The NBA Magazine - Summer 2023

Effective

•

• Improve the productivity of calves at foot4

• Help ensure heifers reach breeding weight5

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

Julie Holmes 01434 601005

julie@nationalbeefassociation.com

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NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023: Issue 27

NEXT ISSUE: AUTUMN 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 Summer edition of Beef magazine Andrew Laughton

I’ve had a couple of days off and enjoyed a quiet and peaceful time in the Cotswolds. Whilst there I thought I would go and have a look and see what all the fuss is about at Clarkson’s Diddly Squat. First of all let me echo what many have said..… he has done more to raise the awareness of farming and its challenges than anyone else has been able to do. Of course his celebrity status, realism and humour as well as a country wide platform all helps, but good for him (and us) that he chose farming.

In the very small shop he has “added value” to his farm produce in other words diversified like thousands of farmers across the countryside who have created side line businesses which keep the farm’s head above water financially. Its somehow wrong that we need a solar farm or a bed and breakfast to subsidise food production.

Fast forward to the “cost of living crisis”; I am in no doubt there are families out there struggling to pay for heating and fuel and of course food. But perhaps contentiously the cheapness of food for a generation has led to this “crisis”. Three little anecdotes – my uncle sold some wheat in 1976 for £100 /t … granted it was a weather market but let’s say it was double because of. The price of the Farmers Weekly was then 20p its now £4.10 over 20 fold dearer….. which would mean wheat over £1000/t today had it kept up with the FW. As a finisher thankfully it isn’t! Secondly I used to feed a few cull sows and sell them to a local wholesaler- in Sept 1989 sows were coming to £180 - £200 in Sept 2020, Hull market figures in the Farmers Guardian had cull sows averaging £57.57……An lastly my father’s aunt had some Light Sussex spent hens to sell

after the war … the local poulterer bid her a pound a piece….she declined and sold them to him by weight – they came to a guinea a piece! A farmworkers wage was £5/wk (inc Saturday morning) i.e. it was over a days pay to buy a chicken.

Had we been allowed a modest inflation over the years, it wouldn’t come as such a big shock when it finally had to happen. We were threatened by cheaper imported food – the global market.

So, when I read in the papers that Mr Sunak wants the retailers to voluntarily cap the price of food or at least the basics…… yes they might but you can bet your bottom dollar that it won’t be voluntary for the farmers! Or will it? ….. the egg producers said “NO”….. Listen up Mr Sunak!

And by the way that Hawkstone lager is bloody good!

Take care

Andrew

Now someone on minimum wage can have one oven ready for 20 minutes of work! A good many couldn’t even pluck it in 20 minutes!

We need a UK food TSAR

Neil Shand

Iwas fortunate enough to attend the Farm to Fork UK Food Summit at number 10 Downing street on the 16th May.

Credit where credits due, for a Prime Minister to create and host the first event of its kind for the industry, also for being brave enough to call it a UK Summitthis is exactly where the problems begin.

I cannot go into too many details of what happened on the day, but news outlets have already stated that retailers informed Government that food has been too cheap for too long - this was a welcome, but long overdue statement.

Within the breakout session in number 10, I directly, but politely requested Therese Coffee install a food TSAR in the UK.  There is no room for individual devolved Governments to determine food production from the smaller populated countries to achieve dubious environmental gain, whilst forcing England to import more beef from systems of potentially inferior health, welfare and environmental balance.

The sheer lack of knowledge within Governments across the whole UK of the numbers involved in beef production are extremely scary, they talk about people eating less, they may well do, but we import beef form a suckler herd size of 1.2 million cows. The little bit less takes a seriously long time against a backdrop of increasing population. The only sensible way to monitor and measure food security, self-sufficiency and resilience is to look at the UK as one – I am not anti-devolutionbut it clearly is not fit for purpose in all sectors, all of the time!!

Below is an extract from a Letter from Chris Stark - Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) to the Scottish Rural

Affairs and Islands Committee - stating a requirement for the Beef Herd in Scotland to reduce by 26% by 2045, or basically 100,000 less cows.  This is just another highlighting the lack of joint-up thinking, where do the CCC think the beef from the 100,000 lost cows will come from? - Probably Brazil and another chunk of rain forests lost!

The equations are just daft - Westminster provides the budget - the devolved Governments can spend as they like, with no interest in food production and the UK as a whole can go hungry or import from far flung parts of the world.

I await with bated breath to see if the Summit at number 10 delivers some real positive change.

“But - Very clearlylivestock numbers must decline if emissions are to fall. In our modelling that happens through diet change (coupled with changes to imports/ exports), dairy cattle, beef and sheep numbers fall by 29%, 26% and 26% respectively by 2045”.

Chris Stark

Chief Executive, Climate Change Committee.

Efficient feeding

Better value, efficient finishing rations are the key to raising margins

Creating efficient diets helps lower overall beef feed costs

With beef margins under pressure, finishing units need to make best use of the feeds available by combining them into highly efficient, high value feeding systems. Failing to do so can increase feed costs by 80p/kg liveweight gain (LWG) or more, worth at least £120/head over a 100 to 120-day finishing period, producers are being warned.

“Efficient growth is a major factor when it comes to minimising overall feed costs,” explains KW Feeds ruminant technical manager Charlotte Ward.

“For example, grass, maize and wholecrop cereal silages are important feeds on many beef units, but their relatively low digestibility compared to most dry and moist feeds means they are not converted to liveweight gain particularly well,” she adds.

Inefficient beef finishing

According to Ms Ward, even the best quality silages will not be able to support the growth potential of most beef animals, and an over-reliance on low digestibility feeds will result in rations that are inefficient for finishing. As a result, feed costs can end up spiralling.

“For beef producers focussed on using the best value feeds available, and converting them efficiently into growth, total feed costs can be optimised,” she explains.

“The challenge is that many beef units do not have an accurate estimate for the costs of production, and do not calculate and monitor feed costs per kg LWG. If you do not know how much each unit of growth is costing, and how it compares to what is currently possible and the price for finished beef, it is unlikely you will realise how much you are losing.”

Finishing unit profitability is affected by several factors, including mortality rate, final carcase specification, price per kg at slaughter and particularly store price. But total feed cost is a factor under the control of the producer that can have a huge impact, with the overall cost of feed accounting for up to 70% of total variable costs.

Feed cost impact

A finished animal worth around 270p/kg LW (485p/kg carcase weight) at slaughter,

with 80p/kg LWG lower feed costs, leaves a lot more margin, and an efficient finishing ration is needed to achieve that.

Ms Ward continues, “Rations capable of finishing animals at lower costs per kg LWG, will need an energy density of at least 12.3-12.5MJ ME/kg DM, and ideally closer to 13.0MJ ME/kg DM. A starch-plus-sugars content of around 30-40% (on a DM basis) is also vital to drive growth and finishing.”

Locally sourced high-starch cereal coproducts can be great value if available, whilst rolled cereals are also still extremely popular. However, the best value alternative feeds like processed bread, maize meals, biscuit meals and C*Traffordgold can offer better value when it comes to supplying energy.

“At the same time, it is important that these high levels of starch are carefully balanced in the rumen to avoid acidosis, promote good rumen function and drive an efficient fermentation that releases the full potential of the ration,” advises Ms Ward.

“Access to long fibre such as straw is essential in the diet, as is a good level of digestible fibre (neutral detergent fibre, NDF). Aim for a total ration NDF content of around 25%, with soya hulls and sugar beet feed both worth considering if extra digestible fibre is needed.”

Best value options

Ms Ward also highlights the value of moist feeds such as the wheat-gluten moist feed C*Traffordgold, which can promote very

efficient growth by supplying both energy as digestible fibre plus moisture to increase ration palatability and reduce sorting.

Even beef units with lower feed usage rates, or where geography limits availability, can still benefit from the advantages of C*Traffordgold, through use of moist blends that combine it with other moist and dry feeds like brewers’ grains, sugar beet feed and processed bread, for example.

“Protein is another area where costs can be reduced through careful feed selection. Keep in mind that most cattle will finish well on rations with an overall crude protein content of just 13–14% (on a DM basis) during the last 60–90 days before slaughter,” says Ms Ward.

“Careful use of urea can help lower ration costs, as can making the most of ‘multipurpose’ feeds. High-protein liquid feeds can supply both sugars and protein, for example, whilst C*Traffordgold combines digestible fibre, energy and protein.

“Remember that it is also important to keep cattle stress levels low, as well as sticking to a regular feeding routine, pushing feed up regularly and keeping water troughs clean. Combine that with feed choices that put value and feed efficiency first, and the overall result will be a finishing unit capable of delivering a much lower feed cost per kg LWG, and better margins as a result,” she concludes.

*Prices correct at the time of writing and subject to change, based on average prices for Aug to Oct delivery of 29t tipped bulk loads onto farm within 50 miles of origin.

South West farmers aiming for six-week calving period

AHDB monitor farmers, Rob and Liz Priest, have decided to trial a six-week calving period in 2024 to help improve efficiency and profits. The couple currently farm on the North Cornwall-Devon border, running both cattle and sheep. Most replacements are bred on farm, some stock being sold for breeding, both heifers and bulls, all remaining stock are finished deadweight. 8

0 Stabiliser cows make up the suckler herd. The heifers begin calving at two years of age and the youngstock are then finished between 20-24 months on a grass-fed diet.

They have been on a long journey to get to this point. Back in 2014 they had an 18

to 20 week calving period, reducing to 12 weeks by 2017. They managed to bring this down further to nine weeks last year, with 93 per cent of calving within the first six weeks. They achieved similar results this year, with 72 per cent calving in the first three weeks.

Their plan for the 2023 bulling period is to still leave the bull in for nine weeks, but to sell cows and heifers that are pregnancy diagnosed to calf after the first six weeks. The Priests considered the alternative option of leaving the bull in for just six weeks, but on discussion with Charlie Morgan, independent grassland consultant, who

they are working with as part of AHDB’s Monitor Farm programme, they have opted for bulling for nine weeks and selling incalf cows as it would be a more profitable decision.

For the Priests, the bull will run with the cows in mid-June before usually pregnancy diagnosing at the end of September. The person diagnosing can tell when the calves were conceived and therefore likely to be born, so the Priests can make decisions on which animals to sell.

Rob said: “We’ve got a lot of heifers now that we should be able to bull. We didn’t bull all of 2021 born heifers last year, as we didn’t need to. But we’ll be doing more to ensure that we achieve optimum numbers within six weeks.”

They will be putting about 85-90 to bull this year, with an optimum number of about 80 cows and heifers being in calf in the sixweek timeframe.

Rob said: “We did the AHDB Progressive Beef Group, and someone there said the first three weeks of calving result in your profitable calves; those born in the following

three weeks hold their own, and then anything after that you lose money on.”

Rob and Liz Priest joined the AHDB Monitor Farm programme in 2022. Driven by facts, figures and honesty, the Priests like the idea of being accountable to an audience to encourage them to push their farm business to meet its full potential.

The Priests consider there are many benefits to cutting the calving time, including the obvious one of cutting down on labour as they won’t be having to keep check over such a long period of time.

Liz said: “It will compact the period we need to be out there keeping an eye on them. With regards to any vaccinations like blackleg, you can do them all in one go.

With a longer calving period, sometimes you can’t vaccinate them all in one group, therefore you might have to buy two lots of vaccination. You’ve also got to get them in twice, which leads to more stress on the animals. So for management, it should make life easier.”

The Priests are very clear about their business strategy and the outcomes they want to achieve. Liz added: “You have got to say, right, they are going to go if they’re not in calf, no second chances. If they’re outside of that calving period, then let somebody else buy them because they want to calf later on. And hopefully doing it this way will help to fit in with the lambing as well.”

On the beef side, they are only aware of one other Stabiliser breeder who is running a six-week calving period. They say it has been quite a challenge getting this far. When they started to look into it they were calving over a 20-week period. And it’s taken time to get to the point of more than halving it. They have had to be ruthless along the way, removing animals from the herd that were not meeting their timescales.

“And you can understand that because even in nine weeks, those that were born in week eight or nine are so much smaller than those that were born in the first week.”

Managing the reputation of British beef

AHDB’s exports and marketing teams have been busy over the last few months promoting British beef at home and abroad. In March, AHDBs export team were in Japan where they attended Foodex, one of Asia’s largest food and drink exhibitions.

Attending the four-day event held in Tokyo was hugely important for our sector as it attracted around 3,000 exhibitors and thousands of red meat buyers from across the region. AHDB was joined by eight exporters to showcase their red meat and help increase exports to this valuable market, which last year imported more than 3,500 tonnes of beef and lamb from the UK, worth a whopping £17 million!

At these events AHDB works hard to showcase British Beef to delegates while also trying to build relationships between UK exporters and international importers. Export markets hold great opportunities for adding value to our products, helping to maximise carcase balance - in fact last year the value of UKs red meat exports was worth £1.7 billion, and it’s increasing each year.

This year marks the first time in three years that AHDB has been able to attend Foodex in person following the pandemic. During COVID, we organised online meetings to showcase British Beef and highlight the farming systems we operate and the high animal health and welfare standards we adhere to, helping to boost the reputation of our industry globally.

Due to the importance of export markets to our sector, AHDB has recently completed a piece of work exploring which countries provide the greatest opportunity for UK beef and lamb. The analysis: ‘Prospects for UK agri-food exports’, shows that outside of the EU, Asia and the Middle East are the most promising markets for our exports, with some potential opportunities also in North America. This will provide the focus for our export work going forwards.

As well as our ongoing programme of work overseas, we are working hard to raise the profile of British beef here, in the UK. Our domestic marketing team consistently delivers campaigns that ensure the positive messages around our beef are communicated with millions of consumers

in the UK. Our We Eat Balanced campaign reached 43 million people in autumn last year and January 2023. With more than 90 per cent of those that saw it on social channels saying they were reassured that British meat and dairy are sustainable.

Our marketing team also helped to deliver Great British Beef Week which was back on St George’s Day for its thirteenth year. The week-long event celebrated ‘naturally delicious’ British beef, renowned around the world for its quality and sustainability. GBBW saw farmers, processors, retailers, butchers and chefs unite once again to share recipes, real-life farming stories and infographics on social media and in the press, as well as industry promotions on beef packs, on counter, on menu and in-store.

including beef steak with summer salsa and Alfresco BBQ Beef Kebabs.

AHDB’s CEO, Tim Rycroft recently wrote to the Editor in Chief of The Lancet to formally request that The Global Burden of Disease Risk Factors Study 2019 is removed from publication.

Released every two years, the 2019 study claimed human deaths from eating red meat has risen from 25,000 in 2017 to 896,000 and what is most worrying is that it has a big influence on policy makers when considering human health and diets.

And alongside these campaigns, we are encouraging people to put beef on their barbecue in May, with a range of recipes to entice people to try something different –

Having been made aware by a group of highly respected nutrition and health scientists that there were major questions about the credibility of this study, AHDB have spent the past eight months questioning The Lancet about the robustness of the data and whether an acceptable peer review process had been followed - something which all scientific studies should complete before publication. Those questions remain unanswered.

Once again, we supported this fantastic campaign to encourage more people to enjoy one of the nation’s most iconic meat dishes – the British beef roast, although this year with a twist of Caribbean, Mexican and South Asian cuisines.

Record animal performance to make better business decisions

Estimating the weight of cattle by eye can never be as accurate or consistent as weighing them individually with a weigh scale. And with new technology, recording animal weights is becoming easier.

Weighing livestock is a powerful performance measurement tool and should not be regarded as a thankless task, begrudgingly carried out.

Done regularly, monitoring weight gain or loss can help:

• Assess if calf weaning weights are being achieved

• Determine the best time to sell finished cattle

• Monitor animal health – healthy livestock increases in weight throughout the season

• Make sure the dosing of medicines is done accurately

• Assess if target heifer weights are being reached prior to mating

• Record and evaluate breeding performance for future genetic selection.

The value of weight information goes further than just being able to make better

decisions for the individuals or group of animals being weighed on a certain day. The larger the database of weights and liveweight trends there are, for different classes of animals over many years, the better position the farmer is in for future decision making.

“We were recently at a farm open day where farmer visitors were asked to guess the weight of two or three animals of different sizes,” says Mark Oliver, national account manager for Gallagher.

Recent developments mean weighing data is automatically sent to the farmer’s mobile phone.

“The range of results was staggering – with most farmers massively under- and overestimating.”

Weighing and Electronic Identification (EID)

While sheep EID is compulsory, and the likelihood of it becoming mandatory for cattle in future, having a weighing and EID system that works together makes sense.

Combined weighing and identification reduces time and effort, as the ear tag reader reads fast and efficiently, automatically matching weight to the animal ID number. Human error is removed so the figures are always complete and accurate. With some models, the full weight history of the animal in the crush can be seen immediately with a display of weight gain performance.

Gallagher Weigh Scales and Data Recorders range from an entry level automatic weighing model through to the most advanced weighing and data collection system available.

The weigh scales are automatic and accurate, even when weighing fast moving, lively animals. LCD touch screen navigation makes them easy to use even in direct sunlight, and the unit has been designed and manufactured so it can withstand farm use and transport.

Wireless Loadbars

Loadbars are an integral part of a livestock weighing system, positioned under a platform or a crush to take the weight of the animal. Manufactured using heavy galvanised steel makes them waterproof and gives them long life, even in the harshest of environments. With no moving parts, they ensure years of accurate weighing.

However, until now, the most common failure point has been the electric cables that connect to the weigh scale reader, which is usually mounted on the side of the crush.

measures and locks a weight, sends that data to the weigh scale or mobile app and then powers off again.

The wireless design makes the platform or crush easy to transport and move to different weighing locations, as there are no wires to trail behind.

These loadbars can be connected directly by Bluetooth to a Touch Screen Weigh Scale or a producer’s mobile phone can be turned into a weigh scale with the Animal Performance mobile app.

This app comes in two levels. The free Every Day level gives a fully connected Weighing and EID experience, to enable easy animal data collection. Farmers can access their animal data on any device, wherever and whenever they need it.

Animal Performance Plus, which is available by monthly subscription, is the upgraded version of the app, lifting data administration to a higher level.

business,” says Mark. “Many beef farmers may just want to weigh their animals at key points in the year.

“For others, having individual life histories at the touch of a button, on their phone, out in the field or on their laptop in the office, is super helpful for making management decisions. Whatever level is required, Gallagher has weighing and EID options for them.”

Farmers looking for accurate and reliable weighing and EID equipment can request a free onsite consultation with a Gallagher specialist. This will ensure that the farm is getting the right solution for its specific needs. Find out more on www.gallagher.eu

When an animal walks onto the platform, the wireless loadbar module turns on,

“Weighing and collecting animal performance data is an increasingly important element of any livestock

Or contact the Gallagher customer service team by email at info.uk@ gallaghereurope.com for details of all Gallagher weighing and fencing products.

“Fifty per cent of loadbar failures are thought to be caused by damage to the cables,” says Mark. “So the inventors at Gallagher came up with an answer – the first ever Wireless Loadbars.”

Wireless loadbars make weighing animals easier.

Using an automatic feeding system is allowing one Irish farm to finish 1,500 cattle annually with one labour unit.

With slim margins, the secret to the unit’s success is a fast turnaround of cattle and system simplicity, says farm manager Aine Sweeney, who runs the farm singlehandedly.

“If cattle are not turned around within 70 days there’s no point in keeping them,” explains Ms Sweeney, who is figure-led in every aspect of the business.

She operates a strict policy of not holding onto animals if they have not hit target weight within this timeframe.

Stores are sourced from local markets and farms, finished, and sold directly to ABP, Rathkeale. Bullocks average 320kg deadweight and heifers 275kg with both killing out at 49%, on average.

The farm runs a winter and summer programme. During the spring and summer, lighter animals of 300kg or more are

sought, with cattle rotationally grazed on the farm’s 200-acre grazing platform.

In the winter, heifers weighing 450kg and bullocks tipping the scales at 500kg will be purchased for a faster turnaround.

Grazing cattle are weighed and dosed every seven weeks and brought inside when they are one month away from finishing.

The 400-acre farm was set up as a beef finishing unit 10 years ago. A single-span shed houses 250 cattle at full capacity with animals kept on rubber slats in pens of 28.

The robot feeds out seven times a day and pushes up feed every 40 minutes. Currently, cattle are fed a total mixed ration

(TMR) comprising 9kg of maize, 4.5kg of grass-silage, 6kg of wholecrop wheat and 5kg of a 16% concentrate, with feed costs totalling £2.91/day.

It takes Ms Sweeney 15 minutes to fill the feed kitchen each morning. The feed is

“We have weight data on every animal that has been on the farm over the past eight and half years and we know the extra days spent on the farm don’t pay because what it costs compared to what they put on doesn’t pay. If we see animals slowing down, they must go.”

A Lely Vector automatic feeding system is contributing to strong daily liveweight gains of up to 2kg and zero mortality at Glen South Farm’s dairybeef finishing unit in Banteer, Co Cork.

picked up by a grab, which deposits preprogrammed amounts of each ingredient into a robotic mixing tub with a vertical auger. The tub is then guided by metal strips around the shed’s external feed passage.

“The one thing people say when they come in the yard is that there is no noise. That’s because cattle always have fresh feed,” says Ms Sweeney.

Bullying has been eliminated, too, she adds: “The shy animals get the same quality mix as the bigger fella. The Vector mirrors the freedom cattle get when they are grazing – animals can eat, sleep and drink when they want because there’s no set feed time.”

Bullocks average daily liveweight gains of 1.7kg and heifers 1.5kg.

“If we have good genetics and the dairy farmer is using good beef bulls on their dairy cows, we can achieve 2kg plus,” explains Ms Sweeney.

The system has freed up time to focus on animal health and welfare. Instead of spending hours feeding Ms Sweeney uses that time to walk the shed and check animals and clean water troughs twice daily.

This level of attention is paying dividends with mortality running at zero for the past two years.

The Vector costs £6.17 daily with Ms Sweeney conceding that using a diet feeder would be significantly more expensive. As well as having to employ another person, the farm would need to purchase a tractor and diesel use would rise.

“It works seven days a week, doesn’t require holiday, is never late for work, and doesn’t phone in sick,” says Ms Sweeney.

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

Since the Spring edition of this magazine trade has continued in a very strong vein for all classes of beef cattle. The calves have even seen an improvement as best calves are now over £400. We’ve seen more rain than we would have liked but at least silage crops should be plentiful this year. There has been a food scare in the pig meat sector as a processor has been accused of using “rotten” meat. Details are sparse but lets hope it keeps beef processors’ minds focused on ensuring no such repetition occurs in our sector. As discussed in last month’s article, an off farm created food scare is currently probably the biggest threat to our industry.

Concurrently assurance and standards on farm are the main item of conversation amongst farmers. Rarely a week goes by without a Vendor ringing to ask is it still worth being Red Tractor assured? If a Vendor is not selling finished cattle, it is difficult to suggest that it is financially worth being Red Tractor assured. The ongoing “cranking up” of standards and the financial implications of obtaining a veterinary health plan are the main reasons given for wanting to leave. Along with the odd zealous inspector causing consternation.

The main argument for RT assurance is that by having high standards we give the consumer confidence to buy our product and we can argue against imports of beef, which are produced to lower standards.

Sales of beef are currently very strong and consumers have confidence in our British

product. Whether this is because it is produced in our country which has high statutory requirements, or whether it is because of RT is debateable. Which carries the most weight, a Union Jack flag or the Red Tractor logo? During recent trade deals it would appear our Government have not taken into account our RT standards when granting access to our home markets. The only remaining strong argument for being assured is to keep Supermarkets on side and that is why finishers remain assured. Many farmers feel they ought to be RT assured but as it becomes increasingly onerous and expensive many are dropping out of the scheme. Numbers are not readily available but a significant proportion are thought to have left. RT therefore faces a problem of lost income and at what point does it become unviable as a business?

Proposals have been put forward for a “British Standard”, a risk appropriate “Store Stock Standard” or a simplification of full RT. The argument against “British Standard” is that some countries have higher standards involving Carbon footprint calculations and antibiotic resistance prevention measures and if retailers considered overseas product to be of a higher standard than ours, they might decide to switch to such imports. Any Store Stock Standard would have to be sufficiently attractive to producers to encourage them into assurance for the good of the industry and not for any immediate financial gain. This would mean it not being a stressful or worrying process and possibly

linked to the Governments Animal Health and Welfare Pathway to cover any veterinary cost. Simplifying full RT will be resisted by RT itself but even if done, it is unlikely that any such simplification would encourage the departed to re-join.

So we are in a dilemma to which there are no easy answers and possibly insurmountable by industry itself. Therefore we should look to Government. One solution in their power would be to provide funding under ELMS. Farmers could access advisors to assist them to achieve the standards and much of the worry and stress of the “paperwork” would be taken out of the process for them. The above mentioned Animal Health and Welfare

Pathway could also remove some of the financial burden of the Veterinary Health Plan. Both these solutions lie in the hands of our Government and discussions need to be had with them to explore these suggestions.

A continuation of the ongoing RT scenario is unlikely to be resolved to the satisfaction of any party and hence it is a situation that Government ought to become involved with. If at any of the Summer shows at which many MPs appear, please take the opportunity to discuss with them the possibility funding for RT “mentors” under ELMS. The more that do speak the more likely the seed may be sown.

Rob Venner

Parasite Watch

Sioned Timothy

Technical Services Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Pasture management is one of the most effective ways to reduce parasite load in cattle, and some alternative paddock and grass-utilisation strategies can also be useful in overall parasite management.

Reduce stocking density

Fewer animals per hectare reduces the need for cattle to graze close to dung pats, where there will be a higher proportion of infective parasite larvae.

Move cattle

Prevent over-grazing to reduce the quantity of worm larva ingested. 80 percent of parasites are concentrated in the first 5cm of grass1 so move cattle on to longer grass before it’s eaten down to an extreme.

Mixed-age grazing

Adult cattle have usually developed a good immunity to worms. They can better tolerate worm infections and excrete lower quantities of worm eggs than calves and youngstock. Grazing first-season animals alongside older animals reduces their exposure to worm larvae on the pasture.

Leader follower

Where paddocks can be rotated, allow the most-susceptible animals (usually calves) to graze ahead of older cattle. This provides calves with the least-infected paddocks, while older cattle are more able to tolerate increasing worm infectivity.

Use silage aftermath

Moving youngstock to fields after the last cut of silage can be a useful method to mitigate the mid-summer rise in parasites on pasture.

Faecal egg count tests

Regardless of the paddock management employed, regular pooled faecal egg count tests (FECs) can be a useful tool to assess the amount of larvae being shed onto pasture over the first few months of the grazing period, and along with regular weighing of youngstock, can help with decisions on whether animals require a worm treatment or not.

IVOMEC® Classic Pour-On is a tried and tested wormer that treats and provides protection against reinfection with the most pathogenic gutworm species, Ostertagia ostertagi for up to 21 days, and the cattle lungworm for up to 28 days.

1. Herd, R. (1985) Strategies for Nematode Control in Cattle. Modern Veterinary Practice. 66:10, 741-744

20 The National Beef Association Magazine | SUMMER 2023

Guest Vet

Kate Bowen MA, VetMB, PGDip, MRCVS Veterinary Director - UK Farmcare Ltd

Safe cattle handling for TB tests

As any farmer, farm vet or indeed cow will know the day of the ‘TB test’ can be stressful for all involved. There are, however, a few ways the experience can be made safer and smoother yielding results in terms of faster throughput of animals, less stress for cattle and improved safety of the vet and handlers.

The ideal situation for the TB test is a dedicated cattle handling system made up of a cattle crush, race and pens. When purchasing this sort of system, consider how easy it is to access the neck area, ideally on both sides, to carry out the skin test. A lot of modern crushes have lots of metal separating the handler from the cattle, which can make accessing the neck area difficult and potentially dangerous, leading to squashed hands and broken fingers. Seeking the advice of your vet when you are considering a new purchase is sensible as they will have seen lots of set ups and be able to advise on the types of crushes that work well. Double yokes are a fantastic invention which really help to keep cattle still and it would be great to see these more widely installed.

There are also a few aspects of cattle behaviour to consider when putting together a handling system, which can help to avoid the disappointment of investing in a system which the animals still don’t flow through easily.

Solid sides to races will help to prevent cattle becoming distracted by anything outside of the race, helping the flow of animals through the system. Any loose or flapping objects in the race, such as loose chains or plastic, should also be removed as these will also cause cattle to stop to investigate them further.

circle anti-clockwise around a handler. You can take advantage of this to help cattle move through pens by setting up a system to suit the natural flow of the animals through it.

Testing young cattle that turn around in the system can be frustrating as your vet will prefer to test all animals on the same side of the neck where possible. Consider the addition of panels to reduce the width of the race and/or the crush when the young cattle are coming through. Alternatively, make your race wedge-shaped so that it is narrower at the bottom which will help to stop smaller animals turning while allowing adult cattle to pass through the same system.

Systems that involve cattle having to travel downhill also tend to be unpopular but, where this cannot be avoided, making sure the slope is gentle and the surface is non-slip will help reduce issues at this point.

The majority of cattle will investigate potential threats with their left eye, which connects to the right side of the brain, thus meaning most cattle will

Your vet will hugely appreciate a protected workspace that cattle cannot enter, where they can stand and lay out their kit and paperwork. It is all too easy when distracted testing one animal to not notice that another animal is in close proximity or is busy eating your paperwork (it does happen!) Protection from the elements, both for vet and kit/ paperwork, will be gratefully received on wet days, or indeed as seems to be becoming more common on very hot days.

Further information on handling cattle can be found at https://ahdb.org.uk/ knowledge-library/improving-cattlehandling-for-better-returns

Cattle do not like moving from bright into dark areas so consider where the entry point to the system is and try to avoid shadows or changes in light levels at this point.

SUCCESS SUGARS FOR

“Sugars are a vital nutrient in all beef rations and are more than just a source of energy,” comments Georgina Chapman, from molasses blend specialists ED&F Man. “They can have a positive impact on rumen health and digestion across all diets.”

She explains that both starch and sugars are fermentable carbohydrate sources. Sugars are rapidly fermentable, providing an immediate energy source for rumen microbes, making sugars a valuable way to improve rumen function.

“It is important to understand that not all sugar sources are the same. The six-carbon sugars found in molasses based liquid feeds are more highly fermentable than the five-carbon sugars found in silages and other liquid feeds that are co-products of fermentation such as pot ale syrup and wheat syrups.

“In addition, as these products have already been fermented they have little effect in the rumen, unlike molasses where the sugars are fermented in the rumen, stimulating microbial activity and growth.”

In forage-based diets, Georgina says that feeding molasses-based liquid feeds to supplement grazing or conserved forages improved the value of the forages, driving dry matter intakes and improving fibre digestibility.

Rapidly fermentable carbohydrates are required by the fibre digesting bacteria in the rumen. Sugars fuel the bacteria, increasing the numbers of bacteria present and the rate at which fibre is digested which releases more nutrients from the feed. In addition, a more rapid fermentation increases rumen throughput and stimulates higher dry matter intakes without risking rumen health.

“On a practical point, with forages molassesbased liquid feeds can help improve palatability and reduce sorting in the diet where concentrates are mixed with forages.

Georgina says there are similar benefits with cereal-based diets. She comments that with barley prices currently attractive making it a cost-effective source of starch and energy, producers may be tempted to feed more.

However, by doing so they increase the risk of acidosis which can disrupt rumen function and depress intakes, leading to poorer growth rates.

“Starch plays an important role in rumen microbial growth and is commonly included in diets at 18-20% of dry matter. But the fermentation of cereals can change the balance of acids in the rumen, particularly stimulating lactic acid production and predisposing cattle to sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) or acidosis if rumen pH falls below 5.8.

“It is possible to replace some starch in the diet with sugars and reduce the risk of acidosis and improve rumen health. The fermentation of sugar in the rumen leads to an increase in butyric acid which helps maintain a higher rumen pH within the desirable range (pH 6.2-6.8).

Sugars also promote the development of bacterial populations in the rumen which can aid in reducing levels of lactic acid, therefore lowering the overall acid load.”

New research carried out by ED&F Man at the University of Milan investigated the effects of replacing a proportion of starch in the diet of beef cattle with a high sugar molasses based liquid feed. The cattle fed the liquid feed were significantly heavier at the end of the trial with a higher average daily liveweight gain. They also had a higher dry matter intake and superior feed conversion efficiency.

“Even though barley is good value at the moment, replacing a proportion with a molasses based liquid feed such as Economol or Stockmol 20 could improve rumen efficiency for better overall animal performance,” Georgina concludes.

Whether you are finishing beef cattle on a cereal or forage-based system, adding a molasses blend could have a significant impact on performance.

Georgina Chapman.

Exceptional trade sees beef sector benefit from live sales ring

Trade for prime cattle, stores and cast cows has been flying through the livestock markets of England and Wales in the first part of 2023, following a bumper year in 2022, auctioneers across the country are reporting.

The trade for store cattle has been exceptional, according to Bradley Towell of Frome Livestock Market.

“Up to the end of March we have sold 9,029 head of store cattle and reared calves at Frome, an increase of 2,824 for the same period last year,” he says.

“This can be put down to a combination of factors including a strong trade, late spring, fodder shortage and a resurgence in vendors having confidence in the auction system over private farm to farm sales.”

Difficult to value without competition

According to Mr Towell the returns being achieved for store cattle in auction marts across the country make it extremely difficult to value store cattle on the farm without introducing competition.

The auction system also has the added benefit of attracting different customers for different weights and grades of cattle, meaning individual buyers will bid more for what they want.

Alastair Sneddon of Bagshaws has seen a similar picture through the store cattle ring at Bakewell Market, stating “We have been up to our market capacity on a number of occasions this spring.

“There has been no shortage with a good supply, but the prices have remained just as firm. The demand has continued to outstrip that supply,” he adds.

Ahead of the best deadweight price

Auctioneers are also reporting that trade for prime beef is the highest it has ever been, evident by the returns achieved in livestock marts across the country.

“The demand for top quality suckler bred prime cattle in our auction rings in Carlisle is being driven first and foremost by family wholesale meat businesses and butchers,” says Scott Donaldson of H&H.

“With values beginning to break the £3/ kg barrier some months ago, the best are now frequently £3.30 - £3.40/kg in our live rings, pushing the top prices for heavy cattle in excess of £2500 per head.

“Quality cattle of this kind are not in abundance and with the best finished sorts killing out above 60% in a wholesaler’s abattoir, with minimal trim compared to the major processors, these cattle still work out well over 30p/kg ahead of the best deadweight price on offer,” he adds.

Willing to bid more

Mr Towell agrees, stating the top-grade prime cattle have been achieving strong prices for some time, but it is the standard quality and also-rans that look the dearest, he claims.

“We operate a ‘green market’ on a Wednesday which, in addition to abattoir buyers, allows customers to buy cattle in the prime ring to feed. This is a huge advantage as it underpins the value and increases the number of buyers and therefore increases competition,” he says

“As with the prime cattle, the plainer grade 3 and 4 cows look the dearest as there are buyers looking to source cows to feed out of a green market,” he adds.

“Competition for stronger, shorter-term feeding stores is fuelled by the record high finished beef price, also reflected in the trade for medium-term stores. Suckler-bred store cattle are in short supply nationally which is resulting in some fantastic record prices being achieved,” he says.

“It is unbelievable what some of the plainer cows are making in the live ring week after week. This reinforces the principle that there is a massive benefit to selling cows liveweight, as there is competition for different grades from buyers willing to bid more for the grade that will best suit their job.”

Demand for processing and manufacturing meat

Mr Donaldson adds, “The other issues that have plagued our industry such as weight and age limits appear to have gone out the window. Neither age nor weight matter, with the incredible demand for processing and manufacturing meat, the cull cow ring has experienced the same phenomenon as the prime cattle ring.”

Loyal deadweight suppliers are reaping the rewards by returning to the live ring, according to Mr Donaldson.

“A recent consignor to the cull cow ring in Carlisle with 20 suckler cows averaging 750kgs, returned a gross average of £1700 per head. That is £150 per head better than the deadweight alternative, with no deductions for being over fat.

“The same consignor, with an identical batch in October 2022 averaged £260 less, proving how much the trade has

improved in six months, manly driven by the demand in the live ring. We have now had cows and cast bulls break the £3000/ head barrier on a number of occasions,” he adds.

Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association comments, “Our 2022 throughput figures revealed an overall turnover of £2.1 billion

across all categories in England and Wales. “This reflects the trend we have seen of producers returning to the live sales ring, but also the fact that the auction system is attracting multiple potential buyers. This is providing the opportunity for beef producers to market their stock to its full value, based on current demand,” he concludes.

Where Quality Comes Naturally

As the country transitions from Single Farm Payment subsidies it is critical for the survival of the suckler herd that the absolute best use is made of resources, whether the business is focussing primarily on arable production or specialising in livestock.

The South Devon dam is a modern efficient suckler cow that does exactly what’s required of her: to produce beef animals efficiently and quietly, at low cost and with low maintenance, in systems befitting low carbon environmental demands from processors and consumers alike.

The South Devon firmly holds its own against other breeds when it comes to performance, with bull beef finishing at little over twelve months in the fastest systems, with the capacity to consistently reach net weights of around 400 kg and grading R’s and U’s.

For those areas which are not suitable for growing arable crops the South Devon will forage very efficiently, browsing on moorland or grazing on lowland, maximising the land and maximising profitability. More and more farms are now looking at rotational grazing as part of good soil management, and the South Devon’s docility and grass conversion ability fit nicely here, as well as in more lean environments.

Milky dams produce rich plentiful milk from forage to give their calves the best opportunity to grow quickly into quality beef animals or profitable breeding replacements, resulting in bigger calves at weaning. Many herds now calve heifers at two to maximise returns.

The breed is very versatile and crosses very well with other native and continental breeds to suit individual producers’ specific requirements and to bring hybrid vigour.

The breed Society which currently represents about 600 farming businesses nationwide plus a swathe of commercial farmers takes a progressive approach to supporting its members.

In recent years this has included research into the influence of the myostatin gene variant which enables selection through DNA testing of the most suitable myostatin status breeding animals. Breeding is authenticated by obligatory DNA parent testing of all pedigree bulls, and voluntary testing of females plus random checktesting across the national herd.

In 2022 the South Devon Society became the first UK beef breed to launch genomic EBVs for all recorded traits using Single Step BREEDPLAN. This technology significantly increases the accuracy of recorded production data which is often the flaw in the interpretation of estimated breeding values. By using actual rather than average genetic data in conjunction with pedigree and performance the selection process of breeding animals becomes considerably more robust.

The Society offers free performance recording to all its members. For the last few years the NBA Beef Expo has hosted the South Devon Performance Championships to highlight the importance of recording, and we look forward to a return to J36 in 2024.

Although some would say that a small cow is critical to the economics of a beef production unit, the South Devon will easily produce a fast-growing calf that is the right equivalent of the cow’s weight, and which will yield a heavy carcase and pay significantly better than a smaller cow with less productive, lighter progeny. Expensive bought in feed is not an essential for the breed.

With the beef market where it is the size of the South Devon is very much to its advantage.

The South Devon breed has been a part of native beef production for centuries; but more so than at any time previously today’s animal is ideally positioned for the challenges being faced by sustainable livestock farming in the UK.

South Devons | Breed Society Focus

With labour resources being considerably thinner in recent years, what’s needed for safety of handling and management on a farm is a docile breed – and they don’t come much more docile than the South Devon!

For further information please visit our Facebook page and website www.sdhbs.org.uk, or telephone the Breed Secretary Caroline Poultney on 01392 447494.

Lumbylaw Halcyon 8.

Breed Society

Red Poll Cattle Society

The Society continues to grow steadily with more commercial farmers becoming members. There is also an increasing interest in members starting up dairy herds. Last year there were five with one establishing a herd of over 50 milking cows, the dual purpose characteristics of the breed coming to the fore again. The increase in environmental schemes and the use of native breeds in the management of these sites has also had a beneficial effect on the increased numbers of animals being kept. Heifer registrations were slightly up last year with 775 registered compared to 756 in 2021. Bull registrations were the same at 30. These are from 116 members compared to 110 in 2021. Igenity Beef Profiling is being carried out on both males and females with nearly 500 results in the database. We have also started to sample animals for the A2A2 milk gene. It is too early to have any significant details but it looks at first glance that about 30% of the breed are carrying the gene.

The 2022 Herds Competition again proved to be very popular with over 70 herds taking part divided into 4 regions.

The National Herd Competition and Small Herds was won by Nigel Steer, Welsummer herd, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The Large Herds winners were Sarah & Gerald Barnes’s Hopeham Herd, Tasburgh, Norwich. A very big thank you to Judge Mark Cheetham.

Regional winners were:

Midlands – Watergate Herd, The Hunt Family, Hockcliffe, Beds. (Judge – Denis Jenkins)

East – Hopeham Herd, Sarah & Gerald Barnes’s, Tasburgh, Norfolk (Judge – David Hunt)

South – Ruscombe Herd, Rebecca Charley, Stroud, Gloucestershire (Judge – Joy Broughton)

North – Pinguis Herd, John Williams, Telford, Shropshire (Judge – Ray Bowler)

Area Presentation days were well attended, it is an ideal occasion to view members’ herds and to interact with other likeminded people.

A big thank you must be given to all the Judges who gave up their time to judge.

The show season was disappointing due to the lack of exhibitors and numbers forward, however it is hoped that 2023 will be more successful with our National Show being held at the Royal Cheshire Show in June.

The Society continues to catalogue all the Society archive material, we now have it all in one place, documented and easily available for scrutinising when required. A very big thank you to our Archivist Joy Broughton for carrying out this work. Our website has been updated to cope with all the latest technology necessary these days. It has become the first point of call for anyone looking to buy or sell Red Poll Cattle and a useful tool for information and news.

We are hoping that 2023 will bring even more interest in the breed and we are looking forward to getting out and about again at both county and local shows.

British White Cattle Society

The BWCS Spring Sale held at Melton Mowbray Market on Saturday 22nd April attracted a keen crowd of buyers at the ringside, with strong trade driving a 92% clearance of the 25 cattle forward on the day, and an overall sale average of 1,932gns (£2,028) a head.

Topping the British White heifer section at 2,800gns was Alcroft Poppy, one of a run of four maidens forward from F W Cook & Son, Cambridgeshire, all sired by the prolific stock bull De Beauvoir Mazerati (bred by Mrs A Dunn) and sold to the Emily Estate, Somerset, to an average of 2,625gns for the pen.

Leading the bull trade at 2,700gns was four-year-old Woodbastwick Dalrymple (EX91), jointly exhibited by Miss C Liddle (Allasson herd) and Mr A Fisher (Nidderdale herd), North Yorkshire. Purchased as a yearling from Rotac Farms and since siring daughters retained by both herds, this bull now also moves on to pastures new at the Emily Estate, Somerset. To the same buyer went the 2022 BWCS Bull of the Year, Alcroft Gunslinger from F W Cook & Son, Cambridgeshire, knocked down at 2,200gns.

Looking forward to the summer show season, British White breed classes are scheduled at major shows including the Royal Three Counties, Royal Norfolk and Royal Welsh, and the next Society show and sale will be held again at Melton Mowbray Market on Friday 8th – Saturday 9th September 2023.

Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society

At our Spring Show & Sale 28th March there was strong demand for Red Ruby Devon bulls. There were 2 classes of bulls shown prior to the sale, with the following results:

Class 1

1st Champson Magnificence - Messrs G Dart and Sons

2nd Rocknell Freddie - GJ Summerhayes

3rd Mere Park Claret - Mr & Mrs L Armishaw

Class 2

1st Priorton Whisky - JW May

2nd Rocknell Jasper - GJ Summerhayes

3rd Tilbrook Endurance - GM Hunter Ltd

Priorton Whisky clinched the overall championship.

A class of 9 females were judged by Mike Yeandle in their pens and Margaret Elliott’s maiden heifer Cutcombe Lucky 24th came top.

The sale leader at 6200gns was Champson Magnificence from Messrs G Dart and Sons, South Molton, Devon. By Colleton Thorven and out of Champson Tulip 119th, a Knowstone Fitzroy 4th daughter, this one met a frenzied bidding with the hammer dropping for A J Jones and Son, Raglan, Gwent.

Next best at 4800gns was the reserve champion Rocknell Jasper from G J Summerhayes, Tiverton, Devon. By the 2022 stock bull of the year, Knowstone Showboy EX90.Taking this one home was H North & A Syed, Ilminster, Somerset.

Females met a more selective trade on the day with a top call of 1600gns for Cutcombe Lucky 24th from Mrs M Elliot, Dulverton, Somerset. This one found a new home with M H and B M Janes, Raglan, Gwent.

Bull average was £4357.50

Champion Priorton Whisky.

Top Seller Champson Magnificence.

RECORD SIMMENTAL AVERAGES AT MAY PEDIGREE SALES AND STRONG DEMAND FOR SIMMENTAL BREEDING FEMALES!

The strong demand for pedigree and commercial Simmental cattle has seen record breaking averages at both the pedigree sales at Stirling, and Carlisle, in May. Commercial sales have seen a similarly strong trade for Simmental breeding cattle. At Stirling, Simmental bulls averaged £5828, up by £195 on the year, and a record average at this fixture for the third year in a row. The 16,000gns top price for Overhill House Neil from Richard McCulloch was the top all-breeds price at the sale.

At Carlisle, there was a 100% clearance of bulls forward and with a new centre record average of £6519. With a tremendous demand from commercial producers for the efficiency of Simmental females, the Society introduced a sale of 35 Simm X High Health bulling heifers at the May Sale at Carlisle. In what was a first and new step in marketing quality Simmental bulling heifers with a high health status alongside the pedigree section, the sale proved successful and with a top price of £3800 for a 19-month-old Simmental heifer from D&R Durno, Ballandalloch, Glenlivet. In all, the bulling heifers averaged just over £2000.

At ANM’s Thainstone’s sale of breeding cattle in early May, the Smith family from Towiemore Farm sold 90 heifers, almost all Simmental, with calves at foot to a top price of £4350, six outfits in all over £4000, and an average of £3453! Back at Stirling, Jim & Liz Dyet, East Merkland Farm, Strathaven, Lanarkshire topped the sale of commercial bulling heifers with

three 16 to 18-month-old Simmentals each making £3650 when selling to repeat buyers Alastair Mitchell, Victoria Farm, Muthill, Crieff. For all Simmental sales and news updates then please go to www.britishsimmental.co.uk and Facebook @britishsimmental

Aberdeen-Angus Tops BCMS Registrations

For the second year running, Aberdeen-Angus and AberdeenAngus cross cattle have topped the BCMS registrations. With a total tally for 2022 of nearly 509 000, Aberdeen-Angus genetics accounted for 28.7% of all beef sired registrations in Great Britain, up from 27.1% in 2021.

Whilst some of this growth has come from the use of AberdeenAngus genetics in the dairy industry, significant growth has also come from the suckler sector, demonstrating industry’s confidence in the breed and indeed brand.

Society Membership also continues to grow, we would like to take

this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all new members. With sustainability becoming a core value for the end customer, having a breed that requires little intervention at birth, followed by a forage based diet not only matches that consumer value, it also contributes to a positive bottom line for you, the farmer. Calving interventions and cereals are high costs to farm businesses (feed is generally over 70% of all variable costs in a cattle operation) so all we can do to reduce this will help keep beef on the menu and cattle in the landscape.

To find out more, please visit www.aberdeen-angus.co.uk

16,000gns Overhill House Neil, the all-breeds top price at the May Stirling Multi Breed Sale, and the record price for that fixture.

Why modern suckler farmers need their own specialist female

Dairymen have their Holstein-Friesians, delivering the intense focus on the traits that powerfully drive dairy farm profitability. Poultry and pig farmers work in the same way exclusively using genetics designed for their exacting requirements, and there are powerful reasons why professional suckled beef producers need an equally uncompromising approach to the genetics that drives their performance. Today there is one breed dedicated solely to the genetics of the suckler cow, the Salers, which are bred to be: Truly easy calving with calves that ‘get up and suck’ – Salers are known as “the calving champion of the major beef breeds” and with the tremendous growth and fleshing qualities of the modern terminal sires we need these special traits!

Naturally milky – the modern suckler cow needs to be able to fuel the growth of the calf, regardless of the terminal sire you choose to use - the Salers has plentiful, high-quality milk, and a good udder – key to starting then maintaining calf growth performance.

Fertile and robustness – Salers are fertile, calving at two and returning to service quickly, they are robust thriving on grass and able to utilise poorer quality ground effectively.

Combining mothering ability with docility, ease of management – the modern Salers is selected to get the right balance between the mothering traits and docility, to deliver a cow that is easily managed in any system.

Beef traits – the Salers is fast growing, has highly marbled flesh and great eating qualities – high quality beef is key to the future and what Salers are all about.

We absolutely can take actions to put the economics of suckler farming back on track starting by getting the right tool for the job. The Salers offers a significant step forward by addressing the key performance traits of our engine of production - our cows.

BRITISH WAGYU MOMENTUM BUILDS AT 250-STRONG CONFERENCE

• Warrendale Wagyu Conference 17-18 May 2023, Telford, Shrops

• Held in partnership with British Wagyu Association & Wyndford Wagyu

•

High-profile retailer, processor and farmer presence

250 people attended a two-day conference in and around Telford, Shropshire 17-18 May as momentum for British Wagyu beef continues to build. Welcoming retailers, processors and a strong line-up of UK and international speakers as well as both current and prospective farmer partners, the event was staged by the EastYorkshire family farming business, Warrendale Wagyu, who run a fully integrated Wagyu beef supply chain.

After a Wagyu-themed lunch provided by Dovecote Park’s New Product Development team, Day One comprised four conference sessions. Setting the scene, Warrendale MD, Tom Richardson, went through their story so far before explaining where the business was going as Warrendale Wagyu moves towards 800 farmers producing up to 1,000 cattle per week.

Irene Breider & Neil Wharton from Genus then presented the results of the data sets they had collected for both maternal and terminal traits – these included calving surveys, bull proofs and carcase figures incorporating Meat Image Japan (MIJ) carcase camera technology. Nick Rose, Buying Director for Aldi UK, then updated the audience on the exciting journey to date, shared their successes and accolades, before turning to how they will continue to grow and deliver Aldi’s long-term ambitions with Warrendale.

Session Two saw Matt McDonagh, CEO of the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), bring delegates up-to-speed with Wagyu developments worldwide before exploring future opportunities for the UK to enhance the value of Wagyu. At its heart is the analysis of 14 key Wagyu production traits across 250,000 animals within a global evaluation. Angela Tant from Red Tractor then explained the numbers behind the Red Tractor logo and why so many consumers recognise and trust this flagship brand of British food and farming.

In the third session, Wyndford Wagyu’s Commercial Director, Jess Edwards, gave delegates an insight into the growth of their 400-head Fullblood Wyndford herd which was being developed in pursuit of elite herd status with lasting connections in the Wagyu world.

An excellent Q&A session rounded of the formal programme. This was chaired by BWA Director, Chris Dickinson, with farmer and processor representatives comprising: Laurie Ibbotson (Commercial Director, Dovecote Park); Andrew Ward (Dairy - Littleton Farm, Dumfries & Galloway); Eddie Rixon (Grower - Lopemede Farm, Oxon) and Paul Metcalfe (Finisher - Gillingwood Hall, N Yorks).

Rounding off the first day was a Drinks Reception sponsored by Oxbury Bank followed by a Gala Dinner with a main course of Wagyu tomahawk steaks provided by Aldi with wine sponsored jointly by Caisley and Genus. There followed the presentation of the inaugural British Wagyu Ambassador Award to the late Mike Tucker, founding Chairman of the BWA who passed away in 2018, and this was made by Michael Carpenter of Kelvin Cave Ltd to Mike’s son Andrew. After-dinner speaker was former England rugby international Simon Shaw MBE who talked about his sporting career dovetailing with his experiences in the beef industry and restaurant trade.

The evening’s Charity Raffle and Silent Auction raised a combined £8,219 to jointly benefit the Farming Community Network (FCN) and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (Motor Neurone Disease).

Day Two was spent at nearby Wyndford Wagyu with visitors able to experience first-hand the passion for producing top quality cattle, semen and embryos at this Fullblood herd with a sharp focus on accurate performance data collection and genomics.

Addressing the conference, BWA Company Secretary, Richard Saunders said: “In the space of just a few short years, the British Wagyu industry has grown as we forge partnerships with some truly outstanding and pioneering organisations. Our future growth plans reflect the ambition of working with these world-leading partners to not only deliver a consistently great product to the consumer but also build trust, grow the British Wagyu brand and importantly earn a premium for everyone in the supply chain. Ultimately, it’s all about the product and this is what gives all of us here the confidence to invest in the bright future that is British Wagyu Beef.”

Grateful thanks are extended to all the team at Warrendale Wagyu, Wyndford Wagyu and to all industry partners, sponsors and farmer partners for making the event such a success.

The National Beef Association

with the

Unit 1, The Stable Yard, Woodhayes Farm, Honiton, Devon, EX14 4TP t:

FLOURISH WALLS HOUSE GREENLAW, DUNS BERWICKSHIRE, TD10 6XW

t: 02475 099146 e: info@beefshorthorn.org www.beefshorthorn.org

The Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society Society Pavilion, Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, CV8 2RG

Weaning

Weaning, Growing, Finishing

By Adam Clay, NWF Head of Technical

With margins on beef systems under pressure, efficiencies of production are as important as ever, where specific points of growth can have significant impacts on farm profit.

From suckler herds to beef from dairy systems, the UK has a versatile and adaptable beef industry where when to wean and what to feed will differ from farm to farm.

Suckler Herd

For suckler units, time of weaning is a decision based on feed supply and cow condition and can typically differ from 6 to 10 months of age.

By 200 days old (6 and half months) the majority of nutrient inputs will be from solid feeds rather than milk. Feeding the calf directly will be more efficient than feeding the cow to produce decreasing litres of milk.

Weaning can be a useful way of manipulating cow body condition. For over conditioned cows, delayed weaning can be a way to help reduce body condition and conversely, if cows are thin; calves should be weaned sooner rather than later.

After weaning and depending on forage availability and quality, calves could benefit from a compound feed or blend. Introducing this carefully is key, not only to maximise intakes and drive growth but to do so without risking a transition shock.

*Weaning is a stressful period, changing one thing at a time is recommended to manage this and reduce growth checks.

Beef from Dairy

From a couple of days old, calves should be offered a compound whilst on milk or milk replacer to help rumen development and to entice the calves to “nibble”, ready for when they are weaned. A key thing to remember for these type of calves is that they will be weaned significantly earlier than their suckler counterparts.

Calves should be eating a minimum of 1.5kg for 3 consecutive days before starting to be weaned, then over a two-week period calves should be fully weaned and eating 2.5-3kg of compound or blend. Below is a typical feed graph, highlighting the increase in solid feed during the weaning process.

Feeding and weaning schedule

Genetics, health status and the environment the animal is in will also influence overall performance. It is important to liaise with your vet to ensure a herd health plan is fit for purpose as well as the housing and infrastructure which the animals are exposed to.

Finishing

Up until approximately 400kg liveweight or 9 – 10 months of age (depending on system, breed and sex), animals require a specific diet focused on developing frame and depth. The growing diet should have structural fibre to ensure good rumen health and avoid excessive levels of starch at this stage. If a grower ration is high in starch it can lead to unwanted fat deposition which can attract deductions at killing out and make it unlikely to hit desired specification at market. Once hitting weights of approximately 400kg or 90 days before market, it is time to move to a “finishing” diet!

Although the way we finish beef animals can vary, feeding finishing cattle within a short period of time for maximum liveweight gain to meet market specification remains the same aim for most producers. A well balanced and consistent diet can help finish animals quicker which can ultimately save money (from feed, time and labour)!

Typical finisher guidelines are:

• Reduce the protein level from a growing diet to 12-15% crude protein.

• Increase the starch levels to promote fast weight gain and effective feed conversion. (especially in animals which are hard to flesh). Target starch and sugars of 35 – 45% using a blend of sources such as Ultra Starch-W to manage rumen health.

• Fibre is important (they are ruminants!) A minimum of 10% of their dry matter intake should be from straw/forage. If forage is used other than straw, ensure its dry to provide physical structure in the rumen.

For information on beef feeding systems please contact NWF Agriculture on 0800 756 2787.

www.nwfagriculture.co.uk

Adam Clay NWF Head of Technical.

Beef Feeding Solutions

NWF supply a comprehensive range of beef feeds and associated products supported with technical advice.

NWF Beef Feed Range

COMPOUNDS

NWF offer a comprehensive range of compounds from weaning to finishing to suit all systems.

BLENDS

A comprehensive range of standard and bespoke blends to suit all systems.

FAR REGISTERED

All NWF Sales Specialists are registered feed advisers with the Feed Adviser Register (FAR).

Manufactured at our UFAS production sites in Cheshire, Cumbria and, Devon

NWF Agriculture also supply:

• Milk Replacers

• Rumen Paks, Yeasts, Buffers and Supplements

• Grass Seed, Silage Additives and Fertiliser

• Mineral buckets as 20kg or 80kg, and UltraMin powdered mineral range available in 25kg bags

National Beef Association Membership

WHO ARE THE NBA?

The NBA is a charity, set up by beef farmers, for beef farmers. We exist to express the views of real farmers to politicians to ensure they are understood and represented in policy. Over the years we have fought against unfair trading practises, advised Government on disease management policies and now are working hard to ensure beef farmers have a future post Brexit.

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN US?

MEMBERS BENEFITS

Members receive a weekly e-newsletter, which includes the latest market information and NBA and industry news. We also produce a quarterly magazine for our membership including beef research, policy positions and health articles. Our members have access to our breeding terms and conditions of sale FOC, a step by step guide to selling breeding animals.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Standard subscription: £75.00 + VAT

(£25 zero rated, £50 taxable at 20%)

FROM £40 PER YEAR

Without the support of fellow farmers we wouldn’t be able to carry out our work on behalf of the industry. The NBA is also great for networking and sharing knowledge. Members have the chance to join regional committees which feed into our policy strategies and we run many industry farm walks, meetings and trips across the UK which are discounted or free for our membership.

Corporate Membership

SHEARWELL DATA

Animal identification systems: excellent cattle and sheep tags, comprehensive on-farm software and full management systems using EID. www.shearwell.co.uk

FOR FARMERS

We supply a range of feedstuffs that cater to both traditional and the more technically minded farmers and producers. www.forfarmers.co.uk

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Agri-Lloyd International Limited

www.agrilloyd.com

AHDB Meat Services

www.beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk

ANM Group Ltd

www.anmgroup.co.uk

B.I.G Ltd

www.bigbeef.co.uk

Berrystock Feeds

www.berrystockfeeds.co.uk

Bishopton Veterinary Group

www.bishoptonvets.co.uk

Under 26/student subscription: £40.00

For more information call NBA head office on 01434 601005 or email info@nationalbeefassociation.com. Visit our website to join today.

THE

FOLLOWING COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT.

FROM £300+VAT PER YEAR

MOLE VALLEY

All your technical advice and products to maximise the individual beef enterprise profits. www.molevalleyfarmers.com

ALLFLEX

The Allflex Group is a World Leader in the design, manufacture, and delivery of animal identification technology. www.allflex.co.uk

Boehringer Ingelheim

www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk

C & D Auction Marts Limited www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

Craven Cattle Marts Limited www.ccmauctions.com

Frome Livestock Auctioneers Ltd www.fromelivestock.com

Harrison & Hetherington

www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

Hexham & Northern Marts

www.hexhammart.co.uk

KW Feeds

www.kwfeeds.co.uk

Livestock Lounge

www.livestocklounge.com

McCartneys

www.mccartneys.co.uk

Meadow Quality Ltd

www.meadowq.co.uk

NWF Agriculture

www.nwfagriculture.co.uk

Rumenco

www.rumenco.co.uk

SAI GLOBAL ASSURANCE

SERVICES LTD is the oldest and most established farm assurance provider originally set up to inspect the FABBL Scheme in the 90’s. Farmers trust in SAI Global’s experts for whole farm assurance including Red Tractor, GlobalGAP, LEAF Marque and retailer specific inspection programmes. saiassurance.co.uk

Sell My Livestock

www.sellmylivestock.co.uk

Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart Ltd www.thirskmarket.co.uk

Tudor, Lawson, Dallimore & Parry www.dolgellauvets.co.uk

GOLD MEMBERS

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METHODS OF PAYMENT:

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CHEQUE

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The NBA complies fully with the General Data Protection Regulation. Please see our privacy policy for more details, which can be requested from the NBA Head Office. For any queries or concerns regarding GDPR, please write to: Data Protection at National Beef Association, Concorde House, 24 Warwick New Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 5JG

Please use Gift Aid to make your subscription worth more to NBA. For every pound you give us, we could earn an extra 25p from the Inland Revenue. Gift Aid Declaration: I want the National Beef Association to treat all subscriptions I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as a Gift Aid donation. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/ or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

TO GIFT AID PLEASE TICK HERE

Please return this form to: National Beef Association, Concorde House, 24 Warwick New Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 5JG