner of our 2022 Herd Competition is the Wellshead Estate on Exmoor.

The following report reflects the Open Day/Farm Visit. Henry Rawson(owner) and Ricky Atkins(Stock Manager) kindly opened their gates to over 100 members on Saturday 22nd October.

The Larkbarrow Herd at the Wellshead Estate in Somerset comprises just shy of 100 Devon cows plus followers. Herd competition judges were DCBS President Elect, Becky Hurd and fellow judge, Juliet Cleave. The weather at the time of judging came in wet (the only herd not to be inspected with dry backs), but it gave the judges a chance to see Devons doing what they do best: thriving in whatever conditions are thrown at them.

Becky went on to compliment stockman Ricky who has been at Larkbarrow for 10 years, saying it takes time to develop a herd and encouraged new breeders to bear this in mind when starting out. Becky recommended exploring bloodlines and talking to fellow members to find a direction that works for them.

The Larkbarrow herd is currently running three stock bulls: Bollowal Back Row, Whitefield Unannounced and Eastyard Fitzroy 2nd. All three were individually selected on merit to improve an area within the herd and achieve Larkbarrow’s desired outcome. Each bull has put his stamp on his females. The judges praised Ricky’s talent as a stockman to know which bulls suit which females best to produce top quality calves.

British Charolais News

Juliet’s lasting impression of the herd was it being ‘a striking farmers’ herd, proving pedigree and commercialability can work together harmoniously’.

A huge thank you to Henry, Ricky and all their families and volunteers that made it a truly interesting and memorable day. Becky and Juliet would like to thank everyone who entered the herd competition this year.

As the year draws to a close and we all reflect on what has been one of the warmest and driest summers on record. I write this while the rain is lashing against the window and don’t think we have had two dry days in a row for about a month, those warm days seem like a very distant memory.

The Charolais society celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, it’s been a busy but very successful year for the breed. We held the World Charolais Congress this summer and at times due to covid we weren’t quite sure whether it would ever happen or if anyone would want to travel. Thankfully we did run with it, and it was a huge success. The overseas delegates got to see both our beautiful countryside and our exceptional cattle in all its glory.

We teamed up with the Saler society to host two joint open days, this summer, I believe it was a resounding success and a joy and pleasure to work with a likeminded breed. Moving forward more breeds could possibly look at collaboration with us to promote not just their own breed but the beef industry as a whole.

The sales have been the most pleasing and satisfying thing for me, on a whole the breed have seen a rise in bull sales across the country up 29% on the year, this is exceptional figures considering the falling number of suckler cows. AHDB have released their most up to date (August 2022) continental breed ranking which put Charolais top on, Carcase weight rankings, Average daily carcase gain rankings and joint top on days to slaughter ranking. Top on 2 and joint top on 1 out of the 5 rankings. The figures and states above are hugely positive and encouraging in what are very challenging times for all aspects of the beef and farming industry, but British Charolais are in a very strong position as the year draws to a close and we look forward to see what 2023 will bring.

Kind Regards Allen Drysdale Chairman of the British Charolais Society

Lincoln Red National Herd Competition 2022 - Judge, Mr Ken Jackson.

“Judging the Lincoln Red 2022 National Herd Competition was both an honour and a pleasure; albeit tiring; due to the miles we travelled.  I have seen Lincoln Reds at shows etc but not really given them much thought, but seeing these Herds and talking to the Breeders gave me a better insight into the Breed; we saw some lovely cattle.  I have done a lot of judging, all Breeds, over the years and this was the most difficult one to do. There were lots of good cattle and every Herd I went to made me feel this was going to be really difficult.   I did this, as I have done other judging, on a points system, so many points for each Class and then points for the Herd; total was divided by the number of Classes entered to give a percentage.

We opened a small Farm Shop three years ago and thought we would use our Blonde heifers in it, but they were too lean and muscley for our Customers and as the heifers make a premium at market, it didn’t make sense.  We went out and bought Native Breeds which were crossed with a Continental and we finish them with feed wheat.  I have had a certain amount of criticism for this but, in my opinion, think it is good feed and it works for us.  So, on the basis of what I have heard from your Breeders, and my experience with the other Native Breeds, I have purchased a Lincoln Red, grass fed, for the shop and hopefully it will live up to expectations.

Your Herds were really impressive, and the two Universities (Lincoln University & Nottingham Trent University) are doing a fantastic job, introducing new young farmers to the Breed which can only be good for the future. Hopefully I didn’t disappoint too many people,

but my judging was my honest opinion and was done in the fairest way I could.  I Congratulate every one of the Breeders for their enthusiasm and love of the Breed.  Just as a matter of interest there was only 1 point between the Overall Judges Choice and the runner up.

Once again, I would like to thank you for inviting me to judge your Herd Competition, for the kindness shown to Anita and myself and we wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Healthy Prosperous New Year”

LINCOLN RED CATTLE SOCIETY 2022 NATIONAL HERD COMPETITION RESULTS

OVERALL JUDGES CHOICE

HOBART MILKMAID Z892 XP99021 – bred by Tony & Emily Bambridge, in Norfolk. The Hobart Herd

CLASS 1 - SMALL HERD - SPONSORED BY RAND FARM PARK

1ST NICK & LISA BARTON HIGHBARN HERD

2ND MARTIN COOPER CONEYGARTH HERD

3RD RICHARD WARING RAND HERD

CLASS 2 - MEDIUM HERD - SPONSORED BY RAND FARM PARK

1ST NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY - NEIL HODGSON BRACKENHURST HERD

2ND ED MIDDLETON HOLEGATE HERD

3RD UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN - MATT BAGLEY RISEHOLME HERD

CLASS 3 - LARGE HERD - SPONSORED BY RAND FARM PARK

1ST SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY HERD

2ND MICHAEL READ HEMINGBY HERD

3RD TONY & EMILY BAMBRIDGE HOBART HERD

CLASS 4 - SENIOR BULL - SPONSORED BY KEITH JEMPSON

1ST SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY XCALIBUR XP80953 UK527514500468

2ND SCOTT THOMPSON SUDBROOKE WHISKY MAC XP80849 UK149080600021

3RD MICHAEL READ DONINGTON XANADU XP81018 UK140945502265

CLASS 5 - JUNIOR BULL - SPONSORED BY DERRICK & PAULINE COOPER

1ST MICHAEL READ HEMINGBY ALEXANDER XP81207 UK140804501346

2ND ED MIDDLETON HOLEGATE ATOMIC XP81220 UK144108400127

3RD JAMIE QUINN & SUE OLIVER AXHOLME AIRFIELD DEFENCE XP81160 UK150576400064

CLASS 6 - BEST COW - SPONSORED BY ALAN PARKER

1ST TONY MALLON WESTACRE BRYONY T2171 XP95405 UK225199502171

2ND NICK & LISA BARTON

HIGHBARN PETTAL V183 XP96420 UK161993400183

3RD SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY LASS P121 XP93368 UK527514100121

CLASS 7 - BEST HEIFER - SPONSORED BY ROBIN DENNETT

1ST TONY & EMILY BAMBRIDGE HOBART MILKMAID Z892 XP99021 UK221584600892

2ND WILL & ELLIE JACKSON OTHORPE LOBELIA Z215 XP98900 UK207683600215

3RD CHRIS & MELISSA PAGE AUCHMACOY BIANCA Z523 XP98868 UK527514400523

CLASS 8 - BULL CALF - SPONSORED BY LYNDA BURDITT

1ST TONY & EMILY BAMBRIDGE HOBART AJAX BN28073 UK221584300994

2ND UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

RISEHOLME BERTIE XP81241 UK140908300747

3RD SHARON BUCHAN AUCHMACOY B40 BN29211 UK532143700040

CLASS 9 - HEIFER CALF - SPONSORED BY LYNDA BURDITT & RICHARD & NATASHA MANN

1ST DAVID WRIGHT & MARK HALLAM STARLITE HANNAH 1 B868 ET XP100004 UK162742300868

2ND SHARON BUCHAN

AUCHMACOY DOT B35 BN29210 UK532143200035

3RD NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY BRACKENHURST ANN B655 BN29259 UK141901400655

CLASS 10 CROSS-BRED BUTCHERS BEAST - SPONSORED BY RICHARD & NATASHA MANN

1ST MICHAEL READ HEMINGBY AMANDA UK140804501381

CLASS 11 PURE BRED LINCOLN RED BUTCHERS BEAST - SPONSORED BY RICHARD & NATASHA MANN

1ST CHRIS & MELISSA PAGE

FOULNESS ORCHID Z166 XP99126 UK142404700166

2ND MICHAEL READ HEMINGBY POLLY A1334 XP99749 UK140804701334

3RD ED MIDDLETON HOLEGATE WILMA B173 BN28792 UK144108100173

TANKARDS FOR WINNERS OF EACH CLASS AND TROPHY FOR THE OVERALL JUDGES CHOICE SPONSORED BY FERRY ALES BREWERY (FAB) - JOHN CUSSONS

Norman Robson elected as the 27th President of the British Simmental Cattle Society

Northern Irish Simmental breeder Norman Robson of Ballyclare, Co Antrim, is the new President of the British Simmental Cattle Society. Mr Robson was elected following the Society’s AGM held in Stirling in October and takes over the reins from Stewart Stronach, Maisley, Keith.

Steeped in Simmental history, Norman Robson becomes the third member of the Robson family to serve as BSCS President with his father Billy being President in 1985-1986, and 1999-2000; and his brother Michael holding office between 20112012.

The Kilbride Farm Simmental herd, now consisting of 90-100 Simmental cows, is one of the most recognisable names in the pedigree beef sector, with a highlight reel track record of selling bulls and Simmental genetics through home and Society Sales to pedigree breeders and commercial producers in the UK and to international markets. The herd was established in 1971 with four heifers from the first importation into Northern Ireland.

Commenting, Norman Robson said: “It is a huge honour to be elected as the 27th President of the British Simmental Cattle Society. Over the last two years we have seen some record sale averages for the Simmental breed, some successful new fixtures, and an increase in pedigree registrations. With a motivated membership and Council, I hope to lead a Society that will look to promote and build on the performance benefits the Simmental breed offers all types of farming systems. No other breed has the flexibility of the Simmental, from crossing on a Luing type hill cow, to high output lowland suckler herds, and as a crossing sire onto the dairy herd. If we can collectively continue to provide the genetics for a profitable, sustainable forward beef industry, I feel there is a bright future for British Simmental.”

British Wagyu Assurance Scheme Builds On Red Tractor Certification

The Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) has teamed up with leading farm assurance certification bodies SAI Global and NSF to underpin their British Wagyu Assurance Scheme. As all its 200+ partner farmers are already Red Tractor members, the WBA has added a ‘bolt-on’ to the farm’s regular Red Tractor audit for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. This means assessors can check the additional stipulations of the WBA Assurance Scheme at the same time as the usual on-farm audit.

These include:

• Whole-life Red Tractor assured status

• British Wagyu-branded approved eartag

• Wagyu DNA sire verification

• Dams either dairy-bred or native breeds

• BVD tested virus negative

• Minimum slaughter age 24 months

Commenting, WBA Director Chris Dickinson said: “The British Wagyu assurance scheme leads the industry in terms of traceability, animal welfare and consumer trust, enhancing in turn the integrity and value of premium Wagyu beef.”

Red Tractor Beef & Lamb Board Chairman, John Dracup, added: “As the UK’s most trusted assurance scheme, Red Tractor provides the confidence to UK shoppers and diners, that beef carrying its logo has been produced with care, and delivers the high standards expected of British farmers and growers. Red Tractor ensures that the Wagyu beef scheme is a traceable product which meets high levels of animal welfare.”

Full rules around the WBA Assurance Scheme can be found on www.britishwagyu.co.uk.

Borderway Agri Expo

Agri Expo provided a great showcase for British Wagyu & Warrendale Wagyu at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Fri 28th October. Cattle pens of weanlings, yearlings and finished cattle joined with technical information, a meat counter as well as tasting sessions to give visitors a well-rounded view of the opportunities available for the Wagyu beef industry. We were delighted to receive the Best Breed Society Stand award.

WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders and Warrendale Wagyu Production Director Jamie Brownrigg pictured with Red Tractor Technical Manager Jemma Holden at Agri Expo.

WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders & Warrendale Wagyu Production Director Jamie Brownrigg pictured with SAI Global UK & Ireland Agriculture Development Manager Nik Searston.

Best Breed Society stand award at Agri Expo Ed Martinson, Caitlin Brownrigg, Ella Hopwood, Alan Dickinson, Richard Saunders, Jamie Brownrigg, Lizz Clarke.

Native breeds offer a sustainable future for beef production

The value of native beef genetics is rapidly growing, with breeds such as Aberdeen-Angus showing they can tick the boxes at all tiers within the beef supply chain.

Better suited to grass-based, lower input systems than continental breeds, native genetics offer the potential to boost producer margins and support environmental goals, while delivering a consistently high-quality end product.

Robert Gilchrist, CEO at the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, says as a result, the industry is seeing significant growth in their use.

“Aberdeen-Angus calf registrations have increased significantly and they’re now top of the list with 471,528 registrations in 2021 – 4% growth has been seen in the last year, accounting for 24.41% of beef calves,” he says.

“More farmers are recognising that the lower input systems, where cattle can be predominantly finished off forage and grass-based diets, are a much more sustainable and financially viable way of producing beef, as the agricultural sector faces so much uncertainty.

“The nature of the reduced inputs required for an extensive beef system means they tend to have a lower cost of production and be more environmentally sustainable.”

Mr Gilchrist says the benefits extend much further than just farmers within the supply chain.

“From a consumer perspective, the intramuscular fat that native breeds offer provides the marbling which consumers desire, making it easier to cook,” adds Mr Gilchrist.

“This gives a more consistent eating experience, which is fundamental in getting people to purchase beef on a regular basis.”

Salers strong growth in suckler cow market

BCMS data confirms the continuing longstanding decline in suckler cow numbers, down to 1.14 million in 2022 (from 1.3 million in 2011). The national suckler herd seems set to reduce further with the added political pressures on livestock farming.

The Salers industry leading combination of maternal traits are proven to deliver improved profits despite these pressures, resulting in 10 consecutive years growth in numbers (to 41000 cows) and market share (3.6%).

The Salers is free of the mutations of myostatin (except for a few lines descended from previously undetected historical crossbreeding with other breeds in France). Working alongside the French Salers Society with the joint aim of preserving the Salers outstanding maternal strengths from the adverse effect of the myostatin mutations, breeders have been DNA testing to establish the status of their pedigree animals. Great progress has been made, the number of myostatin free herds is increasing rapidly, and 75% of heifers born ytd are confirmed myostatin free, with 98% of these not needing testing, as their sire and dam are myostatin free.

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