NBA Magazine Summer 2017 Issue 4

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SUMMER 2017 ISSUE 04

LD L E E TO W IN A SHEARW

UNDERSTANDING COPPER IN GRAZING AND FORAGE FED ANIMALS

NBA FARM TOURS

FOUR EXCEPTIONAL FARM TOURS ON THE HORIZON

NATIONAL BVD SURVEY RESULTS REVEALS AREA OF IMPROVEMENT

OPTIMISE THE RUMEN

FOR BETTER GROWTH, MEAT QUALITY & MARGINS

REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

GUEST WRITER NORMAN BAGLEY

BEEF EXPO 2017 REVIEW

PLUS SCOTLAND'S BEEF EVENT 2017 REVIEW

NEWS & INDUSTRY UPDATES

FOR EVERYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN THE BEEF INDUSTRY T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E F R O M T H E N AT I O N A L B E E F A S S O C I AT I O N

HEALTH ISSUES

BREED SOCIETIES NEWS UPDATES

NOT ALREADY A MEMBER? JOIN THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION TODAY SEE PAGE 52 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A MEMBERSHIP FORM. MEMBERSHIP FROM ONLY £40

#NBAMAGAZINE #BRITISHBEEF

CONTENTS

contents

EDITOR Chris Mallon National Beef Association Mart Green Tyne Green Hexham Northumberland NE46 3SG 01434 601005 chris@nationalbeefassociation.com

SUMMER 2017 31

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DEPUTY EDITOR Tom Kinroy tom@nationalbeefassociation.com

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CHAIRMAN David Thomlinson

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NBA/Kinroy Design 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.

FINISHING AT 19 MONTHS 16 MODERN CHAROLAIS CALVING EASE 19 NBA BEEF EXPO REVIEW 2017 21 UNRAVELLING BEEF QUALITY 29 OPTIMISE THE RUMEN 30 NBA FARM TOURS ON THE HORIZON 31 GOOD INDICATIONS FOR THIS YEARS SILAGE 35 UNDERSTANDING COPPER 36 BVD SURVEY RESULTS 39 ANIMAL HEALTH: HERD HEALTH MATTERS! 40 NBA FUTURE OF BEEF QUESTIONNAIRE 43 WTO AND UK AGRI-FOOD INTERESTS 44 ANIMAL HEALTH: LIVER FLUKE 45 CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN SUCKLER HERDS 46 SCOTLAND'S BEEF EVENT REVIEW 2017 47

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CHAIRMAN REPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE UPDATE GUEST WRITER: NORMAN BAGLEY NBA TB COMMITTEE REPORT BREED SOCIETIES NEWS NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS GUEST VET: LEE-ANN OLIVER NEWS UPDATES Q&A WITH A BEEF FARMER GIFT OF THE GAVEL: ANDREW WRIGHT

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CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

MAKING BVD HISTORY EXPERIENCE THE LIVE VACCINE DIFFERENCE

Now that we’re moving from BVD control to eradication, and with BVD estimated to cost £40 per cow per year1,2, you’ll want a vaccine that is proven to deliver a full 12 months’ prevention of foetal infection after a single injection.

Not only protecting against both types of BVD, but also proven to stimulate both antibody and cellular immunity3.

Ask your vet for more information.

Dual protection made simple References: 1. Stott et al (2010) Vet J 185: 138–143 2. Stott et al (2012) IVJ 65:12 3. Roth (2016) WBC Dublin Proceedings Advice on the use of Bovela or other therapies should be sought from your veterinary surgeon. Bovela lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle contains modified live BVDV-1, noncytopathic parent strain KE-9: 104.0 –106.0 TCID50, Modified live BVDV-2, non-cytopathic parent strain NY-93: 104.0 –106.0 TCID50. UK: POM-V. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, Vetmedica, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YS, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1344 746959 (sales) or +44 (0)1344 746957 (technical). Email: vetmedica.uk@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Date of preparation: Jan 2017. AHD9692.

Use Medicines Responsibly (www.noah.co.uk/responsible).

04

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

BY DAVID THOMLINSON, CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION DAVID THOMLI

NSON

What a difference a year makes, with the price of beef up 40p/kilo on the year and a great feeling of optimism amongst the UKs beef finishers. It is encouraging to see that the market for young bulls is now strong whereas just last year we faced huge challenges with UK supermarkets making the future of young bull production look uncertain. The cull cow price has exceeded expectations and maintained a good trade throughout the Spring and early Summer. The strong finished cattle trade we have seen this Summer bodes well for the Autumn calf sales which will bring a welcome boost for suckler producers.

A year has gone by since we made the decision to produce our magazine in-house and we have been very pleased with the reaction of members and the industry in general at the quality of our magazine and the editorial content within it.

This issue contains a review of the NBA Beef Expo held in May. The event was a fantastic celebration of the strength and optimism in the British Industry. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the support of our mainline sponsors of the Beef Expo, AHDB Beef & Lamb, Caltech Crystalyx, Dunbia, Barclays, Boehringer Ingelheim, Meadow Quality and IAE, adding to the success of our organisation and the hosts of the farm walks for their hospitality and efforts.

On the back of this success we have decided to host two Events in 2018, the Beef Expo in May and a Northern Ireland Beef Event to be held at Dungannon Farmers Market in late February. With the newly elected Regional Chairman John Sheridan at the helm and an enthusiastic regional committee behind him, it seems the perfect opportunity to bring back the NI event after 5 years of absence. The event will also include the Commercial Cattle Exhibitors Clubs Spring show and sale as well as a day of farm tours showcasing some of the best beef enterprises within the region.

The NBA remain active in policy sitting on several committees and meeting regularly with policy makers to voice the integral issues facing the industry and give evidence to support their decisions as we head into Brexit negotiations.

Once again, the NBA will be hitting the road to host evening farm walks on four exceptional beef farms up and down the country. We see this as a great opportunity to interact with our membership and look forward to seeing many of

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SUMMER 2017

05

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT

CHRIS MALLO

N

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

POLICY REPORT

BY CHRIS MALLON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

I would like to congratulate Neil Parish MP on his re-election as chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select committee. The Tiverton and Honiton MP achieved a large majority of 54% of votes cast.

After meeting with Neil in July, I can say we

to ensure that the Food and Farming policy will

to support our primary producers though the

are very glad to have Neil back at the helm,

be beneficial to producers and consumers alike;

implementation of compulsory legislation that

scrutinising Defras decisions. He is a true

reassuring producers that they will be supported

will ensure greater transparency in pricing

advocate of British Agriculture and has completed

in the efficient production of quality UK produce,

for producers. This is high on our agenda, in

some positive work around transparency in farm

and give consumers the confidence that UK

particular the enforcement of a compulsory

gate pricing for all farm produce which we at the

farming will continue to deliver safe, high quality

Grocery Code Adjudicator, which will prevent

NBA strongly support. It is clear that he will be

and sustainable food at a fair price.

unfair trading practises, such as changes to payment grids without due notice. Such practises

fighting to ensure the best possible outcome for Britain’s agricultural, food and drink industries

British Beef production is only 75% self-

leave the producer at an unfair disadvantage,

in Brexit negotiations and we look forward to

sufficient, therefore Brexit gives us all a fantastic

tightening margins and subsequently knocking

continuing our work with him and his committee.

opportunity to grow production for our home

business progression. We would welcome a

market, something we must promote. We, as an

review of the payment grid to also take into

I have met with Michael Gove MP, to congratulate

industry, must also emphasise the importance of

account meat quality and yield, something that is

him on his appointment as Secretary of State

cattle within the UK landscape and infrastructure,

not fully rewarded at present.

for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. I look

managing the environment for people to enjoy

forward to working closely with him and the

and utilising land that cannot be used for

Bovine TB continues to threaten the UK’s cattle

farming minister George Eustice to ensure the

cropping to produce a quality protein for the

industry, posing further restrictions to those

best possible decisions are made for the British

UK consumer which is also high in omega-3

farming in infected areas. It is important that we

Beef Industry, and that those decisions are future

and omega-6 fatty acids and vital vitamins and

work together with Defra to deliver practical and

proofed to protect the industry. It is a positive

minerals.

feasible solutions, allowing farms to continue trading whilst tackling the disease head on.

step that we will have a strong Brexiteer at the heart of discussions, who will be committed to

We must also campaign to ensure continued

forging the best solutions for the industry and

access to our EU export markets and the free

I have informed the Secretary of State on our

ensuring a successful result in Brexit.

access of European labour force which is the

campaign for an extension of the notice period

backbone of many of our red meat processing

for AFUs in cull areas, businesses that are vital

plants.

in providing an outlet to cattle from the dairy

With the uncertainty around rural payments and

herd that can only be finished in such units, and

export markets at the forefront of our members concerns it is important that we work together

I have pressed the importance of the Government

without them would instead have to be culled.

SPRING ISSUE COMPETITION

SHEARWELL DA NBA COMPETITITA EID READER, DAVID PRICE ON WINNER MONMOUTH ON HIS FARM IN

WINNER'S

Congratulations to the two lucky winners of our Spring Issue Competitions. NBA Member, David Price from Monmouth won the Shearwell Data EID Reader. David farms in partnership with his wife Diana across 200 acres, and have 40 single suckled AAX and SDX cows and also have approximately 200 North of England Mule ewes. David said, "All of our cattle have electronic ear tags to aid stock management, winning the NBA Competition of the Shearwell Data EID Reader will come in extremely useful".

The second competition winner was NBA Member, John Lawrie from Fife, winning the MooCall Calving Sensor.

TO ENTER THIS ISSUES COMPETITION AND TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING A SHEARWELL DATA EID READER PLEASE SEE PAGE 47.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

NEW LOOK

Same trusted formula 3

Please read the product data sheet and seek advice before use. The dosing programme should be established with your veterinary practitioner, animal health adviser or licenced merchant.

Manufactured by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in the UK by: Norbrook Laboratories (GB) Ltd, 1 Saxon Way East, Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, Corby, NN18 9EX. THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE Legal Category: POM-VPS Closamectin Pour on Solution for Cattle contains 200mg/ml closantel and 5mg/ml ivermectin.

4155-LA(C)-v1-GB-03/05/17

SUMMER SPRING 2017

07

GUEST WRITER

NORMAN BAGL

EY

GUEST WRITER NORMAN BAGLEY

BY NORMAN BAGLEY, ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT MEAT SUPPLIERS

We live in strange times

Brexit is rightly hogging the news waves with a mixture of red herrings and confusion between public health issues and trade.

Too take two U.S. examples; the use of chlorinated water in chicken processing and the use of growth hormones in beef production.

In chicken processing the accusation is that

So in terms of using the public health argument in

enormous strides in defending UK products against

US operates to inferior standards as they use

order to influence trade negotiations seems a weak

cheap imports. Think of some supermarkets moving

processing aids to remove pathogens from

position to say the least as science doesn't back it

to British only beef, lamb, pork and yes chicken too.

meat rather than trying to do the impossible of

up. Just look at the problems the Irish had with their

After horsegate are they likely to expose themselves

preventing pathogens that are widely distributed

negotiations on US access for their beef with the

again?

in the environment getting on to meat in the first

US authorities pouring cold water on the EU meat

place – something not achieved in the operating

inspection system. No wonder after EFSA's views.

There is one other thing which is labelling. Ministers may decide that as long as the product is labelled

theatre. If the EU did indeed have a superior meat

correctly then should consumers be denied a choice.

production and inspection systems then fine but

On hormones in beef again the science rather

do they? Current EU meat inspection according to

stymies the public health argument as we used

the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) delivers

them for years without any food scare as far as I

Nobody can argue that cheap imports could be

very little benefit to public health, animal health

remember. And of course, the UK was exempted

a threat to UK production but marketing our

or welfare and with good reason. Visual inspection

from WTO approved retaliation because it supported provenance has worked well so far. Just ask the pig

doesn't pick up any of the common pathogens – E.

the American position that hormones were safe. It

industry which has faced cheap imports for years

coli, salmonella, campylobacter etc. But chlorine

would be odd indeed if the UK changed its position

and survived. Using the health argument seems a

added to cooling water significantly reduces cross-

because of Brexit.

hostage to fortune to me given the science but a renewed effort on provenance may just do the trick.

contamination during chicken processing and lactic acid treatment of beef provides a control for E. coli.

So what is our best defence against cheap imports?

Inferior system?

Provenance. Over the last few years we have made

Of course I could be wrong!

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08

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SUMMER 2017

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9.8 244,103 MILLION CATTLE WERE TESTED IN 2016 IN BRITAIN.

CATTLE HAVE BEEN CULLED IN ENGLAND DUE TO TB BETWEEN 2008 AND DECEMBER 2016.

TB IS SPREADING ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THERE WERE

4,499

NEW OUTBREAKS IN BRITAIN DURING 2016.

#TBfree

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www.tbfreeengland.co.uk

SUMMER 2017

TB COMMITTEE UPDATE

IMAGE CREDIT: LUING CATTLE SOCIETY

TB committee report

BY BILL HARPER CHAIRMAN OF THE TB COMMITTEE

The TB committee have been continuing the work supporting the government’s 25 year TB eradication plan. However, we are also working to ensure that this plan is implemented in a way that allows farmers to continue farming whilst this difficult process takes place.

Early in the year work was focused on campaigning to DEFRA to ensure the continuation of the AFUS with grazing in cull areas. After evidence provided by the NBA TB committee Defra granted a further extension of the notice period for grazing AFUs within the cull areas, moving from 12 months to 24 months with a review at the end of the 24 months.

Since then, the committee have been working with several finishers throughout the country to formulate the below proposal that will help ensure the flow of beef coming from the finishing units, something that is vital to allow a market for cattle bred in TB restricted areas.

The Proposal

We ask government to seriously consider these issues which are affecting finishers abilities to provide a constant stream of finished cattle to various markets and processors. We support measures to reduce infection from wildlife whilst grazing, we have worked effectively to provide facilities to finish cattle and control the spread of TB i.e. AFU’s (Approved Finishing Units) with and without grazing.

Our three key issues are:

one If a large scale finisher has an isolated single abattoir case, the farm is visited by a senior DEFRA vet who is authorised to have the discretion to look at each situation and to find a way of isolating and testing the group the animal came from and allowing the farm to continue bringing in stock to keep the supply of finished animals going out. Units of this scale cannot be prevented from buying for 60 days as a key buying season i.e. Spring or Autumn could be missed leaving yards empty.

two Cattle finishers that sign up to cull zones should not see the rules change after they have signed a contract with Natural England. The two recent examples of changes to AFU with grazing policy and Gamma Interferon testing persistently infected herds are issues that may prevent finishers signing up in the future

three A small change in the rules regarding calves from TB restricted dairy farms going into isolation units, from the current position of only one source to 3 or 4 sources would make the system work well with a finisher / rearer able to fill a unit over a month, shut it down and test twice allowing the calves / cattle to go on and graze as clean animals.

If you agree and would like to support our campaign please contact the NBA head office on info@nationalbeefassociation.com and provide us with your location and number of finished animals.

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SUMMER 2017

11

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

BREED SOCIETIES NEWS

BEEF SHORTHORN CATTLE SOCIETY

even greater role to play in modern sustainable agriculture post Brexit due to its ability to thrive in profit driven, low input forage based systems.”

Joanna Bailey has been appointed secretary of

the Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society from 1 August.

Beef Shorthorn Society president, Sally Horrell

She brings 25 years of experience working in the

commented: “Joanna brings a wealth of skills,

industry, from grass roots to supply sector and

experience and enthusiasm which we are confident

moves to the position from her role as commercial

will help to take us on to the next exciting chapter

manager for NSF Agriculture where she was

– to continue the phenomenal growth for Beef

responsible for a broad range of business growth

Shorthorn, the British functional suckler cow, and

led activity including marketing, shows, events and

developing the Society with its new structure and

sponsorship.

own management arrangements.”

After graduating from Harper Adams, Joanna went on to complete a Masters degree in agriculture at University College Dublin. She progressed in various management roles within the dairy and

JOSHUA REACHES THE FINAL THREE IN THE FARMERS WEEKLY AGRICULTURAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

buying group sectors before joining NSF. She is a

Harper Adams University student Joshua

member of the East Midlands Farm Management

Dowbiggin, 21, has reached the final three in the

Association and has a wide range of practical

Farmers Weekly Agricultural Student of the Year

agricultural experience including running her own

competition.

experience, helping me to achieve a place in the

flock of high health status pedigree sheep. Joanna

final. This makes all the hard work worthwhile!"

also established and manages her own Christmas

Josh is better known to Hereford breeders as one of

tree business.

three young members whom the Society sponsored

Welcoming the news, agriculture courses manager

to attend the 2016 World Hereford Conference held

Dr Russell Readman said: “We are extremely

Joanna commented: “I am delighted to join the Beef

in Montevideo, Uruguay.

proud to have two Harper students in the final

Shorthorn Cattle Society. I am looking forward to

three for this national award. Helen Brown and

meeting members at regional club meetings as well

Josh, from Salterforth, Lancashire, will now face

Josh Dowbiggin are outstanding candidates for

as around the show ring, and helping to further

the scrutiny of independent judge Ian Pigott, last

the award and a great example of the talent being

progress the breed which I believe will have an

year’s student winner Claire Simonetta and Emma

nurtured here at Harper Adams.”

Northam, from Farmers Weekly.

The Farmers Weekly Award winners will be

He is a third-year student and was nominated for

revealed at a gala dinner in London in October.

the award by his placement employer, Co-op Food, due to his performance during the sandwich year of his course, which he will complete this summer.

Josh also runs Ghyll Beck Hereford Stud, marketing imported embryos and semen on line, which helps

BEEF SHORTHORN CATTLE SOCIETY APPOINTS JOANNA BAILEY AS BREED SECRETARY 12

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

BRITISH BLUE CATTLE SOCIETY

to fund his studies.

A new breed record for a British Blue bull was

smashed at the Annual Spring Show & Sale at

In 2016 Josh also organised & hosted the very

Carlisle on Saturday 20th May when Dragon

successful “Designer Genes Select Hereford Female

Blues Kai ET shown by GW & K Williams sold for

Sale”, which is set to become an annual fixture.

24,000gns. Kai, a son of Tweeddale Hebony and

out of Dragon Blues Gweno, had taken the Reserve

Josh said: "It's a huge honour to get through to

Senior Male Championship in the show and sold to

the final three for the FW Agricultural Student

TE Jones & Co, Bailea Farm, Powys.

of the Year award and to be able to represent Harper Adams in the final. My time at Harper has

The Supreme Champion, Bedgebury Kent offered

certainly allowed me to expand my knowledge and

by Andrew Price sold for 15,000gns and joins the SUMMER 2017

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

Brecon, 424 pedigree Limousins went through the

BREED SOCIETIES, DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS, YOU WOULD LIKE US TO PUBLISH?

ring to gross just over an incredible £2 million. In

For your free article to be featured in the next issue please email your copy and any images to nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com

to pay for their bulls of choice, there were some

Stoneleigh herd for EC Haste & Sons. A further 5 bulls all sold at 10,000gns or above with a clearance of 84% for the bulls.

LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY

almost every instance averages and/or numbers were significantly up on the year. While the sales were driven by commercial buyers, clearly willing notable high end pedigree prices. Leading the way, at Carlisle, was James McKay, Co Derry, who sold the January 2016 born Ampertaine Mozart for 100,000gns to the Procters herd based in Clithero, Lancashire. A strong demand for Limousin genetics has resulted in multi-export of semen through the online Semenstore to three different continents,

Debbie Butcher has recently joined the British

the USA, Australia and New Zealand. Featuring

Also hitting the high spots at 12,000gns, was Dragon

Limousin Cattle Society. She has been appointed to

established names and bloodlines within the breed

Blues Kevin ET a 26 month old bull from the same

the new position of Communications & Marketing

the exports comprised of semen from Dolcorsllwyn

flush as the top price bull Dragon Blues Kai. Kevin

Manager. Bringing a wealth of practical industry

Fabio, Ampertaine Foreman, Bahut, Procters

stood 2nd in his class and was knocked down to H

experience to the Society, Debbie has been

Duvalier, Titanic, Wilodge Cerberus, Fenomen and

Harvey & Son, Waxham Hall, Norwich, Norfolk.

working as the Senior Beef and Lamb Analyst at the

Karlos. The online Semenstore continues to provide

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

easy access, visibility and choice on a worldwide

The leading female price went to Mel & Diane Lucas

(AHDB) for the past 10 years or so. Commenting,

basis to a wide range of Limousin genetics.

for their 2nd prize winning cow Lukeroyal Fidget

BLCS Chief Executive Iain Kerr said: “This is a

ET from the Baron du bois Bauloye and Lukeroyal

key appointment for the Society. Communication,

Clarabelle flush. She was sold for 7,000gns to an

promotion and knowledge exchange of the Society’s

undisclosed buyer.

breed development work, commercial relevance, and ongoing achievement and performance, is so

The Female Championship was awarded to Richard

important. Debbie’s appointment will increase the

Tiplady with Tipladys Lottie, sired by Tweeddale

Society’s professionalism in delivering these key

Ironman and out of Franks Exasperation ET and

messages to every level of the beef industry.”

sold to Andrew Anderson, Smallburn Farm, Elgin for

Debbie has already seen the breed at first hand

4,500gns.

attending Borderway’s annual May Limousin Sale.

Billed in the run up as a ‘fantastic fortnight’ the four official BLCS Limousin sales during early May more

AVERAGES 64 Bulls Overall

£5,717.58 (+£611.08)

32 Maiden Heifers £2,725.08

than lived up to their hype. Kicking off at Stirling, through Ballymena then Carlisle and concluding at

LONGHORN CATTLE SOCIETY

The Longhorn Cattle Society's National Show was held at Lincoln Show on 21st June 2017.

Exhibitors and visitors were treated to the hottest day of the year but that did not stop a superb display of cattle being shown to their absolute best.

Danny Wyllie found his Champion in Richard and Vicki Burton's three year old bull Riverlands Oink, and the Reserve Champion was Peter Close's cow Fishwick Kanara. On the second day Oink went on to be best Native in the Beef Interbreed and the team of Southfield Lace (Harry Blockley), Carreg Quartet (Bernard Llewellyn) and Riverlands Oink stood best Native team in the Interbreed Teams of Three.

BRITISH BLUE BREED RECORD

A new breed record for a British Blue bull was smashed at the Annual Spring Show & Sale at Carlisle on Saturday 20th May when Dragon Blues Kai ET shown by GW & K Williams sold for 24,000gns.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

13

NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

REGIONAL round-ups IMAGE CREDIT: HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

REGIONAL COUNCILS CONTACTS NORTHERN DAVID THOMLINSON - CHAIRMAN Carlisle CA1 2RS Tel: 07802 675799 Email: david@thomlinson.co.uk HELEN DOBSON - SECRETARY/TREASURER Hexham NE46 3SG Tel: 01434 601005 Email: helen@nationalbeefassociation.com MIDLANDS JOHN BELL - CHAIRMAN Northamptonshire NN11 5NP Tel: 07188 890320 Email: jjmeatgod@btconnect.com SOUTH WEST BILL HARPER - CHAIRMAN Devon EX22 6RZ Tel: 01409271376 Email: harpersholdings@btinternet.com VICKY SMITH - SECRETARY Exeter EX5 4LZ Tel: 07773 340008 Email: natbeefsw@gmail.com WALES CONTACT HEAD OFFICE Tel: 01434 601005 NORTHERN IRELAND JOHN SHERIDAN - CHAIRMAN County Fermanagh, BT92 1ED Tel: 07977454959 Email: sheridanjohnr@aol.com CHARLES CURRAN - SECRETARY Co Down BT34 4RH Tel: 07732 470762 Email: homesteadblondes@btinternet.com SCOTLAND NEIL MCCORKINDALE - CHAIRMAN Argyll PA34 4UU Tel: 01852 316282 Email: scammadale@hotmail.com DUNCAN TODD - SECRETARY Kilmarnock KA3 2TN Tel: 07734 812704 Email: duncan@agment.co.uk

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SOUTH WEST The NBA South West has had a busy period with the work on our new Agrifest Event supported by the Royal Smithfield Club. The team who run the event led

by Rob Venner and Vicki Smith are looking forward to a dynamic event which is a must be there situation for all South West Beef and Sheep farmers. The South West Beef Council’s political team are responsible for putting on the seminars at the event and are building an interesting line up of politicians, researchers, vets, farmers and meat industry experts. The council met in early July and worked hard on two key areas, firstly developing a Brexit strategy that works for South West beef farmers and this when collated with National policy will be presented to DEFRA’s policy team, secondly we debated a back to basics approach to our ongoing TB issues, we are all concerned at the lack of a really accurate test. Skin testing does not find all the infected animals and Gamma Interferon can be very unpredictable and over sensitive, picking up animals with other related organisms. We are very interested in work going on at Exeter University on the development of a better blood test. We were also concerned at DEFRA’s propensity to add rule changes particularly in cull areas after agreements have be made with Natural England. The work we launched at Beef Expo has gathered pace and we have over 150 Cattle finishers signed up to our three point proposal. We are waiting to hear when DEFRA will receive our petition and if you have not signed yet, our points are in the TB Committee section of the magazine.

MIDLANDS After a very successful Beef Expo event at Stoneleigh, it was encouraging to see so many young beef farmers getting involved in the region from those competing in the future beef farmer competition to guiding farm tours and helping in the setting up of the event. The event also set a platform for beef farmers in the Midlands to share knowledge and come together, something which I believe we need to do much more of in the region. With this in mind, we are now hoping to reenergise our regional committee and will be holding our first Midlands committee meeting at the end of the month in Daventry. As we are the heart of the beef finishing country, I feel we have an important role in contributing to policy that effects finishing systems, meat pricing and beef markets. We must also ensure we continue to hold events and meetings in the region that

are targeted and allow for knowledge sharing so that we can champion efficiencies and stay up to date with the latest research and technology. We encourage any enthusiastic farmers who share our views to get involved with the committee. For details of the meeting please contact Rosie on 07876 742081 or email on rosie@nationalbeefassociation.com.

SCOTLAND The last 4 weeks have been particularly busy for the SBA. Starting in early June with our bi-annual Beef event, this year at Fans Farm, Earlston, in the Scottish Borders. This is one of the driest parts of the country and for the previous month our hosts, Douglas Stewart and family, were crying out for rain.

Unfortunately, they got it on the wrong day. However, with plenty of shed cover and a large hard standing in the middle of the farm buildings, the event proved to be an enormous success with approximately 3000 visitors attending. The SBA are extremely grateful to the Stewart family, Sion Williams the event chairman, and the organizing committee for their hard work which made sure that no one went home disappointed with their day. The next key event in the SBA calendar was the Highland Show.

The attendance of the newly appointed Secretary of State for Environmental and Rural affairs, Michael Gove, meant an already hectic schedule became even more hectic. However, along with others, mostly from the Scottish Food and Drink sector, I managed to get from one Scottish Government meeting to a round the table meeting with the Secretary of State in the Ingliston Rural Centre Board room. This involved going out the West gate at the same time as 5000 others were coming in, most of them seemingly with a dog on a long lead. I found Michael Gove to have a good knowledge of Scottish Farming, and it was encouraging that he appeared to acknowledge the important part Beef production has in the successful Scottish Food and Drink Industry, and the worldwide reputation it has. I stressed to him the importance of coupled support for the Beef sector, as cattle numbers continue to fall, and that we are producing quality beef to the very highest standards. He was aware that almost 70% of Scottish Beef is consumed within a 25mile radius of London, and he accepted that we have SUMMER 2017

very high animal welfare and health standards already in place. This might be important as there is every indication any future support payments could be linked to those issues. I just made it to our AGM and reception after a further meeting with David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary. Meetings later in June included Animal health at which Bovine EID was discussed. In the absence of our Board member Andrew Wright who is a leading light in this, John Bell will be attending an industry meeting to discuss the details of a pilot scheme put forward by the Scottish Government. Our next Board meeting will be later this month, hopefully after the west of Scotland gets just a few days of this heatwave that I keep hearing about. Maybe you are all jealous of the moisture we have in the ground?

NORTHERN IRELAND Hello everyone, I am pleased to make my first contribution for Regional Round-Up as Chairperson for the National Beef Association in Northern Ireland. Let us start with the weather, that all important intro to many conversations! I’ve got to say we are having a fantastic grass year and though we got slightly too much rain in Fermanagh just recently, at least it stopped just before we started to poach and most first cuts are in, while many second cuts are getting close to cutting again. We sowed fertilizer on 20/5/17 and cut on the 22/6/17. Regrowth is brilliant and fertilizer is on again. Last year was such a disaster, I would rather not talk about it other than to say that when we eventually managed to get silage saved in mid-August the contractor continued to cut silage from then until the end of the slurry ban, such was the lack of work completed in this area prior to early autumn. So, weather good, growth good, crops brilliant and cattle prices fantastic! I ought to quit on that note, but let me throw some cold water on the above - I would be sorely afraid that the weak sterling is giving us beef guys a false sense of security, if not a fool’s paradise in the face of Brexit. On the lobbying and topics front, and being a strong supporter of hill farming and primary production in marginal areas, it would be appropriate to start with the business of Areas of Natural Constraint ( ANCs).

Nearly half of all red meat primary production (suckler cows and breeding ewes) takes place in the present ANC area. For those who may not be aware, the one million hectares of land we have here were once 75% Less Favoured Area (LFA) and under EU rules arguably 97% (taking out the 3% arable area) of that land is eligible for an ANC payment. The ANC scheme and its legacy schemes in Less Favoured Areas have been around for nearly 50 years. Unlike Scotland who are paying 80% of their original ANC budget next year, the previous Agriculture Minister here decided to cut our payment by 60% thereby making a final payment next year of 40% and effectively sounding the death knell of disadvantaged aid. In its heyday, the scheme brought in £27 to £30 million per year to farmers here and helped both environment and primary red meat production in the hills,to the benefit of all. More recently, around fifteen thousand applicants received around £20 million on 44% of the usable land area. As we lobby and advise Westminster on future templates and mechanisms of THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

policy, surely it would be prudent to have land which even before joining the EU was recognised by national government as being disadvantaged and in need of aid. In which case rather than reinventing the wheel we could quickly qualify and quantify disadvantage on a parallel with our EU neighbours to whom we still hope to export? So it will come as no surprise that I wish to confirm our endorsement of the recent motion of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council calling for the reinstatement of ANC in the above region, and join in the solidarity of all farm lobby groups in the region as they strive for the recognition of ANCs and the former legacy schemes. A copy of the letter will be sent to all councils. On the TB end of things, this cursed disease continued unabated last year and it seems to many that a regular cycle of winter testing to clear out TB is compromised as soon as livestock are put back out for summer grazing. We are pleased to note the long awaited Environmental Farming eligibility agreements have now been sent to both the Higher and Wider successful applicants.

While we welcome these schemes, it is unfortunate that they were not seamless with the previous schemes, nor will the funding support they gave in the past be anything near that of the future. While on the subject of funding, environment and upland red meat production, it is interesting to note what is happening in the new Farm Business Investment Scheme (FBIS). The Tier 2 for this scheme is for projects of up to £250,000. However due to deposition of ammonia and high nitrogen emissions, all building projects including replacement buildings are subject to emission screening by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The fact that 93% of nitrogen emissions here come from livestock, that many pig and poultry farms are concentrated in cluster areas and that anything within 7.5 km of an environmentally designated area, has resulted in many of these applications being turned down. When one notes the above and compares it to the Going For Growth project, it must clearly throw up questions of policy when we see such a head-on crash between the two. Finally we must note our attendance at the information seminar on the DAERA consultation of our Farm Inspection Appeals System which closes on August 4th this year. We continue to debate on this and have asked DAERA for statistics of success rates in first- and second-stage appeals. In the meantime, we have also asked for a finance system similar to the Scottish version wherein a farm business can draw down funds to the extent of its pending claim and reimburse on receipt of its payment when either inspection, appeal or late payment by competent authority has been held up. This is vital when one considers that 85% of total income comes from EU payment here and is absolutely vital for a business cash-flow Keep an eye on your weekly NBA newsletter - we are in the process of planning a number of farm walks and day trips while we also initiate the beginnings of a NI Beef Event which is going to be in February 2018!

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15

FEATURE

FINISHING LATE MATURING BREED WEANED SUCKLER BRED STEERS

BY SIMON P. MARSH PRINCIPAL LECTURER BEEF CATTLE SPECIALIST, HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

With producers in some parts of the country unfortunately having issues marketing suckler bred bulls and incurring penalties for heavy weight (380+kg) carcasses, I thought it appropriate to do some modelling and projected margins using standard costs for intensive finishing of late maturing breed spring born suckled steers.

The standard bull system is based on finishing a

assumed to be finished at significantly lighter weights

330kg weaned calf on ad lib concentrates (plus some

compared to the bulls of 560kg having recorded a

silage to aid rumen function) to finished weights

DLWG of 1.39kg from weaning to slaughter. With a

of 650kg having recorded a DLWG of 1.52kg from

58% kill out this is would produce a 325kg carcase

weaning to slaughter. With a 58.5% kill out this

estimated to grade at R+4= at 13 months old having

equates to a 380kg carcase which is assumed to

been fed 1,450kg concentrates and 900kg (270kg

In the modelling all systems involve finishing the

classify U=2= at 14 months old having been fed 1.75t

DM) silage equating to an FCR of 6.13:1.

heifers from the herd at 20 months old at 330kg

concentrates and 1.2t (360kg DM) silage resulting in

The silage and concentrate fed steers are assumed to

carcasses with silage costed at £80/t DM and

an FCR of 5.88:1.

be finished at slightly higher weights of 585kg having

concentrates including some home grown cereals

SIMON MARSH (L) & SIMON FROST (R)

recorded a DLWG of 1.31kg from weaning to slaughter

at £160/t to finish the calves. With a base carcase

The steer systems are based on finishing a 310kg

at 14 months old. Projected performance details are

price of £3.42/kg with a 5p deduction for bulls using

weaned calf on either ad lib concentrates or silage

shown in table 1. The key factor for success with the

the ABP price grid the gross margin per cow for the

and concentrates fed on a 50:50 dry matter basis.

steer silage system is feeding high energy (11.0+ ME)

bull systems was £603. The silage plus cereal and

The steers finished on ad lib concentrates are

silage.

cereal steer systems margins were £570 and £568

TABLE 1: Targets for intensively finished late

Table 2: Effect of sex and diet on the performance of

maturing breed suckled male calves

suckler bulls and steers finished at 19 months old

BULLS STEERS Feeding system Cereals Cereals Silage + Cereals Start wt (kg) @ 7 mo. old 330 310 310 Slaughter age (months) 14 13 14 Slaughter wt (kg) 650 560 585 DLWG from birth (kg) 1.42 1.30 1.26 DLWG from weaning (kg) 1.52 1.39 1.31 Carcase wt (kg) 380 325 335 Carcase DG from birth (kg) 0.89 0.82 0.78 Carcase class U=2= R+4= R=4= Concentrates (kg) 1,750 1,450 980 Silage (kg DM) 360 270 925 FCR (kg DM: kg gain) 5.88 6.13 6.46

GENDER System from 12 months old

Livewt: end of winter (kg) DLWG: turnout-98 days (kg) DLWG: 98days-slaughter (kg) Slaughter wt (kg) KO% Carcase wt (kg) Carcase fat (1-15) Conformation (1-15)

16

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

BULLS Grazed for Housed and 98 days fed ad and housed lib Concs 438 464 1.49 1.82 1.79 1.33 711 728 57.1 57.5 406 419 6.7 (2+/3-) 7.9 (3=) 9.9 (U-) 10.2 (U-)

STEERS Grazed for Housed and 98 days fed ad and housed lib Concs 433 468 1.28 1.64 1.51 0.87 651 683 55.9 56.0 364 382 7.9 (3=) 8.6 (3=/3+) 8.9 (R+) 9.1 (3+)

SUMMER 2017

FEATURE respectively. Therefore if there isn’t a market for bulls

crop trial and recorded carcase weights of 275-285kg

the performance of the steers against the bulls. As

then consider the option to finish them as steers with

classifying R/-U4L. See Harper Adams beef trial report

expected the bulls had significantly greater growth

relatively minimal effect on margin especially if you

2003(b) for further details. Since 2003 there has been

rates, carcase weights, better conformation scores

have some good quality silage that can be fed. The

a marked improvement in the genetic merit of our

and were leaner (see table 2). On the 15-point carcass

steer systems will obviously overcome any potential

cattle and the Limousins involved in the study were

classification scale, bulls were one score leaner and

housing and handling issues with young bulls.

bred by bulls with average Beef Values.

one score better in conformation, than steers. For the

I also modelled a system based on selling calves at

Last spring Harper Adams Beef Focus Farmer Simon

steer system, grazing the cattle for 98 days and then

8 months old (1 month after weaning) with steers

Frost in Derbyshire who achieves exceptional

housing for 2 months on ad lib concentrates produced

weighing 350kg live @ £2.60/kg equating to £910

performance with his Charolais x Lim/Fr calves

very acceptable carcase weight of 364kg. Keeping the

and heifers weighing 320kg @ £2.30/kg equating

castrated a dozen of his bulls and the results will be

steers indoors at 12 months of age and feeding ad lib

to £736 and the gross margin per cow was £530.

reported to NBA members in due course. The previous

concentrates produced heavier carcase weights of

(Editor’s note: as we go to press weaned suckled calf

batch of bull calves recorded a carcase weight of

382kg but would have incurred increased feed costs.

prices are higher than those above but finished beef

424.1kg at just 425 days old (13.9 months) grading

It is interesting to note the fall off in DLWGs with the

prices have also increased)

U+ 3-/3=.

housed steers on ad lib concentrates only recording a

Obviously there will be significant regional variation

FINISHING AT 19 MONTHS

It could therefore be argued that the concentrate fed

on carcase and feed prices but this will affect both

It is extremely difficult to finish late maturing breed

steers should have been slaughtered earlier at lighter

systems whether it’s bulls or steers for any particular

steers on a conventional 18 month system off grass

weights but Teagasc beef studies involve slaughtering

farm. Higher concentrate feed costs will obviously

in the autumn. An alternative approach has been

all animals at set agreed dates.

favour the silage steer system.

investigated by Teagasc in Ireland. Following weaning

DLWG of 0.87kg in the last 65 days prior to slaughter.

at 8 months of age, calves have been store wintered

In comparison to intensive finishing at 13-14 months

I am unaware of any recent trial work intensively

and at 12 months old either kept indoors and fed

old the 19 month systems involving a store winter

finishing suckler bred steers. If you consider that

ad lib concentrates or turned out to grass for 98

will produce carcasses some 40-60kg heavier

finishing steers at 325-335kg carcase weights at 13-14

days then housed and offered ad lib concentrates

however they will incur significantly increased costs

months old is relatively low I would comment that

for 65 days. The experiment involved both steers

for concentrates, forage, and other variable and fixed

we intensively finished some ¾ bred Limousin steers

and bulls however the latter would struggle to find

costs. Some farms may of course not have grazing

back in 2003 at Harper Adams on a cereals/whole

a market in the UK but it is interesting to compare

available to turn out 12 month old calves.

MARCH BORN CHAROLAIS SUCKLED CALVES FROM SIMON FROST’S DERBYSHIRE SUCKLER HERD

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

17

FOOD

THE FEATHERS INN BBQ STICKY BRISKET

BY RHIAN CRADOCK HEAD CHEF THE FEATHER INN

RHIAN CRADOC

K

At the Feathers we have always utilised the whole beast. We combine traditional techniques with more modern butchery techniques to make the best use of the whole carcass.

Bones are simmered for stock, fat rendered down for pasty and frying chips. The liver trimmed and flash fried with onion and bacon, heart and kidney added to steak pies and puddings. The trim all minced for burgers and mince and onions. We use seam butchery to make the best use of the subprime cuts from the forequarter- giving us a much better yield than traditional techniques. We also cure and air dry the thick flank and silverside to produce beef ham or bresaola to use on our ever popular charcuterie board. We work with many local farmers using traditional breeds which give great flavour and affordably, whilst putting money back in to the local economy. We use Aberdeen Angus beef from Hedley West Riding farm, Highland cattle beef from Blackhall mill, Short horn cattle from Cut-thorn farm Gibside and Dexter beef from Southland farm at Gunerton. We have recently been breeding some Japanese Wagyu beef with Richard Faill in Hedley which will produce a unique product. We use many small scale farmers and strive to search out quality, over quantity. We are having a Wagyu Weekend for the August bank holiday with Wagyu dishes and BBQ.

INGREDIENTS 1/2 a whole brisket bone in fat trimmed to 1/2 centimetre thick approx. 2kg For the marinade 500ml beer (any type) or apple juice

PREPARATION 8 HOURS COOKING TIME 45 MIN SERVES 10

250g soft dark brown sugar 100ml Lea and Perrin’s sauce 50g sweet smoked paprika 10g garlic powder or garlic puree 50g salt 100g sugar any type 100ml vinegar of any kind 25g toasted cumin seeds

F SIMPSON & SON IN COCKFIELD, A SMALL, FAMILY RUN NORTHUMBRIAN ABATTOIR, TRADITIONAL MASTER BUTCHER.

10g chipotle chilli powder or regular chilli powder METHOD Combine all the marinade ingredients and bring to the boil. Allow to cool to room temperature then rub into the meat well. Place the meat and marinade in an oven proof dish and loosely cover in foil and place in an oven preheated to 110Oc for eight hours or overnight. An hour either way won’t make much difference.

If you want to serve it from the oven just turn it up to 200Oc to glaze the meat and crisp the fat. This takes around 1/2 hour watching to make sure it doesn’t burn.

TO BBQ On a charcoal BBQ get it ready so that the coals are white. Place the meat as far away as possible from the heat, only turning once to glaze the fat. It should take around 30-45 minutes. Allow to rest for ten minutes before serving with white rolls, your favourite coleslaw , plenty of napkins and a few beers in the sunshine!

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFT OVERS: This is so delicious, it will most probably all get eaten with people going back for more. However if there is only say four of you, it is a good idea to do the whole lot in order to create more delicious meals. Leftover brisket can be reheated in jacket potatoes or served slice the next day with pickles, green leaves and bread in big open sandwiches.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

FEATURE

MODERN CHAROLAIS CALVING EASE GENETIC IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES Breeders responding to commercial demand Charolais breeders are continuing to make strides forward in delivering bulls leaving progeny that are easier to calve, as well as increasingly efficient and high performing, according to the society herdbook’s latest Breedplan report for 2016.

Modern Charolais’ calving ease direct EBV has

momentum as more and more progeny come in to the

Brexit begins and future profit comes under the

increased by 0.8% since 2007 when the breed

system. They represent a meaningful step forward

microscope. “All commercial producers can attempt

society introduced the Breedplan genetic evaluation

towards fulfilling one of the society’s key objectives.

to reduce costs and improve output efficiency,

system, whilst the closely correlated gestation

whilst influencing the marketplace is usually out

length EBV has reduced over the same period by

“Charolais breeders are focused on supplying the

of their control. However, investing in a modern

0.2 days. Furthermore, there has been a continued

market with genetics that strike a balance between

Charolais terminal sire with high EBVs for calving

improvement for each performance trait. For

those key traits which are destined to make a

ease combined with performance traits will help to

example, 200 day and 400 day growth rates have

significant contribution towards efficient profitable

minimise labour requirements and accompanying

increased by +4.0kg and +8.0kg respectively. See

beef enterprises. And their selection processes will

costs, and leave calves that consistently achieve

table 1.

continue to meet future demand. Breeders are aware

premiums in the marketplace. Those premiums are

that commercial livestock farmers are starting to

likely to persist as Charolais cross cattle continue

“Our breeders are using the Breedplan system to

gear up their enterprises for changes to the current

to reach target finishing weight faster and more

carefully select animals that will not only continue to

payment system as CAP support comes to an end,

efficiently than all other crosses.”

improve growth rate and carcase characteristics, but also to tackle head on improving calving ease,” says

Table 1: Charolais Breedplan trends 2007/15

British Charolais Cattle Society chief executive, Peter

EBV

Phythian.

“Genetic progress is both permanent and cumulative, and these latest genetic trends are clearly gaining

Herdbook ave

Calving Ease Direct (%)

Gestation Length (days)

200 day (kg)

400 day (kg)

600 day (kg)

+0.8

-0.2

+4.0

+8.0

+11.0

Source: Breedplan

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

19

ADVERTORIAL

BACK FOR 2017

EUROPES NO.1 LIVESTOCK SHOW On 4, 5 and 6 October 2017, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE (LIVESTOCK SUMMIT) will be back at the Grande Halle d’Auvergne exhibition centre in Clermont-Ferrand (France) for its 26th edition.

With 3 months to go until gates open for the

Set in the heart of the biggest area of natural

at each hall. The packed 3-day schedule will be

leading European forum for livestock professionals,

rangeland in Europe, the SOMMET DE L’ÉLEVAGE

smartly paced by a flurry of events, from national

the organizers are feeling good, as General

is an exceptional showcase for French knowhow

or inter-regional breed competitions to breed

Manager Fabrice Berthon explains: “With well over

in livestock breeding and breed genetics. Already

shows to auctions, demonstrations, and more.

1,000 exhibitors registered and 60-odd new direct

worldwide leading trade show for the beef sector,

exhibitors already announced, we have a slight

the SOMMET has also carved out a position as

In 2016, 4,000 international visitors-from 84

headstart over the same period in 2016.

the leading national forum for dairy and dairying

different countries made the trip out to Clermont-

breeders in mountain upland zones, and for the

Ferrand, just to be here at the SOMMET DE

sheep and horse subsectors.

L’ÉLEVAGE. A big factor is surely that the SOMMET

We are well on track to hit our objective for this

pulls out all the stops to offer international

year, which is to continue growing and get even

delegations the best experience possible.

more exhibitors than last year. With 2,000 elite

Year-in year-out, the SOMMET host the

animals, 1,500 exhibitors expected-including 300

very best of what French and European livestock

international exhibitors from 30 countries-and

has to offer: 750 beef cattle, 550 dairy cattle,

More information on the event, or on

thirty-odd conferences and seminars lined up, the

400 sheep and 300 horses, for a total of 2,000

international visitor packages can be found on

2017 SOMMET is shaping up as another classic”.

rigorously-selected animals on show in arena rings

the website.

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www.agrilys-incoming.com www.agrilys-incoming.com SUMMER 2017

BEEF EXPO 2017 REVIEW

BEEF EXPO REVIEW GENERAL OVERVIEW

The prestigious annual Beef Event, the NBA Beef Expo, took place in May at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

Organised by the National Beef Association this event showcased everything truly British about the UK’s beef sector, bringing together the very best in British commercial and pedigree cattle, equipment, knowledge-sharing, and show classes for everyone involved in the industry.

Attended by approximately 4,000 visitors,

A model arable farm and AFU, finishing 1,300

they had. It just made the whole thing even more

including an 86 strong bus trip from Northern

head of Limousine type stores on home mixed TMR

worthwhile.”

Ireland and a delegation of European visitors, the

rations. Visitors viewed sheds of E and U grade

showground was bustling. The 105 commercial

cattle all bought and sold through the live market

On Wednesday evening, almost 320 people

trade stands and 20 Breed Society Stands were

system, a fantastic display of quality British cattle

gathered in Warwick Hall at Stoneleigh Park to

kept busy with farmers throughout the day,

performing exceptionally in this immaculate

enjoy the annual Beef Industry Dinner, this year

all eager to learn of the latest innovations and

system. Berryfields Farm was the final farm tour of

chaired by John Bell, long standing member of the

technologies available for the Beef Industry

the day. An insightful tour promoting the benefits

NBA, sponsor of the future farmer competition,

Professional.

of an integrated supply chain, showcasing John

farm tour host and Chairman of the NBA Midlands

Bells impressive 2000 head finishing unit and

Region. A delicious beef dinner, with Aberdeen

The NBA Beef Expo set off to a flying start with the

Feed company Berrystock feeds. Visitors were able

Angus beef kindly provided by Dovecote Park

prestigious Beef Expo farm tours, this year visiting

to view a complete supply chain; Meadow Quality

after which Peter Slack, a renowned after dinner

three exceptional farms in a jam-packed day of

explained the supply of calves from the dairy herd,

speaker took to the stage. A third-generation

knowledge sharing for all. Although the weather

and John explained the feeding system which

farmer himself, Peter entertained the crowd with

was a little wet it did not detract from the fantastic

utilises specialised feeds produced by Berrystock

tales acquired over his lifetime within the industry.

quality of the farm tour farms, or dampen the

to finish cattle in outdoor corals and produce

spirits of the six bus-loads of enthusiastic farmers.

uniform finished cattle to be sold direct to Dunbia.

The trade stands and breed societies as always

Tractor and trailer rides drove through field upon

A forward-thinking business model which did not

put on a fantastic display. The winner of the Best

field of quality Beef Shorthorn, South Devon and

fail to inspire visitors.

Breed Society Stand, judged by NBA Directors John Vanstone and William Walton, was awarded to

Saler cross suckler cattle with calves at foot at Rodger and Tom Elliott’s impressive beef and

A hot beef lunch served at the Elliott’s farm

the Aberdeen Angus, Highly Commended was won

sheep farm. The father and son duo explained to

including native heifer beef provided by their

by the Herefords while Commended was given to

visitors how their farming enterprise had grown

butcher’s shop topped off the day, and emphasised

the Lincoln Reds. The Best Indoor Stand, judged

from a small family abattoir and butchers to an

the quality produce from the farm. Speaking on the

by Roger and Tom Elliott, was won by Meadow

extensive beef and sheep operation, optimising

farm tours, Tom Elliott, farm tour host said “We are

Quality, Highly Commended went to Dow Agri

forage from 1,350 acres of majority rented

so proud of what we do and it was an honour to be

Services and Commended was awarded to For

pasture to produce quality native bred stores and

asked to be part of the Expo, and have the chance

Farmers. The Best Outdoor Trade Stand, judged

replacement heifers. Jane, Mike and Charlie Wills

to show off our cows and calves. The following day

by the Wills Family, was awarded to TeeMore

of Upper Coton Farms welcomed guests to their

was great, we had so many of our guests come

Engineering, Highly Commended went to Keenan

spotless approved finishing unit in Guilsborough.

up to us and congratulate us on what a great visit

while Commended was given to Kelvin Cave LTD.

POLLED. EFFICIENT. PRODUCTIVE.

SOCIETY SALES 2017

CIRENCESTER MARKET 5TH AUGUST MELTON MOWBRAY MARKET 9TH SEPT

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

BRITISH WHITE CATTLE SOCIETY Tel: 01400 230142 • Email: brtwhitecs@aol.com • Web: www.britishwhitecattle.co.uk

SUMMER 2017

21

BEEF EXPO 2017 REVIEW

MONTY REIGNS SUPREME

The Beef Expo kicked off with the prestigious Commercial Cattle Show. A tremendous display of over 100 cattle, turned out to the highest of standards.

A tough competition, however yet again it was the Welshmen who came out on top in the Championships!

The Overall Supreme Championship and Champion Steer was taken by “Monty”, a Limousin Steer,

OVERALL SUPR

owned by B E Williams. Of his champion, judge Colin

EME CHAMPIO

N 'MONTY'

Phillips said: “The steer had exceptional balance

British Blue cow and was shown

which just gave it the edge. The championship line-

by Hannah Brown, Leyburn.

up was superb, and the cattle are a credit to their owners and handlers.”Bred by G. Lewis, Welshpool,

Rio added the blue ticket to its impressive tally,

this Lodge Hamlet son was bought privately in

which includes the commercial championship

September, and was having its show ring debut.

at Skipton the week previous, and reserve

Weighing 544kgs, it was born in April 2016, and was

championship titles at both English and Scottish

shown on the day by Neil Lloyd, Hereford.

winter fairs.

The Overall Reserve Champion and Champion Heifer

The Baby Beef Championships were dominated

was won by JM & SM Rowlands with “Cheeky Girl”

by the Heifers, The Champion Baby Beef was won

a Limousin Heifer. Bred by D. Brute, Brecon, and

by T & K Bodily with “Serena” This July 2016-born

shown by him on the day, the heifer was bought by

was bought by the family at Brecon show potential

Mr Rowlands for £4,000 at the Welsh Winter Fair.

sale in February for £1,700, from M. and B. Jones,

Weighing in at 507kg, it is by the Limousin Cwmlimo

Sennybridge.

Hercules, and out of a Brutus Cracker-sired heifer.

By the British Blue bull Dragons Blues Factor, it

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Reserve Champion Steer was won by a British Blue

tipped the scale at 343kgs and will be heading to

“Panda” shown by T Jones. This homebred is by

the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh shows this

Netherwood Umpire, and out of the Limousin cross

summer, before being aimed at the winter show

cow Black Beauty, which was a winner itself at

circuit. While the Reserve Championship went to E

Countryside Live and Agri Expo in 2012. Weighing

& S Layton with “Lady De Beaut” Bought privately

445kg, it was also having its first outing and will be

last month, it is by a Limousin bull and out of

aimed at the Royal Welsh in July. Reserve Champion

Limousin cross Blue cow by Brutes Cracker. All the

Heifer was taken by Neil Slack with his Limousin

Championship prizes were kindly sponsored by

Heifer “Rio” A homebred by Rossignol, it is out of a

Crystalyx.

SUMMER 2017

BEEF EXPO 2017 REVIEW

SOUTH DEVONS'

PERFORMANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

PERFORMANCE, DOCILITY, MILK, AND BEEF QUALITY

QUIETLY GOING PLACES!

The 8th NATIONAL SHOW of South Devons will be hosted b The Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge, Cornwall, 8th-10th June

THE SDHBS IS DELIGHTED TO BE HOLDING ITS ANNU TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS WITHIN NBA BEEF EXPO AT STONELEIGH ON THURSDAY 18TH MA

The third staging of the South Devons Performance Championships this year took place within the NBA Beef Expo at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. With a different slant to agricultural shows, this unique South Devon event draws in young breeding cattle from herds that record performance with Breedplan, using published EBVs and Indexes. Animals are judged equally on inspection by a listed Society judge, and on performance indexes.

This year there were five classes of 26 young bulls

Connor Whitehead’s Conam herd, Telford,

and heifers, from 13 exhibitors whose herds run

Shropshire – a smart two year old heifer bred

in Devon, Somerset, Staffordshire, Shropshire,

by Tim Kent, Baschurch, Shropshire. AI Z Eyton

Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire,

SAS Lolita 10 is by AI bull Hawkley SAS Intrepid

Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

whose semen is marketed by Genus. Reserve

CHAMPION 'EY

female champion was Hadley Farms’ polled Each class was presented to Judge Mr David

heifer Z Knightcote Cherry 1, a 2015 born heifer

Thomas from Treguddick, Launceston, Cornwall,

by Z Polkinghorne Tudor and out of Z Bittleford

and once he had decided on his order, these

Cherry 124.

TON SAS LOLIT A 10'

Chris Page’s Coton Ludo 5, a March 2016-born SOUTH DEVON HERD BOOK SOCIETY, bull by Juniper Ludo. CLYST ST MARY, EXETER, DEVON, EX WESTPOINT, telephone: 01392 447494 email: info@sdhbs.or Breed Secretary Caroline Poultney said, “We are

delighted to have runWWW.SDHBS.ORG.UK such a successful event at

points were added to the performance index to

Beef Expo, and are most grateful to the NBA for

reach the final placing. This method of judging

Male champion was also bred by Tim Kent,

challenges the traditional ‘looks only’ way of

March 2015-born polled bull Z Eyton Trusty 3, by

placing animals – and almost all of the final

Wenfork Trusty 5 and out of Z Eyton SAS Dolly

placing's endorsed the ratings given by the

7, and with bloodlines going back to Trevassack,

performance points.

Tregotha, Billington

their warm welcome. It has certainly been an excellent opportunity to show off the virtues of the breed and their ability to produce meaningful Estimated Breeding Values.”

and Betton. Reserve Female and overall breed champion came from

male champion was

PERFORMANCE, DOCILITY, MILK, AND BEEF QUALITY

QUIETLY GOING PLACES!

AUTUMN SHOW & SALE SATURDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2017

CIRENCESTER LIVESTOCK CENTRE - SATURDAY 7TH OCTOBER 2017

SOUTH DEVON HERD BOOK SOCIETY, WESTPOINT, CLYST ST MARY, EXETER, DEVON, EX5 1DJ

telephone: 01392 447494 email: info@sdhbs.org.uk

WWW.SDHBS.ORG.UK THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

23 11

BEEF EXPO 2017 REVIEW

NBA BEEF EXPO NORTHERN IRISH

FARM TOURS REVIEW

BY BRIAN DONALDSON

Three-day tour takes Northern Irish farmers to the heart of beef production in England and Wales The largest ever organised group of farmers from Northern Ireland and parts of the Republic of Ireland attended the NBA Beef Expo 2017 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire and visited leading livestock farms in England and Wales in May. The group of 84 farmers from Northern Ireland,

weeks. During the second day of their NBA tour,

at the rate of 25 per week. Quality cattle are

as well as Counties Donegal and Meath were

the Northern Irish farmers joined another 200

sourced from marts and from farmers.

taking part in the fourth annual farm tour

farmers on visits to three leading livestock farms

organised by NBA Board member, Stephen

including Berryfields Farm near Daventry to meet

The other farm visit was to Upper Heyford Farm

Heenan, from Seaforde, Co. Down.

John Bell, owner of Berrystock Feeds, where he

run by Tom and Roger Elliott managing 850

outlined the benefits of an integrated beef supply

cattle and 700 ewes on 1,350 acres of mostly

chain.

rented parkland and pasture.

Wales,where he farms 290 hectares of upland,

The farm finishes around 2,000 head of dairy

With a butchery business, the Elliott's produce

running 140 suckler cows and 1,500 ewes.

bred cattle per year to supply Dunbia.

premium heifers and bulls to sell on to pedigree

Their first stop was to Richard Tudor's Llysun beef and sheep farm at Llanerfyl, Powys in

and commercial herds as well as steers and

Richard, who is currently Farmers' Weekly's “Beef Farmer of the Year” normally sells most of

Owner, John Bell said: “We are in the beef

finished cattle supplying the Morrison's

the younger cattle as stores but is now looking

production business to make money. It's not a

Shorthorn Scheme.

at finishing cattle and he will be looking at

hobby or pastime. Everything here has to make

Aberdeen Angus and other breeds which will

money. We have to be precise in everything we

The farm visits were just part of an overall tour

enable him to finish easier off grass.

do. Attention to detail is something we worship.

which included the Beef Expo 2017 dinner in

A visit to Upper Coton Farm owned by Mike, Jane

Warwick Hall and a visit on the third day to the

The farm, purchased by his parents in 1968, lies

and Charlie Wills, enabled the Northern Ireland

National Beef Expo, described as a “Festival

between 500 to 1,400 feet above sea level. The

visitors see their approved finishing unit which

of British Beef,” at the National Agricultural

difference in altitude on the farm results in a

finishes 1,300 cattle, mostly Limousins each

Exhibition Centre, Stoneleigh Park.

range of grass growth in the spring of up to eight

year, which are sold in the live ring at Selby

RICHARD TUDOR SPEAKING TO NORTHERN IRELAND MEMBERS OF THE NBA DURING THE VISIT TO THEIR FARM IN POWYS

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SUMMER 2017

JOHN SHERIDAN (R), NORTHERN IRELAND REGIONAL CHAIRMAN, NBA, WITH SOME OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND FARMERS AT THE BEEF EXPO DINNER

NBA STAND AT BEEF EXPO (FROM LEFT); WILLIAM MCCREA, DONEMANA, CO, TYRONE; STEPHEN HEENAN, SEAFORDE, CO. DOWN; JOHN MCCREA, STRABANE CO TYRONE; ERNIE RITCHIE, CASTLEWELLAN, CO, DOWN AND RAYMOND WALLACE, FLORENCECOURT, CO, FERMANAGH.

RICHARD TUDOR EXPLAINING THE MANAGEMENT OF HIS FARM TO SOME OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND FARMERS ON THE TOUR

CROSSING A FORD TO VIEW CATTLE ON RICHARD TUDOR'S FARM

JAMES FROST WITH SOME OF HIS OLDER BEEF CATTLE FROM THE DAIRY HERD BEING FINISHED ON BERRYSTOCK FEEDS

STEPHEN HEENAN(CENTRE), WITH SOME OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND FARMERS ATTENDING THE BEEF EXPO DINNER AT WARWICK HALL, STONELEIGH PARK

JOHN BELL OF BERRYFIELDS FARM AND OWNER OF BERRYSTOCK FEEDS, SPEAKING TO NORTHERN IRELAND MEMBERS OF THE NBA

FARMERS VIEW SOME OF THE HEIFERS ON THE TUDOR FARM, POWYS DURING THEIR NBA TOUR OF ENGLAND AND WALES

WILLIAM MCCREA, DONEMANA AND JOHN MCCREA, STRABANE, WATCHING THE JUDGING AT THE BEEF EXPO

BRITISH SIMMENTAL SOCIETY STAND AT THE NBA BEEF EXPO (FROM LEFT); NEIL SHAND, CHIEF EXECUTIVE; EMMA MCINNES, YOUNG MEMBERS CO-ORDINATOR; ERNIE RITCHIE, CASTLEWELLAN; STEPHEN HEENAN, SEAFORDE AND CHRIS MALLON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

CATTLE AND SHEEP ON RICHARD TUDOR'S FARM IN POWYS

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SUMMER 2017

25 11

BEEF EXPO 2017 REVIEW

STIFF COMPETITION AT THE BEEF EXPO FUTURE BEEF FARMER COMPETITION This year’s AHDB run competition drew in a large crowd of eager young farmers aged from 16-36 years old to compete for the title of Future Beef Farmer. The competition tested the hopeful’s knowledge on several areas of beef production as they visited sponsors stands including Berrystock Feeds, XL vets, Farm Skills and AHDB to be tested on health, genetics, nutrition and carcass classification. Prizes included the Frank Member Memorial Trophy, tickets to the Great Yorkshire Show, one year’s free membership to the NBA, a NBA Gillet, FarmSkills training vouchers, Berrystock Fleece and AHDB Beef & Lamb and FarmSkills goody bags. The winning team mates awarded the NBA’s Duke of Northumberland Trophy were Amy Wilson, Will Rogerson, Matthew Fearon and Jack Baldwyn of Newton Rigg College, while the winner of the individual class, Tom Sellers, received the NBA Frank Momber Memorial Trophy. Second and third prize for the individual class went to Stuart Mycock and Gemma Newby.

A young Farmer Manager making a big difference Rosie McGowan headed off to Shropshire to catch up with Tom Sellers, Winner of the Individual Future Beef Farmer Competition to find out a bit more about this 23-year-old, ambitious new entrant to farming.

Tom is a young Livestock Farm Manager, working full

suckler herd to 100 cows with followers.

Commenting on his work at the farm John Croxton

time at Purslow Hall Farm, a 650-acre mixed farm

Altering the finishing system to aim to finish cattle

owner of Purslow Hall Farm said, “We are very

set in the heart of Shropshire. The farm consists of

sooner (at 24 months) at slightly lighter weights

pleased that Tom has won the competition. He is a

500 acres of pasture and 150 acres of arable to feed

(aiming for 330-380kg)

fantastic addition to the business, one thing is for

the 65 suckler cattle, 420 breeding ewes, 1,000

Changes to cattle finishing rations from corn to a

sure, my old ways are being revised! I look forward to

bought in store lambs and 350 store cattle. Stores

simple TMR incorporating grass and maize silage,

seeing the results in 12 months time.” As if he wasn’t

are mainly bought from Bishops Castle and Ludlow

straw and molasses fed daily. This has increased

busy enough, Tom also takes a month off in February

markets. They are sold, along with home grown

palatability and intake, as well as reducing the

to calve 1,500 dairy cattle on a NZ system at a

cattle throughout the year to ABP and the Hereford

farms corn usage from 9T per week to 5.5T and

nearby estate. In addition, he has his own farming

scheme at Dunbia. Despite having been employed at

achieving greater and more consistent gains of

enterprise, running an AFU to rear B&W calve from

the farm for less than a year Tom has already made

1.4kg/day DLWG. Tom is aiming to not have to buy

a TB restricted unit and a flock of 40 pedigree

some big changes to help improve the profitability.

in any corn next year.

Shropshire ewes kept on rented land. And on top of this he is Competitions secretary for Shropshire

These include: Tom has clearly brought through lessons from his

YFC and has recently been elected onto the YFC

The Introduction of a software package, combined

4 years’ experience as a dairy herdsman. Speaking

National Board of Management to represent the West

with regular weighing of cattle to gain a better

on his move from dairy to beef, Tom said, “Dairy

Midlands and South West Area. Tom's advice for new

understanding of DLWGs and profitability of groups

farms seem to be more aware of the costs and profit

entrants, “Work hard! I have also been lucky to have

of animals. This allows less time to be spent on

margins down to the p/day. I think this is because

had great employers since I entered the industry

paperwork giving more time to focus on the stock.

the output is measured daily rather than at the end

who have been willing to take me on and teach me,

Changing the breeding of the suckler cattle, Tom

of a 3-year production cycle and dairy farmers

which is such an important part of getting started.”

has begun to introduce Hereford x Friesian heifers

make contact with their cattle individually morning

When asked how he felt Brexit would affect the

to the suckler herd to make the herd progeny more

and night so it is very easy to record and monitor

future of the Beef industry Tom said “I think a lot of

consistent, improve cow milkiness, meat quality,

the system.” When asked how the beef units can

people are getting too hyped up about it. We need to

cow temperament and hybrid vigour of progeny by

improve performance, he stated, “The farm must

concentrate first on knowing what our markets want

creating a three way cross with their Simmental

be a business, not just a way of life. You have got to

and what our costs are NOW. We need to be driving

Stock bulls.

know your costs of production and target market. I

efficient businesses as we head towards 2019.”

Tightening the calving pattern from all year round

can’t see how you can run a business without this

to one block in the spring to help ease management

information. Partly I think it is a generation game,

and improve consistency.

Improving grassland management which has

abattoirs used to want big heavy carcasses and would been nominated for Beef Innovator of the Year at this year’s food and farming awards. The NBA would be happy to pay for them but now supermarkets

already led to silaging 1 month earlier. The improved

have greater power and demand smaller cattle to

like to congratulate him on his nomination and look

output has also given the farm the potential to

fit a packet meaning the pricing grid is getting even

forward to revisiting the farm to see the effects of his

increase cattle numbers, they aim to increase the

tighter to hit.”

changes next year.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

It is no surprise that at 23 years old Tom has already

SUMMER 2017

To have two teams in the top three placings at this year’s Beef Expo Future Beef Farmer Challenge was a fantastic achievement for the students and ourselves as a college here at Newton Rigg. It all came down to the hard work and commitment from the individuals as well as some pre-event training and guidance from myself and Stephen Huck a Nutritionist from Carrs Billington. And then for our team of second years studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture to be announced

Q&A

BEEF EXPO 2017 REVIEW

COMMENTING ON THIS YEAR’S WINNING TEAM: RICHARD GARDINER LECTURER AND PROGRAMME MANAGER IN AGRICULTURE, NEWTON RIGG COLLEGE

WITH AMY WILSON WINNING TEAM LEADER

as the overall winners just goes to show their commitment and understanding of an

How old are you and where do you come from?

industry which we at Newton Rigg are very passionate about. Whilst a major part

I’m Amy Wilson an 18 year old Agriculture student at Newton

of the student’s life is studying towards their end of term qualifications, I strongly

Rigg College from a small village called Ellonby in Cumbria.

believe that events such as the Beef Expo are an integral part of student life.

Allowing them to do something they love doing, making them into stronger more

Tell us a bit about your winning team?

confident young people and allow them to be able to meet people from within the

Our winning team consisted of four 18 year old students,

agricultural industry from whom they can obtain a great deal.

including myself Will Rogerson, Matthew Fearon and Jack Baldwyn. We all met through local Young Farmers clubs and the Level 3 agriculture course at Newton Rigg and have since taken part in a range of different competitions on behalf of the college. Will and Matthew are from Cumbria like me and are both from mixed beef and sheep enterprises. Jack is from Redditch and has beef, sheep and arable at his farm at home.

With us all having a background in livestock farming we thought we stood a good chance at the NBA Beef Expo competition and were very pleased to come away as the winning team!

What is your farm enterprise at home?

At home, the main enterprise is our dairy unit however we do also have a small suckler herd and use beef semen on the dairy cows to produce crossbred cattle which we sell as stores at 16-18 months. I select the best suckler calves and train them up to show in the summer months at our local shows. Showing cattle is my passion and I put a lot of time and effort into it.

What first got you into showing beef cattle?

My showing career started in 2010 when I entered a calf in some handling classes and won a couple of local shows. You could say I have caught the showing bug and since then have been competing with our home bred calves!

What is your greatest achievement so far?

In 2016 I qualified for the ‘Cumbria Young Handler of the Year Competition’ and went on to win the final at Hesket Show. I was judged on the perpetration of the calf, presentation of myself, handling of the animal and setting up of the calf to be judged. The same year I went on to win the Agri Beef Expo handling heifer class at Carlisle Livestock Market.

So, what is the next step in your career in Agriculture?

I have just finished my course at college and have got a job at Cattle Information Services milk recording for local dairy farms. I enjoy it because I get to meet different farmers and farms every day and learn from their different systems. I am also starting to help at our local livestock auction mart which is something I hope to get more involved with in the future.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

27 11

FEATURE

UNRAVELLING BEEF QUALITY

The word quality is frequently used in the beef industry, with all links in the supply chain striving to produce a ‘quality’ product. However, before we think about what impacts quality, it is important to consider what the word actually means.

Ultimately, quality means different things to

and growth rate have a degree of heritability, and

different people depending on where they sit in the

estimated breeding values (EBVs) can provide a

supply chain. Producers, processors, retailers and

useful tool towards improved genetic selection.

consumers will all have different perceptions of

Younger animals tend to produce more tender beef,

quality, which is why we often break it down into

while entire males can produce tougher meat. Diet

two separate elements: carcase quality and meat

influences flavour, with forage-based diets giving

quality.

the stronger flavour British consumers prefer. In addition, an even plane of nutrition is important

As the name would suggest, carcase quality refers

for growth rates and resulting tenderness.

to the characteristics of the carcase. It includes factors such as conformation and fat classification,

Careful, stress-free handling during selection,

weight, saleable meat yield and the presence of

marketing and lairage pre-slaughter will minimise

any issues such as bruises or the need for any

the prevalence of dark cutting. During processing,

carcase trimming.

the chilling regime can dramatically influence meat toughness. Considerate chilling to minimise

Meat quality includes factors affecting the

the risk of cold shortening or heat shortening is

appearance of the meat, such as whether it is

essential. The use of electrical stimulation can

visually appealing, if there is any drip loss, the

protect against cold shortening and improve

colour of the lean and fat and the amount of fat.

tenderness, but this needs to be monitored as high

Other less tangible factors also fall within this

electrical inputs can lead to heat shortening. Hip

area, such as its suitability for further processing

suspension, or aitch bone hanging, can enhance

and end use, and its nutritional, microbiological

tenderness of key primals compared to traditional

and ethical status. However, the most important

achilles hanging. Ageing, or maturation, increases

factor which impacts meat quality is arguably

tenderness as well as flavour, although extended

eating quality, which is generally referred to in

ageing can produce off flavours and lead to

terms of tenderness, juiciness and flavour.

rancidity.

So what influences meat eating quality? There

Both carcase and meat quality are important

are many factors from farm to fork, often working

considerations across the beef supply chain but,

synergistically, with no one silver bullet to create

ultimately, delivering a consistent and enjoyable

the perfect product.

eating experience to consumers, that will ensure repeat purchases, is what drives the supply

On-farm factors can include genetics, age, sex and

chain and what the survival of the meat industry

diet. In terms of genetics, traits such as marbling

depends on.

AHDB BEEF & LAMB SUPPLY CHAIN PROGRAMME As part of its current strategy, AHDB Beef & Lamb has a major focus on increasing the number of stock hitting processor target specifications by working with producers, processors and the wider supply chain. The activity focuses on selection for slaughter and understanding market requirements, improving health and nutrition to capitalise on growth rates and performance, as well as genetic improvement for specific carcase traits. Through this programme of activity, it is hoped that a higher proportion of stock hit target requirements, thus improving the consistency of carcases and in turn having a beneficial impact on meat eating quality.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

The expertise to succeed from

within Specifically developed for use in ruminants, Vistacell represents a combination of advancements in yeast technology.

By considering strain selection and physical form, Vistacell ensures the highest delivery of live yeast to the rumen to maximise performance and reduce the negative effects of acidosis.

Yeast technology powering performance THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.abvista.com SUMMER 2017

29 11

SPONSORED FEATURE

DR DEREK MCILMOYLE, AB VISTA’S TECHNICAL DIRECTOR FOR GB AND IRELAND

OPTIMISE THE RUMEN FOR BETTER GROWTH, MEAT QUALITY & MARGINS Compared to the major focus placed on feed efficiency by the pig and poultry sectors, how effectively feed is converted into growth receives relatively little attention on most UK beef farms. It means that rumen conditions – and rumen pH in particular – are still too often considered only when faced with a metabolic problem like acidosis.

“But even before acidosis becomes a problem,

where good rumen buffering really comes into its

of bloat and lameness – both of which reduce cattle

there will be a reduction in how efficiently the

own, using high quality slow-release conditioners to

performance and increase costs – and less aggressive

rumen ferments feed if the rumen environment

counter the acidosis threat and help optimise rumen

behaviour, which typically wastes energy and

is unbalanced,” explains Dr Derek McIlmoyle, AB

function.”

increases stress. “In addition, there were significant gains in meat quality when the slow-release

Vista’s technical director for GB and Ireland.

“The result is a loss of nutrients, wasted feed value

OPTIMISING RUMEN CONDITIONS

conditioner was used,” states Dr McIlmoyle. “Meat

and slower growth, all of which add up to a lower

Maximum VFA production occurs when the rumen

colour stability improved by 7.7% and there was a

margin over feed per head and reduced overall

is kept above pH 5.5, ideally as close to pH 6.0

6.6% drop in the shear force of the meat – a clear

profitability.”

as possible, and it’s by minimising the time spent

indication of greater tenderness. “This improvement

outside this range that greatest efficiency gains

is most likely due to reduced stress levels helping

ASSESSING ACIDOSIS RISK

are made. It’s also important to realise that a

preserve muscle glycogen reserves close to slaughter,

The risk of unbalanced rumen conditions, low

high rumen pH can also be detrimental, with the

leading to better glycogen utilisation in the post

rumen pH and acidosis is highest whenever the

resulting alkaline conditions leading to a loss of

mortem muscle pH drop.” Meat quality improvements

ration contains rapidly fermented concentrates,

energy due to excess methane production.

have also been seen where live yeasts are used to

particularly if levels of digestible and structural

“Traditional soluble buffers like sodium bicarbonate

improve rumen conditions in intensively reared cattle

fibre – both essential for good rumen function – are

are still used by some, and can appear a cheap

in the United States. In a trial carried out by Texas

also low. Unfortunately, this is often the norm when

solution,” Dr McIlmoyle explains. “But many beef

Tech University (TTU), the addition of Vistacell live

pushing to grow cattle fast, or achieve a high quality

units are now switching to slow-release rumen

yeast to the ration significantly improved the

of finish, due to the high levels of ration energy density needed.

“Balancing that energy supply with additional nitrogen – either from dietary protein or a

Acid Buf can improve growth rate by 5.1% (1.57kg/day to 1.68kg/day)

controlled-release nitrogen source such as NitroShure – is critical if rumen microbial activity

conditioners, which can be both more cost-effective

percentage of carcasses graded as Premium Choice

and growth is to be optimised,” adds Dr McIlmoyle.

and more effective in minimising the amount of time

and above (78% versus 61%) with no animals graded

“And that’s the first step towards making sure

the rumen spends at low pH.”

in the lowest Select grade.

According to the results of a recent University of

“By increasing feed efficiency, growth rates and

Milan trial, replacing sodium bicarbonate buffer in

meat quality, using rumen conditioners and yeasts

beef finishing rations with the slow-release rumen

to improve rumen conditions can have a substantial

any feed consumed is converted into growth as efficiently as possible.

“It’s also important to counter the impact of low

rumen pH, as even when high energy density rations conditioner Acid Buf can improve growth rate by 5.1% (1.57kg/day to 1.68kg/day) and feed efficiency are well-balanced, rumen fermentation efficiency

beneficial impact,” Dr McIlmoyle concludes. “With the potential to increase both margins and overall

is likely to be compromised regardless of whether

by 5.2% (7.36kg feed/kg gain to 6.98kg feed/kg

profitability, it really is about far more than just

there’s any sign of sub-clinical acidosis. This is

gain). There was also a reduction in the incidence

avoiding acidosis.”

For more information please email info@abvista.com or call +44 (0)2894 473478

www.abvista.com 30

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

NBA NEWS

FOUR EXCEPTIONAL

FARM TOURS ON THE HORIZON The NBA will be hitting the road again and opening the gates to four beef units up and down the country as we bring to you another round of evening farm walks and meetings. Working in partnership with mainline sponsor AB Vista the NBA have selected four fantastic farms to showcase their enterprises in the next round of farm walks. The evening meetings will start at 6.30pm and include a topical talk on “Optimising rumen function for improved meat eating quality” presented by AB Vista as well as updates from the NBA and AHDB. The meeting will be followed by refreshments. Open to all with an interest in the beef industry!

Eric Reid, Co Armagh

The chance to view a cutting-edge beef finishing unit. Eric’s beef fattening programme is a grass and silage

WEDNESDAY

based system, with the addition of some cereals and protein. The modern unit consists of 16 pens, each

16th

holding approx. 20 cattle grouped by weight. Eric’s background in poultry is clear from this finely tuned system

AUGUST

which monitors cattle performance and health through regular weighing of animals. Eric is also setting up a company to design boluses that monitor temperature and act as an early signal of health issues in cattle to further improve health and performance management on farm. An innovative farmer and a fantastic unit to visit focussed on championing efficiencies to drive profitability.

Willie Woodman, Haltwistle, Northumberland A fantastic example of a traditional mixed farm spanning nearly 2,000 acres of Northumbrian countryside.

WEDNESDAY

23rd

The farm is split into two blocks, 30 miles apart managed together into one integrated system. The 270 head commercial suckler herd calve in both spring and autumn and are mainly Limousin and Belgium Blue cross

AUGUST

cattle put to Charolais and Limousin bulls. Willie is a director a Hexham and Northern Marts and sells his prime stock through the ring at 18-22 months of age having grown them on at his finishing unit at Bradford House, Belsay.

Visitors will have the chance to look around his mixed farm at Great Chesters, set on Hadrians Wall and hear how the farm has evolved and grown through improved efficiencies.

Nigel Parfitt, Angrove Farm, Wiltshire Angrove Farm is a 350 acre Approved Finishing Unit (AFU) with grazing set in the heart of Wiltshire. A low

WEDNESDAY

13th

input system finishing both native cattle and steers from the dairy industry off grass and forage. The farm has sandy clay soils, all put down to permanent pasture. Nigel also farms another 300 acres of pasture. In total the two units hold approx. 500 store cattle at any one time. Native stores include Aberdeen Angus, Hereford,

SEPTEMBER

Devon, Galloway, Highland and Dexter. Most cattle are sold fat through normal channels, however Nigel has also diversified the farm, producing beef boxes from the native cattle to sell locally. He also runs several charity events on the farm. This year the farm will host a day of wood sticks, nature crafts and music for a homeless charity.

Andrew Laughton, Louth, Lincolnshire Andrew Laughton will be opening the gates to his impressive beef unit giving visitors the opportunity to view one

WEDNESDAY

20th

of the largest beef finishing units in the country. His system is simple and utilises economies of scale. Heifers and steers of varying breeds are bought in as strong stores and kept for 3-6 months old, either from livestock markets or direct from farm and fed on maize silage blended with co-products into a balanced ration. The farm has grown

SEPTEMBER

from strength to strength since it was bought in the 1960s by Andrew’s father the cattle finishing unit was created 20 years ago and now holds approximately 2400 cattle at any one time. All cattle are housed in large outdoor corrals bedded out in straw which helps to illuminate issues with pneumonia that are seen in housed sheds. The unit was recently selected as a case study farm in AHDBS Beef KPI project. All cattle are EID tagged and weighed regularly to track animal performance and link it back to where it was sourced as well as health treatments and carcass value.

Tickets are FREE but due to popularity and catering requirements are by booking only.

To book your place please email sharon@nationalbeefassocaition.com or ring head office on 01434 601005.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

31

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NBA Beef Event to return to Northern Ireland Spring 2018 After a successful event at the Beef Expo in May the National Beef Association (NBA) have announced that they will be holding two Beef Expos in 2018 with the return of the Beef Expo NI event.

The event will be a celebration of the best of the Northern Irish Beef Industry with trade stands displaying the latest technologies, breed society displays, outdoor and indoor demonstrations, topical seminars. Plans are already underway to make the event bigger and better than ever, for the first time the event will now include The Commercial Cattle Club’s highly renowned Calf Show and Sale, showcasing some of the best of NI commercial cattle. Another addition to this year’s event will be a day of farm tours on Tuesday 27th, offering visitors the chance to view some of the best beef enterprises the region has to offer.

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For further information please email NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE 34 THEnibeefevent@nationalbeefassociation.com

SUMMER 2017 134x90 NBA alkagalkal.indd 1

17/07/2017 17:54

FEATURE

GOOD INDICATIONS

FOR THIS YEARS SILAGE QUALITY The early warm spring weather has brought about the possibility of higher quality silage being made this year if it is successfully managed.

Analysis of over 600 samples by Agri-Lloyd, as

Ireland puts down to the warmer weather. “In hot

“HM Inoculant can help get a rapid fermentation,

part of their pre-cut grass audit service, found

conditions, then a wilting time of only 8 hours may

which will preserve more of the energy and protein

average crude protein levels were up from 20%

be needed instead of 24 hours. However, some

in the silage and reduce dry matter losses,” he

in 2016 to 22.5% in 2017, with energy levels

farmers may have been leaving the crop to wilt for

adds.

fractionally higher at 12.02 ME.

too long to achieve an ideal dry matter of between “We have some customers who are cutting 12ME

28- 32%.

grass and can make near enough 12 ME silage.

If silage is well fermented then this could see higher protein grass silage this winter, says

“Silage that is too dry won’t be as appealing and

The results show that the quality of the grass

Agri-Lloyd’s dairy product manager James Ireland.

won’t encourage high dry matter intakes required

being cut is good this year, so as long as the

“The higher protein is down to the season being

to achieve high milk yields, so you need to be

fermentation is right, then we are on track to

1-2 weeks earlier this year compared to last year.

careful,” he warns.

produce a high energy and high protein silage."

Mr Ireland encourages farmers to use the pre-cut

“We’ve seen protein levels as high as 27% in grass samples sent in April due to the young grass,

GETTING A RAPID FERMENTATION

grass check service, which is available free of

with levels now down to about 20% as the crop is

The key to getting a quality end product is getting

charge to any farmer making silage.

bulkier with less physical quality.”

a good rapid fermentation, says Mr Ireland.

Results also showed fibre and yields to be

“If you get a good and rapid fermentation then

harvest and allow cutting decisions and wilting

consistent with last year.

you will preserve more of the protein and energy

length discussions to be had with your contractor.

going in the clamp and reduce dry matter losses.

You can send samples in any time from 10 days

Dry matters are slightly higher than what would

This will help save money on bought in feeds this

prior to cutting up to a day before with results

be expected with an average of 20%, which Mr

winter.

emailed within 24 hours,” he adds.

“It will help inform you when the best time is to

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SUMMER 19:47 2017 35 23/05/2017 11

ADVERTORIAL

UNDERSTANDING COPPER

BY DR ELIZABETH BERRY BVSC, PHD, MRCVS ANIMAX COMPANY VETERINARY DIRECTOR

Poor cattle and sheep performance can be due to a variety of management and disease issues. However, insufficient intake of copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine will limit performance. In grazing and forage fed animals, intake of these elements are highly variable and dietary deficiencies are common.

CLINICAL SIGNS Copper is one trace element where deficiency can

• seasonal patterns (high iron can occur at certain COPPER-RELEASING RUMEN BOLUSES – times of the year) ERODING OR DISSOLVING

result in poor growth and appetite, coat changes

Low copper in the diet occurs when the soil,

A. Eroding boluses:

(‘spectacles’ and also wool break occurs) bone

grass or forages are low in the diet (primary

• Release either soluble or insoluble copper

fractures, incoordination, diarrhoea, anaemia and

deficiency). However, there can be a requirement

• Variable results

fertility problems. Body cells use copper to form

for extra copper, even if there is normal level of

B. Dissolving boluses (eg glass boluses):

enzymes essential for normal body functions and

copper in the forage or grass. These antagonists

• Rumen-soluble copper that binds with

the deficiency signs are due to a lack of these

or binders mean the copper is not available for

thiomolybdate antagonist in the rumen

enzymes. The symptoms seen will also depend

the body cells to use. This can occur at various

• Any bound copper and thiomolybdate lost in

on how severe the deficiency is and the age of

times throughout the farming year. The most

faeces

animals affected. Pregnant sheep can give birth to

common antagonist is molybdenum; others include

• Any unbound copper can be absorbed into

‘swayback lambs’, whereas young calves may fail

sulphur and iron. Copper can be absorbed from

bloodstream to be used in enzyme production

to grow, and older animals may show poor fertility.

the rumen, abomasum and small intestine. The

Even death due to heart failure is possible.

thiomolybdate complexes (molybdenum and

COPPER OXIDE NEEDLES

sulphur) are only formed in the rumen but if bound

• Over 30 years’ data with international use in

HOW DO DEFICIENCIES ARISE?

to copper become insoluble and are passed in

areas with high molybdenum, sulphur, iron.

Copper deficiency is either primary, due to

the faeces. However, unbound thiomolybdates

• Needles pass slowly into and though abomasum.

low copper in the diet, and or secondary, due

can pass into the blood. Binding of copper may

• Form a soluble copper salt in the acid conditions

to high levels of antagonists (which bind to

occur wherever there are unbound thiomolybdates

in the abomasum.

copper, making it unavailable) being ingested.

(digestive tract or tissue). The binding of

• Soluble copper chloride is absorbed into blood

A common antagonist is molybdenum which

copper and thiomolybdates in the rumen has

from the abomasum and duodenum.

forms thiomolybdates in the rumen and leads

no special significance, in that both copper and

• Copper absorbed in a soluble form that can act

to molybdenum toxicity. The thiomolybdate

thiomolybdate complexes, bound and insoluble,

in body tissues against any antagonists.

binds copper, reducing its availability to form

are lost in the faeces, and wherever in the

• Provides adequate copper at the site needed for

enzymes and blocking its action. There are other

digestive tract the binding took place.

enzyme formation in body tissues.

antagonists, including sulphur and iron. The aim

• Toxicity is not an issue when using copper oxide

is to make sure there is sufficient copper in the

CONTROL OF THE PROBLEM

bloodstream and tissues where the enzymes

Low copper or excess molybdenum sulphur

are made. A balance exists between copper and

complexes are both corrected by increasing

COPPER TOXICITY

binders, determining copper’s availability for

unbound copper available for enzyme formation.

Copper toxicity can occur particularly if there

enzyme formation.

Some of the methods to correct copper deficiency

are high dietary sources, and this can be fatal,

are copper injections, copper releasing rumen

particularly in sheep. Some dietary sources eg

WHAT HAPPENS IN PRACTICE?

boluses or copper oxide needles and all these

palm kernel meal, have a high level of copper

Cattle and sheep can eat large amounts of copper

methods have published data on their efficacy.

present. The amount of copper in a ration should

antagonists (molybdenum, sulphur and iron). The

Copper does not need to be given as rumen soluble

be carefully assessed, taking into account

level depends on several factors, including:

copper; other forms are just as effective.

all sources of copper. Replacing free access

• source of the diet

needles alone.

supplements with a controlled released product.

• type of soil (high in molybdenum)

INJECTIONS

Boluses provide a known source of copper and

• fertiliser use (encourages grass growth)

• Well known to be effective in copper deficiency

copper oxide needles, if licensed, provide a

• liming (makes molybdenum more available)

and molybdenosis

medicinal source of copper. Chelated copper forms

• high soil intake (strip or tight grazing, root

• Do not provide copper in a rumen-soluble form

have not been shown to provide an advantage over

crops)

• Short-term effect (about one month) with risks

other copper supplementation forms and cannot

• ingested soil gives high molybdenum and iron

of injection-site abscesses

be relied upon to protect against thiomolybdates

intake

• Copper toxicity can be an issue

(Underwood and Suttle 1999).

For more details contact Animax, Shepherds Grove West, Stanton, Suffolk IP31 2AR. Phone 01359 252181 or visit www. animax-vet.com

36

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

EDUCATIONAL THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SPRING 2017

27

GUEST VET

GUEST VET

LEE-ANNE OLIVER It may seem a little early in the year to be talking about calf pneumonia but now’s the time to look back at last winter and make plans for the coming housing period.

Calf pneumonia is the term used to describe

pathogens if they exist within other cattle on the

completed pre

inflammation of the lungs and airways which

farm. Buying in stock, especially set on calves,

housing before

reduced the ability of the calf to breathe properly.

is a high risk strategy for bringing in viruses and

the period of

Typical signs include coughing, a snotty nose,

bacteria that your herd has no protection against.

stress. Some

ears down and a reluctance to come forward to

To ensure the calf has a strong immune system

suckled calves

feed, death often being the end result.

adequate colostrum is essential and this is

are now

Both viruses and bacteria cause pneumonia

critical especially in protecting autumn born

offered for

and collectively are referred to as respiratory

calves from pneumonia. Ensuring calves are lively

sale having been certified as

pathogens. Sometimes more than one bacteria

and up and sucked quickly after birth is essential.

having been vaccinated and sometimes BVD free

or virus can be involved in any one case and out

Difficult calvings and trace element deficiencies

as well. These calves are well worth the premium

break. Once a calf is infected and suffering from

are often contributory factors dictating how

given the stress they are under at the mart whilst

pneumonia growth rates will be reduced; the

quickly and how much colostrum a calf receives.

travelling and whilst being introduced to a new

hidden cost of pneumonia.

Assessing cow condition and nutrition a few

unit.

LEE-ANNE OLIVE

R

months in advance of calving is important.

Prevention is the key and as with any infectious

Concurrent disease such as BVD will also affect

The calf’s environment dictates what exposure it

disease it is a balance between exposure,

a calf’s ability to deal with infection; plan ahead

gets to respiratory pathogens. In a well ventilated

challenge and the calf’s ability to fight off disease.

and speak to your vet about your BVD herd status.

shed any pathogens are removed from the air

A calf can only become infected with respiratory

The immunity to specific bacteria and viruses

space and the shed refills with clean air. Air

can be increased through vaccination. As there

speed needs to be regulated to avoid drafts; this

is a choice of vaccines on the market quite often

is especially important at calf height, for example

some testing needs to be carried out to determine

under doors in to calf creeps, these need to be

what pathogens to vaccinate against. This can be

blocked off- even in a well ventilated shed the

done through blood testing or sampling of live

calves still need to be warm. Asking your vet

acutely affected calves. Post mortem material can

for their opinion on your sheds is a good place

also be valuable in obtaining a diagnosis. Now is

to start; we see a lot of different shed designs

a good time to talk to your vet about pneumonia

and can often provide a few basic tips on simple

vaccination

modifications.

before housing.

Moisture and humidity equate to water droplets

Often two

in the air which pathogens attach to and survive

doses of

in. Condensation on roofs, poor drainage, over

vaccine are

flowing water troughs all contribute to moisture

required

in a unit. Mending leaking water troughs and

and this

changing drainage within a shed are jobs for

requires pre

when the cows are out.

planning.

Pneumonia is a complex disease involving

Ideally

different pathogens, vaccinations and

vaccination

environment control strategies. A pneumonia

courses

discussion with your vet involves a lot more than:

should be

“What antibiotic should I use?”

Lee-Anne Oliver BVM&S CertAVP(cattle)MRCVS Scott Mitchell Associates, The Farm, Equine and Small Animal Surgeries, Tyne Green, Hexham, NE46 3SG T: 01434608999 E: farm@vets1.com www.scottmitchellassociates.co.uk

38

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

ANIMAL HEALTH

NATIONAL BVD SURVEY

REVEALS AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT Beef farmers wanting to rid their herds of BVD need to pay close attention to their herd’s health and biosecurity status and ensure any incoming stock are adequately quarantined and vaccinated in accordance with farm policy.

Vet Kath Aplin of Boehringer Ingelheim,

in the survey agreed was essential to pursuing an

posed by BVD is clearly higher than it has been

manufacturer of BVD vaccine Bovela®, says the

eradication policy.

for some years. However, there is work still to

results of a recent survey suggest many herd

do and farmers need to work together with their

managers fail to fully understand the herd’s

“Identifying persistently infected animals allows

neighbours where appropriate to limit their herd’s

biosecurity status. “Many herds in the survey were

these to be culled from the herd as quickly as

exposure to the disease.

reported to be closed herds, yet were still buying or

possible and isolated where appropriate to ensure

hiring bulls each year.

they don’t transmit the virus to other stock. It also

“Of course, vaccination also has a key role to play

means their dams can be tested and culled where

in BVD control and eradication. But, for many beef

necessary,” added Ms Aplin.

herds using conventional vaccines which require

“Clearly these herds are not truly closed herds and any incoming animal represents a significant risk

either a booster dose a few weeks after the first

of introducing disease. Equally, many herds which

“But when using tag and test it is essential that any

dose, or a six-monthly vaccination policy, can be

regard themselves as closed are in regular contact

dead calves are tagged and tested too as otherwise

impractical.

with neighbouring stock at boundary fences and

it may be that a PI dam is missed and remains

walls, creating another potential chance for disease

in the herd potentially passing infection to other

“This is where a one shot, once a year vaccine, such

to cross in to a herd,” she explained in a talk at Beef animals,” she explained.

as Bovela®, really comes in to its own. There is no

Expo recently.

need to frequently handle cattle; vaccination of the “The other most practical option for beef farmers is

breeding herd once a year provides reassurance

Ms Aplin says of 58% of beef herds in the survey

to blood test selected youngstock annually. In herds

that any unborn calves are protected against the

which claimed to be closed herds, more than two

with blocks of calves, this can be a very economical

disease.

fifths of these (41%) brought bulls in to the herd in

method of BVD monitoring, although it can

This versatility of use makes it an ideal vaccine for

the last 12 months. “While there is nothing wrong

potentially mean a PI animal can shed infection for

beef herds which are by their nature less frequently

with buying in bulls it is essential where this is

a significant amount of time before being found.”

handled than their dairy counterparts,” said Ms

the policy that herd managers recognise that their

Aplin.

herds are not closed and implement adequate

What to do with PIs once they had been identified

precautions.”

is another issue, reassuringly most farmers in the

Farmers considering their BVD control strategy

survey who had experienced PIs said they would

should discuss current herd health status and

Pleasingly, she reported, those surveyed were

cull them immediately, however it was concerning

develop an active herd health plan with their vet

overwhelmingly in favour of BVD eradication

that others suggested rearing them to slaughter

to ensure they take the most appropriate course of

schemes, with clear recognition of the economic

either in isolation or with other stock. “Most

action for their herd, she adds.

and productivity losses which result from the

worryingly 2% of those who had seen PIs said they

disease. “Nearly all farmers surveyed were keen

would sell them to others.

to join an eradication scheme of some sort, with 97% indicating a willingness to participate.

“This is clearly a dangerous practice bearing in

Furthermore, many felt it was essential to get

mind the high level of infection these animals are

industry backing for any eradication schemes to

carrying and highly irresponsible towards the rest

ensure their success and motivate farmers to take

of the industry.”

part.”

Considering that nearly half of the farmers surveyed Key to eradication is knowing the health status of

had seen previously, or currently have, a BVD

the herd at present and, for beef farmers, there are

problem, this willingness to trade PIs could have a

a number of ways of doing this, with one of the

huge impact on the industry as a whole, she added.

simplest to implement being a tag and test policy.

“This allows for quick and easy identification of

“Overall, the results from the survey are

persistently infected (PI) animals which farmers

encouraging and farmer awareness of the dangers

BVD ACTION PLAN DISCUSS DISEASE ISSUES WITH VET CHECK HERD BIOSECURITY STATUS TEST REGULARLY TO CHECK DISEASE STATUS CULL DON’T SELL PIS PLAN VACCINATION POLICY

Reports on the full findings from the National BVD Survey will be printed in the farming press in coming weeks but, for a full report, sign up to the newsletter at www.bvdzero.co.uk.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

39

ANIMAL HEALTH

HERD HEALTH MATTERS!

BY ALISON BRADDOCK AND FOTEINI MANOLARAKI SAC CONSULTING

Most breed societies now require animals sold in pedigree sales to be tested for infectious diseases such as BVD and Johne’s Disease and they perform the important role of providing high quality health status stock to the cattle industry. The push towards eradication and control of these infectious diseases with the launch of BVDfree England following Scottish and Northern Irish Government’s BVD eradication programmes coupled with the Dairy Industry’s ‘Action Johne’s’, is generating demand for high health status stock. This article briefly examines what it means to be part of a CHeCS Cattle Health Scheme and highlights the benefits of an online health planning tool to monitor overall herd health. Proactively identifying, prioritising and eliminating herd health issues is a vital step in protecting the profitability and efficiency of the farm business.

BACKGROUND TO CATTLE HEALTH SCHEMES

to both vet and farmer with preferential testing

semen donors must have disease-free status.

The main cattle health schemes in operation today

rates for members. Members’ testing results are

If you have to buy in animals it is vital to know

were set up when MAFF’s farm livestock health

kept on a database enabling clients to keep track

the health status of the source farm and ask

monitoring programme was privatised over twenty

of testing progress. Members agree to follow

appropriate questions. For a more comprehensive

years ago. The non-trading body known as CHeCS

biosecurity rules and both they and their vet sign a

version please refer to the Technical Document on

(Cattle Health Certification Standards) was set

section of the sample submission form to confirm

the CHeCS website www.checs.co.uk

up by the industry to license health schemes and

this.

ADVERTISING YOUR HEALTH STATUS TO

standardise the control of non-statutory cattle diseases in the UK and Ireland.

FARM BIOSECURITY

POTENTIAL PURCHASERS

A robust biosecurity policy reduces the risk of

• BVDFree England is a voluntary scheme set up

HEALTH SCHEMES TODAY

disease coming onto the farm and minimises

to provide a ‘one stop’ platform to display BVD

The Premium Cattle Health Schemes (PCHS) is

disease spread. In essence farm boundaries must

status for herds in England, allowing any farmer

one of the largest CHeCS licensed health schemes

prevent cattle straying onto or off the property

buying cattle to independently verify if individual

providing expert advice and support for herd

and prevent nose to nose contact. Double ring

animals have been tested for BVD or if the herd

certification. It is operated by SAC Consulting

fencing with a 3m gap is necessary for BVD and

has a status for BVD. Members of CHeCS health

Veterinary Services with nearly 4000 members

IBR although this is a sensible precaution for

schemes with accredited herds can display on the

in England, Scotland and Wales. Members agree

general disease control. Where this is not possible

BVD database for free (this is not just limited to

to follow a proactive programme of testing,

herds can be vaccinated against these diseases

English herds).

management and biosecurity in partnership with

and herds can enter the vaccinated monitored

• All the breeding herds in Scotland are listed on

their vet. Members can opt to be accredited for one

free programmes. Added animals should be

ScotEID with their current BVD status. The same

or more of the following major infectious diseases:

quarantined for a set period of time and tested

applies to all cattle registered as being located in

• BVD

according to the specific disease rules unless from

Scotland. BVD herd status can be checked for any

• Johne’s Disease

a herd of the same health status. Quarantine is

CPH in Scotland. The status of individual animals

• Lepto

also necessary for animals that have been to a

can also be checked using their official ear tag

• IBR

sale or show. Veterinary equipment should not be

number and provided the animal is registered in

• Neospora

shared with lower health status animals. All farm

Scotland.

equipment (trailers, handling facilities) must

• PCHS (alongside some other CHeCS health

be cleaned and disinfected before use if they

schemes) has a member portal detailing member

INITIAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS

accreditation by seller, area and breed for each of

DISEASE BVD

ANIMALS TO BE TESTED A sentinel group of 5 animals aged 9 - 18 months from each separately managed sub group of the herd.

Home reared breeding cattle to be sampled.

Or All animals born in a 12 month period to be tested for BVD virus.

Johne’s

All animals aged two years and over

IBR

All animals aged one year and over plus all animals that are not homebred irrespective of age

Lepto

All animals aged two years and over and all animals aged 1 year and over intended for breeding.

Neospora

All female animals aged two years and over and all animals aged one year and over intended for breeding

as production and disease situations demand. It

(under CHeCS review)

should be reviewed when key information becomes

the diseases at www.cattlehealth.co.uk ANIMAL HEALTH PLANNING Health planning is the process that allows both farmer and vet to work together using a planned approach to improve the health and productivity of the herd and to reach the required level of output.

A health plan should be dynamic and be changed

Members and their vets are sent reminders when

are shared with lower or unknown health status

available and updated accordingly. Crucially, it

testing is due and wherever possible pre-printed

animals. Piped mains water is preferable to natural

must be of real benefit to the farm business.

bar-coded labels are provided to make sampling

water sources whenever possible particularly in

Many vet practices have devised their own health

easier. Fully interpreted results are sent promptly

the case of Johne’s and Leptospirosis. Embryos and

planning scheme, which reflects particular needs

40

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

CREATES A TAILORED AND COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH PLAN. VIEW AND COMPARE PRODUCTION AND DISEASE DATA YEAR ON YEAR. COMPARE PERFORMANCE WITH SIMILAR ENTERPRISES LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY. VIEW AND UPDATE A CALENDAR OF FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR THE FARM. UPLOAD DOCUMENTS, I.E. LAB AND ABATTOIR REPORTS.

ANIMAL HEALTH

KEY FUNCTION OF SAHPS:

In order to improve data collection, which is essential for a proactive health plan, a SAHPS mobile application is currently being developed.

The SAHPS mobile application will facilitate data capture and will allow recording of events at the time that they occur. Data related to animal movements, number of calves born, calves weaned and deaths will be recorded on the mobile application and sent to both the SAHPS herd health

of their practice area. However, before committing

Health Planning System (SAHPS) developed

plan and the BCMS/CTS database. Individual and/

to any particular health plan tool, it is advisable

to support farmers and vets involved in farm

or group disease incidents and treatments, which

to involve the vet in discussing the most suitable

health planning run by SAC Consulting Veterinary

will be saved in the SAHPS e-medicine book, will

system available for the requirements of the farm.

Services. The system’s development has been

also be recorded. The analysis of this data will

Animal health plans do not need to be

fully funded to date by the Scottish Government.

increase knowledge of herd health and annual

computerised, but the advantage of a web-based

The SAHPS is free to Scottish vet practices and

productivity and enable priorities to be identified

programme allows both farmer and vet to access

farmers. It is also available to vet practices and

so that targets can be set and actions implemented

and enter information to a live document remotely.

farmers in England, Wales and Southern Ireland on

to maximise herd health, performance and

One option to consider is a web-based Animal

a chargeable annual basis.

economic returns.

For more information: Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHeCS) website www.checs.co.uk PCHS- please contact the team at SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, Greycrook, St Boswells TD6 0EQ 01835 822456 Email: pchs1@btconnect.com or visit our website www.cattlehealth.co.uk SAHPS – details on website www.sahps.co.uk

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

41

INDUSTRY NEWS UPDATE

NEWS UPDATE

RED TRACTOR STANDARDS RED TRACTOR STANDARDS CHANGES; WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Beef and lamb producers who are part of the Red Tractor Assurance scheme will shortly be receiving a revised set of standards ahead of implementation in October.

Very few significant changes have been made,

ANIMAL MEDICINES

WATER

but farmers are being advised to familiarise

A recommendation has been added that the

As well as providing permanent supply of clean

themselves with the amendments when their packs

highest priority critically important antibiotics

water, members must also ensure that troughs are

arrive in the post.

are only used as a last resort under veterinary

kept clean.

direction. For farm to farm sales, animals under The process of strengthening the standards

statutory withdrawal periods for medicines

ENVIRONMENT

happens every three years with a cross section

must be accompanied by a withdrawal period

The environmental protection section has no

of the food and farming industry looking at the

declaration.

significant changes but is now more appropriate

standards to ensure that they deliver a product that consumers demand.

for livestock farmers and has been divided in to BIOSECURITY

two areas; the responsible use of agri-chemicals

A farm biosecurity plan must be created,

and nutrient management.

Standards affecting the use and recording of

implemented and updated in relation to health and

antibiotics have been bolstered across all livestock

performance reviews. Disinfectants across the farm

RODENTICIDE USE

sectors, demonstrating the UK farming industry’s

should be Defra approved.

Permanent baiting must not be routinely

commitment to playing its part in tackling antimicrobial resistance.

undertaken and baits can only be sited where SILAGE STORAGE

evidence shows they are being continuously

Silage must be stored in a manner that minimises

effective. A site survey and risk assessment of

Further changes will be made in 2018 after the

the risk of contamination and pollution with

watercourses and populations of non-target

RUMA target recommendations and other industry

particular attention to field clamps where they are

species should also be carried out and recorded

initiatives are published to ensure the industry is

permitted (not in Scotland).

before treatment.

fully aligned.

TETHERING

FARM MAP

The main changes that assured farms will be

Year-round tethering of cattle is not permitted and

A map should show the unit’s buildings, fields,

assessed against from 1 October are:

halters must be made from non-abrasive materials.

watercourses and high pollution risk areas.

IMAGE CREDIT: LONGHORN CATTLE SOCIETY

42

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

NBA QUESTIONNAIRE

YOUR OPINION MATTERS TO US! FUTURE OF BEEF QUESTIONNAIRE The NBA are continuing their Nation-wide questionnaire to gain a greater understanding of how our members are really feeling about Brexit and how it will change the beef Industry. The initial results have given us a great insight into member opinions, which we have been and will continue to relay to policy makers. To contribute to our survey, fill out the following questionnaire and post to The National Beef Association, Mart Offices, Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3SG. Alternatively email info@nationalbeefassociation.co.uk to request a digital copy.

CALCULATION OF ANIMAL PRICING

What do you use most antibiotics for?

What would see as the priorities when designing

Do you feel you get a fair price for your cattle?

q Young calves

a new cattle database? Tick your top three choices

q Yes

q Mastitis

q Remove the need for paper passports

q No

q Lameness

q 100% provenance and traceability

q Dehorning

q Simplification of registration

q Other _______________________________________________________

q More point of sale information

How do you normally sell your cattle?

q Control disease outbreak scenarios

q Live market q Spot pricing deadweight

Would you like to see a calf welfare scheme

q Contract

introduced in the UK rewarding farmers for high

q Procurement group/3rd party agent

calf welfare standards e.g. weaning management,

Would you welcome hormones back into beef

q Farm gate

vaccination and colostrum management?

production in the UK?

q Yes

q No

q No

q Yes

TB compensation payments are currently a

If yes, what is your reasoning:

government responsibility should this be

______________________________________________________________________

Is the EUROP grid fit for purpose?

q Removal of 6 day standstill

q Yes q No

transferred to industry though an insurance

What would you like to be taken into

consideration on pricing? Rate by importance on a product?

______________________________________________________________________

scale of (1 most important, to 6 least important)

q Yes

Tenderness

qqqqqq

q No

______________________________________________________________________

Marbling

qqqqqq

Stress

qqqqqq

SUPPORT & TRADE

______________________________________________________________________

Production system e.g. grass fed q q q q q q

How would you like to receive support? Tick your

Conformation of animal

qqqqqq

top three choices

Meat yield

qqqqqq

q Capital grants for business development

1

2

3

4

5

6

q Research and development

HEALTH & WELFARE

q Provision of services e.g. advisory, training

What position do you think we are in the world on

q Volatility protection

animal welfare?

q Direct headage payments

q First

q Environmental grants

q Second

q Welfare payments

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

q Third q Fourth

______________________________________________________________________

How do you view Brexit for the Beef industry in the UK?

How would you like to see our welfare change

q Opportunity

post Brexit?

q Threat

q Increase

q It will make no difference

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

q Decrease q Stay the same

Who do you think will be British beefs biggest

Do you think agriculture will be used as a

competition? Tick One

bargaining chip in trade deals?

Would you support legislation for the compulsory

q North American Beef

q Yes

testing of all young stock and culling of BVD PIs?

q Irish Beef

q No

q Yes

q South American Beef

q No

q Australian Beef

THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THE NBA FUTURE

q Yes, but only with compensation

q None – consumers will always buy British

OF BEEF FARMERS QUESTIONNAIRE

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

43

FEATURE

WTO AND UK AGRI-FOOD

INTERESTS

BY ROSIE MCGOWAN, DEVELOPMENT MANAGER NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION ROSIE MCGOWA

How WTO rules will affect the British Beef Industry What is the WTO?

know as Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) will be decided.

based on the current percentage that we take. The level that we will be apportioned is what will be up

The WTO is a negotiating forum which provides a set of rules to protect trade interests and a

Domestic Subsidies

for discussion as the actual amount that we take

framework for conducting trade deals with the

The WTO limits the amount of ‘distorting

is unknown due to underfill of quotas, volatility in

rest of the world. WTO also provides a disputes

intervention’ that its member counties can make

imports and ‘The Rotterdam Effect’. The Rotterdam

mechanism to allow member countries to deal with

in their agricultural sectors. Illegal interventions

Effect is where product comes to the UK but

issues regarding trade.

are ones that are discriminatory and/or excessive

through an EU port so it is not counted in our

for example direct headage payments as they

imports as it has come into the country through

Post Brexit WTO membership.

directly encourage more production. Limited

free trade area of the EU.

After triggering Brexit the UK will need to move

interventions are those that distort the market for

from the EU trading block and re-establish itself

example market price support, however the EUs

Free Trading Agreements (FTAs)

independently with the WTO. To do this, we will

has a $72bn allowance for these of which we will

FTAs enable mutually beneficial trading

need to develop a UK schedule to set out how we

maintain a share of.

relationships between countries or trading blocs, lowering or eliminating tariffs (taxes) on

will meet the WTO commitments as explained by Liam Fox:

Agri-environmental income support payments

substantially all trade and reducing non-tariff

are unlimited under WTO rules as they do not

barriers to trade. There is no standard format for

“The UK’s WTO commitments currently form part

discriminate or distort the market. Uncoupled

FTAs.

of the European Unions schedules. When we leave

payments and set aside are also looked at

the EU we will need UK Specific schedules. In order favourably as they do not encourage production.

NBA concerns

to minimise disruption to global trade as we leave

These types of support will have to become the

Our devolved governments have different farm

the EU, over the coming period the Government

mainstay of our farm support payments for the UK

support regimes to England. Going forward all

will prepare the necessary draft schedules which

to trade under WTO rules.

UK farm support regimes will have to consider whether they are legal under WTO rules. If support

replicate as far as possible our current obligations.

This work is a necessary part of our leaving the EU.

Tariff Rate Quotas

regimes include direct headage payments or any

It does not prejudge the outcome of the eventual

These are reduced tariffs that are held between

other discriminating or distorting payments going

UK-EU trading arrangements.” Statement written

individual countries and groups of countries or the

forward we will be outside of WTO rules making it

by Liam Fox, 5th December 2016

rest of the world known as ‘Erga Omnes’. The EU

increasingly difficult for us to trade. This must be

holds TRQs with 17 countries and is also included

communicated to all farm support policy makers.

The UK Agriculture schedules will be negotiated

in the several Erga Omnes TRQs which can be used

by the following three step process: first the UKs

by any WTO member. In total, the EU notifies 128

On leaving the EU, under WTO rules we will no

Maximum tariff on imported agri-food goods will

TRQs to the WTO. For beef imports the EUs largest

longer be able to discriminate against hormone

be decided, next the limit on UK payments of

TRQs are with Australia, Argentina and Uruguay for

treated or lower welfare standard beef and prevent

certain types of farm subsidies will be decided.

‘High Quality Beef’ and with Erga Omnes for frozen

it coming into the UK. Pressure must be on the

Finally, our share of the EUs agri-food quotas on

beef of which we take a portion. On leaving the EU

retailers to maintain loyalty to British type of

imported goods that are subject to reduced tariffs

the UK will be apportioned a share of these TRQs

production systems and standards.

SUSSEX C AT T L E S O C I E T Y

N

GO SUSSEX FOR Profitability Economic Easy Management Quality Beef Production

44

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

ANIMAL HEALTH

LIVER FLUKE

AN IMPACT ON MORE THAN WELFARE A particularly warm and wet start to Summer in 2017 may result in a greater risk of liver fluke disease in beef cattle this Autumn meaning UK farmers must be ready to take action.

Fascioliasis is the name given to the disease caused by the Liver fluke parasite and may be caused by: - The migration of fluke through the liver tissue causing damage - The present of the adult flukes in the bile duct

the bile duct producing eggs which contaminate the pasture. Chronic fluke disease is generally

Adult fluke inside the bile duct lay eggs which are

observed from January onwards.

passed out in the faeces on to the pasture. From the moment the fluke releases the egg until it

CLINICAL SIGNS

reaches the pasture can be up to three weeks due

In late Summer and early Autumn the risk period

to the intermittent contraction of the bile duct.

for new infection begins. Cattle are able to tolerate

TREATMENT

Once environmental conditions are optimum the

infection better than sheep and so we may not see

Liver fluke can be a challenging parasite to treat as

Miracidium will develop inside the egg and then

the see dramatic signs which we do in sheep such as

different life stages are susceptible to different active

hatch out. This Miracidium is only able to survive for

haemorrhage and sudden death. Cattle fascioliasis is

ingredients and a reservoir of infection persists in

a few hours after hatching out so must find a snail

often sub clinical at this time of year meaning that,

the mud snail population and in the environment.

host very quickly- the mud snail. If the Miracidium

although they are infected which will have an impact

Most importantly, in order to protect our flukicides

is able to find a snail host it will bury through its

on their productivity, it may not be obviously visible.

from the development of resistance, you must select

muscular foot where it undergoes a further two

This is why it’s imperative that you must be vigilant

a product which targets only the life stages you are

stages of development and multiplies eventually

and work with your vet to assess your liver fluke risk

trying to kill and dose accurately. Your vet or SQP can

becoming the infective cercariae. The cercariae burst

and incorporate any action into your herd health

advise you on the most appropriate product for your

out of the snail host after this period of development

plans.

herd.

and migrate onto the herbage where they encyst as metacercariae. These metacercariae are hardy and can remain viable for some time.

Some of the indicators which may suggest fascioliasis

KEY TREATMENT POINTS:

in beef cattle:

-Use an active which targets only the life stages you

- Reduction in daily live weight gain

are trying to kill

The early immature fluke (1- 5 weeks old) tunnel

- Diarrhoea

- Remember that no flukicides prevent

through the liver tissue eventually developing into

- Ill-thrift

reinfection- if they are returned to the same

the immature fluke. The immature fluke (6-9 weeks

- Dullness

pasture reinfection will occur immediately

old) continue tunnelling towards the bile duct.

- Lethargy

- Weigh animals and dose accurately- under-

Eventually they reach the bile duct and if untreated

dosing increases the rate of development of

at 10-12 weeks old will mature into adults which

If you have any concerns about liver fluke disease in

produce eggs contaminating the pasture and

your herd you should work with your vet.

continuing the life cycle.

resistance PREVENTION

IMPACT ON YOUR STOCK

New animals entering the farm may act as a source

WHEN ARE CATTLE AFFECTED?

Fascioliasis has a significant impact not only on the

of infection. Ensure that you have good biosecurity

New infection occurs when the metacercariae are

welfare of your cattle but also on their productivity.

protocols in place. Chronically infected animals will

ingested from pasture. During very warm and wet

Production consequences of liver fluke infection:

contaminate the pasture when let out to grazing in

summers this could be as early as August. In cooler,

-Reduced Weight Gain

Spring- check if stock are affected in Spring with a

dryer summers which do not favour the mud snail

-Reduced Food Conversion Ratio

faecal sample and treat if necessary. Environmental

there will be less metacercariae on the pasture and

-Drop in fertility

controls such as drainage, fencing off wet areas and

they will appear later. Existing infection also known

moving animals from high risk pasture at key times

as chronic fluke disease occurs when animals are

Liver fluke infection is estimated to cost UK farmers

can greatly reduce the number of metacercariae

harbouring fluke which were not treated after the

£300 million per year. Liver fluke is estimated to cost

ingested and subsequently the severity of disease.

new infection period. These fluke are then able to

producers £20-25 per head of cattle resulting in a

Liver fluke control should also be incorporated into

complete their life cycle into adults and reside inside

serious dent in profit margins.

your herd health plans.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

45

FEATURE

LIMOUSIN RESEARCH CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITY IN SUCKLER HERDS British Limousin Cattle Society announces delivery of four new Maternal Genomic Breeding Values for the Commercial Sector.

In a first for the UK beef industry, Genomic Breeding

continues to move to one being driven even more by

pathway these new GEBV’s offer delivers a valuable

Values (GEBVs) for three new Female Fertility traits

efficiency and profitability and it is anticipated that

opportunity to investigate and find breeding solutions

and a new Calf Survival trait are being launched

they will have sector-wide impact resulting from the

for traits that have not been possible until now.

by the British Cattle Limousin Society (BLCS) and

breed’s continued dominance in the sector.

Further development for the breed in to areas such as feed efficiency, meat quality and animal health

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in July.

Says John Phillips, a Limousin producer and

are now possible and ongoing. Mr Phillips continued

Following closely behind the breed’s introduction

Chairman of the BLCS “Recent market changes are

“Producer investment in the breed must yield a return

of Carcase Trait GEBVs last year, this development

seeing increasing demand for medium-sized, high

and, through the ongoing roll-out of this Improvement

represents another important milestone for

performing dams. Limousin can deliver these and the

Plan, the Society’s objectives are firmly anchored

commercial and pedigree users of Limousin genetics.

new GEBVs present quantifiable financial opportunity

around this principal”.

In combination with the already established Carcase

for all commercial producers to target the key

Traits GEBVs, these new Female Fertility and Survival

performance drivers in their herds.

The new Maternal GEBVs can be found by clicking ‘EBV Search’ on the Limousin database www.

GEBVs offer good opportunity for significant financial gain; the use of identified high performance genetics

“Such opportunity will come not only in the form of

taurusdata.co.uk The research was completed

to drive maternal performance will yield direct

reduced costs of production through increased calf

by in partnership with SRUC and funded by

returns in suckler herds and will create increasing

returns and lower replacement costs for breeding

InnovateUK and BBSRC.

and new trading opportunities for all Limousin stock.

heifers. Openings to generate new income streams are now there for the taking, as well as opportunity

The new traits are derived from the annual calving

to increase the rate of genetic improvement in

records of the 350,000 Limousin-sired dams that

producers’ own herds” continues Mr Phillips. The

are registered on BCMS, and this is a truly new and

delivery of these GEBV’s represents achievement

independent source of performance information.

of another major goal of the BLCS’ Breeding

They focus on key economic drivers; Age to First

Improvement Plan, the objective of which is to

Calving, Calving Interval, Cow Longevity and Calf

invest in targeted areas of the breed’s performance

Survival. All are critically important as the industry

to ensure it delivers market-focussed genetics. The

JOHN PHILLIP

S

CATTLE SOCIETY

46

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

COMPETITION

COMPETITION

WIN!

NBA MEMBERS

A SHEARW

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RTH £550

Shearwell Stick Readers can quickly and accurately identify and record animals with electronic IDs. In a pen, in a race or out in the field, simply

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D CONDITION

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be transferred from the Stick Reader by Bluetooth to a PC, a Mac, a Mobile Printer or to our apps (for Android and iPhone).

The Stick Reader with an easy, single-button operation (with a back lit display) has a read range of up to 20cm and can store up to 16,000 tag numbers which can be put into 26 groups. They can read all EID devices available for livestock – both HDX and FDX. They are rugged and built for hard work.

Further information - www.shearwell.co.uk For your chance to WIN A SHEARWELL DATA EID STICK READER simply email nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com with the email subject 'Competition Shearwell', your full name, NBA membership number, farm/enterprise name, address and telephone number. The winner will be picked at random and will be notified by email and featured in our next issue. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: FRIDAY 15th SEPTEMBER 2017 - GOOD LUCK! COMPETITION OPEN TO NBA MEMBERS ONLY - NOT AN NBA MEMBER ALREADY? GO TO PAGE 52 AND JOIN TODAY!

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47

SCOTLAND'S BEEF EVENT REVIEW

SCOTLAND'S BEEF EVENT 2017 REVIEW

BY EDDIE GILLANDERS

The importance of the Scottish beef industry to Scotland’s agricultural economy was highlighted by Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing, when he officially opened Scotland’s Beef Event 2017.

Approximately 2,500 beef farmers from across

the beef industry in the UK was “significantly behind”

in a 100-cow suckler herd. Scotland had the worst

Scotland and Northern England attended the event

others sectors in implementing technological

weaning figures in Europe, he claimed, at 82% and

which was hosted by Douglas and Kelda Stewart

innovation. “It’s about controlling the variables which

there was huge potential for improvement.

at Fans, Earlston, Berwickshire, where they run a

can be controlled,” he said. “Individual farmers can

He had set himself a target of 92% from a nine-

commercial herd of 400 Aberdeen-Angus suckler

do nothing about policy or price but they can change

week calving period but admitted it was difficult to

cows as a part of a mixed arable farming enterprise.

their management to reduce costs.”

achieve although he had improved to 89%.

East Lothian hill farmer, John Hamilton pointed to

Host farmer, Douglas Stewart, calves at two years of

The event was organised by the Scottish Beef Association with Clydesdale Bank as main sponsor.

good grassland management as key to reducing costs

age, and is achieving a 94% calving percentage in

Pointing out that beef accounted for 40% of Scottish

and improving productivity. The Scotch Beef brand

the herd, with 74% calving in the first turn and 20%

farm output, Mr Ewing pledged the support of the

would need protection during Brexit negotiations

in the second. He has very few calving problems

Scottish Government to help the industry achieve

to safeguard it against cheap and inferior imports.

despite selecting bulls with below average calving

even greater success in the future. “The Scotch Beef

Supermarkets need to pay farmers a fair price which

figures. “We want our bulls to produce females with

brand is recognised as the highest quality beef in the

enables them to re-invest in their businesses. And

a big enough pelvic area for calving,” he explained.

world and the recent relaxation of BSE regulations

he hit out at the supply trade who, he claimed, were

“We select bulls on milk figures, growth rate at

will open up new markets for Scotland,” he said. “The

living off the back of subsidies paid to farmers.

600 days, scrotum circumference, eye muscle and

home market is important and I would like to see the

“Veterinary and medicine costs are a fraction of the

accuracy. “We finish cattle at a young age but also

public-sector sourcing more home-produced red meat

cost in America, Canada and Australia,” he said. “We

aim to breed easy keep, easy fleshing cows that are

for schools, hospitals and public services.” Turning to

need more transparency in the industry.” He accused

not massive in size,” he said. The Aberdeen-Angus

the Scottish Government’s £45 million Beef Efficiency

meat processors of changing spec at the “drop of a

herd is integral to the mixed farming enterprise

Scheme (BES), Mr Ewing said he was disappointed

hat” and failing to ensure producers received a price

at Fans which extends to 2430 acres, with seed

that less than half of Scotland’s beef producers had

which would keep them in business and protect

potatoes and cereals as the other two main

signed up for the scheme, although this accounted

future home supplies.

enterprises. A closed herd policy is adopted, except

for more than half of the national cow herd. “In

for bulls, all of which are bought privately from the

discussion with stakeholders, we have addressed

Anna Playfair-Hannay, agricultural manager with

nearby high performance Wedderlie herd. The cattle

initial shortcomings” Mr Ewing said. “It’s too early to

M&S, said her company would continue to support

are almost entirely self-sufficient, the only bought-in

make judgements about the scheme’s effectiveness.

Scottish Beef but it was important for the supply

feed being high mag rolls for the cows and soya as a

As well as helping farmers to improve their beef

chain to keep producing products of consistent

protein supplement for calves.

operations efficiency, the scheme was also designed

quality to meet her companies requirements. “The

to bring money into the industry.”

consumer is king and beef competes with cheaper proteins,” she said. “Consumers only spend £12-£14

Support for the scheme came from Nuffield Scholar,

per week on protein. We need to produce a product

Robert Fleming. He dismissed negative opinions

which is convenient, high quality and ensures

being expressed by some, and suggested the

integrity backed up by traceability through DNA

opportunities provided by the scheme could be

testing.” Steven Sandison, also a Nuffield Scholar

“hugely beneficial”. Beef producers in Canada, USA

posed the question of a sensible calf weaning target

and Brazil are happy to pay for genomic testing while Scottish producers are complaining when getting

HOST FARMER, DOUGLAS STEWART (LEFT) WITH CABINET SECRETARY, FERGUS EWING

paid to carry out the tests. “The scheme is giving farmers powerful tools to maximise herd potential so the choice to take part was a simple one for me,” he said. “Identifying genotypes is the future and the prospect of getting paid for it is great.” Genomic information could help with improving eating quality, calving ease, maternal traits and improving days to market. Another panel member, Adam Woods, beef specialist with the Irish Farmers Journal, suggested

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OPENING CEREMONY

THE AWARD FOR THE BEST BREED SOCIETY EXHIBIT WENT TO THE SIMMENTAL BREED SOCIETY.

SUMMER 2017

College and the working at Arable Research Centre, Lincolnshire, I returned to my parents farm in Norfolk, along with my wife, Laura, in 2002. Laura and I started our herd of Pedigree Hereford Cattle in 2007, and ten years on our passion for the breed and our cattle is still growing. We have built our numbers up to approximately 45 breeding females and market our bulls to other breeders and local dairy and commercial herds. Females are kept as replacements or sold to new pedigree breeders. Bulls and females that in our opinion “don’t make the grade” are either finished and sold to one of our local abattoirs or sold as young stock to a finisher to put through one of the Hereford Beef Schemes. We also sell about three carcases a year direct to local customers.

We have two daughters who both enjoy farm life. 11 year old Beth now owns one of our homebred heifers in her own right and has been beating us at the Shows this season! Eight year old Grace prefers sheep and is looking forward to lambing her three Lleyn x Texel bottle reared gimmers in the Spring.

What’s the best part of your job? And do you have a favourite memory from work? I most enjoy bringing new calves into the world, watching them grow and seeing which genetics work well together. My favourite memory is when we won both the Horned Bull and Horned Female of the Year in 2015.

Since you started farming what has changed the most? When I joined my parents on the farm in 2002 they were Arable and Pig farmers, 15 years on, we no longer have pigs, let a small amount of arable land, have 100 head of Pedigree Hereford cattle, 28,000 Free Range Layers and are shareholders in Anglia Free Range Eggs.

What has been your best investment on the farm? About six months ago I purchased a Ritchie Stock Cube which I now wouldn’t be without. This has enabled us to handle our cattle in a much quicker and safer way,

Q&A WITH A BEEF FARMER...

PHILIP VINCENT PULMAN HEREFORD'S NORFOLK @PulhamHerefords www.pulmanherefords.co.uk

causing the cattle and us less stress! We use the cube when medicating, recording weights and scanning for EBV’s, our annual herd blood test, pregnancy diagnosing and other routine jobs. Our vet also appreciates the kiosk we added to the end of our crush.

What are the biggest challenges facing beef farmers? The control of bovine TB is a major problem for the UK beef industry. I feel lucky that at the present time there are only a small number of cases of TB in Norfolk but fear this will not always remain the case. I do not envy the financial implications and emotional distress farmers in TB hotspots have to face and hope that a solution to the situation can be brought about as soon as possible.

What do you think the Brexit vote means for British farming? Brexit means uncertainty as we don’t know what the future will be for subsidies, imports and exports and regulations.

Where do you see beef farming in the next 5 years? In the past five years we have seen Native Breeds go from strength to strength in the UK and I see this continuing with the demand for more moderate carcase size.

PHILIP, LAURA, WITH STOCK BU BETH & GRACE VINCENT LL HAVEN HOTS PUR

What advice would you give to new entrant beef farmers? Take time researching the breeds available and chose one that suits you and your system. For us the Hereford works really well as we are making full use of the grazing around our chicken sheds. They are easy to manage which suits me as I have to divide my time between the chickens and the cattle. I would also advise new entrants to discuss disease testing/vaccination with their vet before purchasing animals. We joined a health scheme soon after starting our herd and currently hold Elite Status with the SAC Premium Cattle Health Scheme. We have the peace of mind that there are no underlining disease problems in the herd and our buyers have confidence in the health of our stock.

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SUMMER 2017

49

Q&A WITH A BEEF FARMER

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your farming background? Having been to Riseholme Agricultural

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NBA MEMBERSHIP

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP

FROM £40 PER YEAR

WHAT IS THE NBA? The NBA is a highly committed and proactive, charitable organisation with a single focus on the British Beef Industry. Since its inception in 1999 the NBA has gone from strength to strength and today it remains the only dedicated voice for British Beef Farmers defending their interests and representing their views.

The industry has and will continue to face many challenges and through the revenue generated from our membership the National Beef Association ensures: There is a Strong Management team and Board of Directors working on your behalf who meet regularly to discuss issues affecting the industry and continually act to protect the industry.

That we continue to engage with Government and Devolved Administrations including EC, Defra, Seerad, NAWAD, Dard NI to defend the interest of beef farmers across the UK. That we help to direct future regulation, offering advice and evidence to overturn bad legislation and improve existing legislation.

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Opportunity to sit on an NBA Regional Committee - NBA committees act as a key knowledge transfer tool from farm practitioners to Board Directors and we welcome member input.

We hope to welcome you as a member of the NBA in the near future, if you have any questions or require more information feel free to contact the NBA Head office on 01434 601005 or email info@nationalbeefassociation.com.

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GIFT OF THE GAVEL

GIFT OF THE GAVEL

ANDREW WRIGHT The Changing face of Market life

Andrew Wright FIA (Scot) FLAA auctioneer for over 35 years has held several positions in auction marts throughout Cumbria. Andrew has been involved in the Livestock Auctioneers Association in England; a previous president of the European Association of Livestock Markets; and is currently an Auctioneer and Head of Land agency at Mitchells, Cockermouth. Andrew is also Executive Secretary to the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland.

As I sit on the train on the way back from London

the last 200 years and marts now provide modern

impossible to replicate this by any other marketing

where the discussions have been on trading post

facilities with sites that are well geographically

method.

Brexit, I ponder on the past and the future and ask

placed, for the stratified nature of livestock

myself is farming and market trading changing for

production in the UK. The traditional livestock

The development of computer technology,

the better?

auction system is used throughout the world from

particularly social media, is being used to create

Australia, South America, USA and, closer to home,

other marketing platforms for some livestock sales.

I am old enough to remember back when, as a

in Ireland. Unlike auction markets in the UK, most

Technology should be embraced and I am sure

young man starting out on my career in the early

of the livestock trading in Europe takes place in

the auction marts will be at the forefront of these

80’s, life seemed certainly slower and farming life

Collection centres. These premises are of similar

changes.

had slowly evolved. In my home county of North

construction to our markets in terms of building

Cumberland, markets days were busy occasions

and facilities, however, the main difference is the

Brexit brings another challenge to the livestock

with crowded auction rings filled with Butchers,

sellers of animals privately negotiate the sale

sector. We have yet to see how the negotiations

Wholesalers and professional traders, as well as

with the buyer using a series of hand claps and

with the EU will progress, but I think it is safe

sellers and onlookers eager to find out what the

shakes until the price is eventually agree. The

to say that Brexit will bring challenges and

trade was. Market days were a social occasion when

financial transaction takes place between the

potential opportunities for the UK. The Institute

the head of the family would get dressed up, meet

two parties and the market operator generally

of Auctioneers in Scotland and the Livestock

with friends and acquaintances to catch up on the

charges a stand fee for each animal, but does not

Auctioneers Association in England and Wales

latest gossip and have a few drinks in the bar.

get involved in the sale process. There are new

have initiated the UK Livestock Brexit Group in

auction markets being built in France where the

order to provide a robust framework for the future

During my auctioneering career there has been

sales are conducted by an auctioneer through a

of the industry, bringing stakeholders together to

some significant animal disease outbreaks that have

ring, the difference being the buyer places their

help shape future policy post-Brexit.

impacted on the livestock auction trade, including

bids using a key pad, these bids are shown on

The BSE crisis and the FMD outbreak in 2001.

large display boards and relayed by the auctioneer.

Getting back to my original question, is farming

These particular diseases changed certain areas

This is electronic bidding process is being tried in

and trading changing for the better? Well, change

of farming practice and marketing; in the marts

southern Ireland.

is inevitable but with the support of Governments and the need to feed the world, I am sure farming

stringent regulations and bio-security protocols were brought in to prevent possible disease

I personally do not see significant changes to the

will prosper. As for livestock auction markets they

spread. Marts continue to work with Governments

UK’s tried and tested auction system, bringing

are pivotal to the supply chain, providing open,

and stakeholders to prevent the threat of disease

buyers and sellers together in a controlled

transparent and competitive marketing “I believe that

transmission.

environment. This enables sellers to realise the

the livestock market system has a loyal support from

best value for their stock and buyers being able

the farming industry and I am very positive about the

to choose what they require. In my opinion, it is

future of livestock auction markets in the UK”.

Livestock auction market system has evolved over

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