NBA Magazine Winter 2017/18 issue 6

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BEEF EXPO PREVIEW

PRIORITIES FOR BREXIT AB VISTA:

NOT ALL YEAST IS THE SAME ROUND-UPS

GUEST WRITER

GEORGE EUSTICE, MP

NS APPLY

NORTHERN IRELAND PRE & POST CALVING WORKSHOPS

NBA OUTLINES THE BEEF INDUSTRIES

REGIONAL

D CONDITIO

FUELLING UP WITH FODDER BEET

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

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CONTENTS

contents

WINTER 2017/18

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

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DEPUTY EDITOR'S Rosie McGowan rosie@nationalbeefassociation.com

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Tom Kinroy tom@nationalbeefassociation.com CHAIRMAN David Thomlinson ADVERTISING ENQUIRES Tom Kinroy 07738 229752 tom@nationalbeefassociation.com DESIGN, PRINT & PUBLISHING Countrywise Media, Yorkshire info@countrywisemedia.co.uk www.countrywisemedia.co.uk A National Beef Association Publication A specialist organisation open to everyone with an interest in the UK beef industry.

Company No. 3678612

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE WINTER 2017/18: Issue 6 NEXT ISSUE: SPRING 2018 NBA/Countrywise Media 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.

12 REGULARS CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME 05 CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT 06 GUEST WRITER: GEORGE EUSTICE, MP 09 NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS 18 BREED SOCIETIES NEWS 20 NBA PEDIGREE COMMITTEE UPDATE 23 NBA NEWS - MEET THE NEW ENERGISED MIDLAND'S COMMITTEE 24 GUEST VET: KEITH CUTLER 36 NBA NEWS - FARM WALKS AND MEETINGS 39 GIFT OF THE GAVEL: TREVOR WYLIE 54

FEATURES FUELLING UP WITH FODDER BEET 07 NOT ALL YEAST IS THE SAME 10 NBA NORTHERN IRELAND BEEF EXPO PREVIEW 12 YOUR 2018 BVD ERADICATION PLAN 26 MANAGING VENTILATION 28 PERMANENT ELECTRIC FENCING BOOSTS GRASS PRODUCTION 29 NBA PRIORITIES FOR BREXIT 30 BEEF FEED EFFICIENCY PROGRAMME 32 AHDB FOCUS FARM 34 CALF REARING RESULTS 40 ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AN GROWTH PATHS FOR FINISHING 42 GOOD DEMAND THROUGH 2018 44 MINERALS FOR MODERN DAY FARMING 45

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2017

WELCOME

CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

CHAIRMAN'S

DATE FOR THE DIARY

BY DAVID THOMLINSON CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION DAVID THOMLI

NSON

Welcome to the Winter issue of the NBA magazine.

I hope you all had a relaxing festive season.

We must look forward to the New Year with optimism. Although Brexit is an ongoing uncertainty at the back of many members minds, there is buoyancy in the beef and breeding cattle trade.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris for his hard work behind the scenes, working on behalf of the industry to influence future policy.

Chris' position as a trusted source of knowledge to policy makers has been particularly advantageous to the NBA, allowing us to influence policy prior to implementation as opposed to fire fighting against policy once it is implemented.

In 2017 the NBA enjoyed its greatest member outreach to date, meeting over 1,200 farmers at our farm walks and meetings up and down the country. We hope to build on this with the new addition of Katie Pearson to our team who will be heading up marketing and social media.

We have exciting times ahead with two beef events lined up over the spring months, new energy within our regional groups and an enthusiastic team behind us.

KATIE PEARSO

N

KATIE JOINS THE NBA TEAM AS MARKETING EXECUTIVE The NBA are pleased to welcome Katie Pearson to

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the NBA team. Based at the Hexham Head Office, Katie will be helping the team with Marketing, PR and Events. Born and bred in Northumberland, Katie went on to study Politics and Philosophy at Leeds University. Having recently returned from Sydney, Australia, Katie has extensive experience in marketing, in particular social media which we hope to develop in the coming months.

Commenting on her new appointment, Katie said “I am thrilled to have joined the NBA Team. Having studied Politics, it is an exciting prospect to be involved with such a prominent lobbying group and I am keen to learn more about the beef industry. My experience in marketing and social media, I hope, will contribute to the growing success of the organisation and give the NBA greater online presence.

I look forward to meeting many of you at future events and the Beef Expo in May".

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR SPRING ISSUE PLEASE CONTACT TOM KINROY ON 07738 229752 OR EMAIL nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: MONDAY 2ND APRIL THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

TRADE STAND BOOKINGS NOW OPEN ONLINE 01434 601005 info@nationalbeefassociation.com

WWW.BEEFEXPO.CO.UK WINTER 2017

05

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S

CHRIS MALLO

N

REPORT

BY CHRIS MALLON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

Whether or not you supported Brexit, we have now to ensure that it is a success for the UK and the farming sector. The transition period is essential to give time for UK businesses to adapt to the future post Brexit trading and legislative environment. Whilst farming support remains a priority in discussions, with new support to be targeted at environmental improvement and existing funding guaranteed by the Minister till 2024, future trade agreements are going to have a massive impact to the future shape of the farming sector.

The beef sector is at the sharp end of trade as

from processors and retailers in supplying high

and processors, going forward we need an

we have to compete with imports from EU and

provenance food to UK consumers. Inferior

unbiased arbitrator to rule on disputes.

third-party countries, whilst at present we are

products need to be clearly labelled with country

not significant exporters. It is a fact that beef

of origin to aid consumer choice and prevent

Disappointedly voluntary codes have been

will continue to be imported into the UK from the

future food fraud. To police any country of origin

shown to lack the ability to provide resolution

EU and from our share of the EU beef TRQs. Our

labelling scheme we will need to ensure suitable

to disputes. The importance of an arbitrator will

present welfare standards lead the world, and as

funds are given to Trading Standards, one of the

increase as we move further into a beef supply

such we obviously have concerns over the origin

worst funded departments in recent years. One of

chain with increased reliance on contracts

of beef imports as well as the production systems

the prime culprits in failures of traceability is the

and forward pricing. Discussions in 2017

we are expected to compete with. The British beef wholesale catering sector and proper supervision

around expanding the role of the Grocery Code

sector has no future in trying to compete in a rush of these products is vital.

Adjudicator (GCA) were constructive and the NBA

to the bottom of welfare standards and it is not

would like to see expansion of the remit of the

possible for us to compete on economies of scale

The expansion of Government departments to

GCA and extra funding enabling the GCA to be an

in our densely populated and environmentally

ensure a smooth transition is vital, with the

independent mediator in the relationships at the

conscious nation. We need to remain the

role of HMRC destined to expand and Export

start of the food chain.

producers of high quality beef products

Certification to grow exponentially, department

maintaining our integrity within the food chain

budgets will need to be inflated and it is vital

2018 will see the formulation and presentation

and for that we need a partnership approach from

that we start the trial runs of new operating

of the detail of Government Brexit policy and the

industry, processing and retailing.

systems as soon as possible.

NBA will continue to influence on your behalf.

As beef producers we are an integral part of

In previous years we have, at times unfortunately, future and we will ensure both areas are well

the British food industry and not separate

seen failures in the relationship between farmers

Trade is as important as farm support for our represented.

EDITOR'S NOTE...

In our 2017 Autumn Issue we featured an article from the COWS group, mistakenly we did not acknowledge all the authors of the article. We would like to take this opportunity to thank authors Professor Diana Williams and Professor Jacqueline Matthews. COWS is an industry stakeholder group which operates on a very small budget and delivers much of its knowledge exchange work with the in-kind support of its members.

Many of the COWS members are key research institutes delivering valuable research and development work to the industry in the area of parasite control and we are indebted to the experts who give up their time to support COWS. Their input to articles like the one written for the recent NBA magazine means the COWS group is able to provide producers with independent science based advice.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

FUELLING UP

ADVERTORIAL

WITH FODDER BEET Fodder beet is part of a unique forage based total mixed ration for Lanarkshire farmer Michael Shannon. Michael finishes 150 beef cattle a year, mainly Aberdeen Angus, off his 100-hectare farm. He targets carcass weights of 300kg to 350kg and he uses most for his own retail outlet Damn Delicious. Prime beef cuts and beef products are sold through a farm shop conveniently sited on the Biggar to Lanark Road, and through mail order.

Sales are growing and Michael attributes much of this to the taste and quality of the beef which he believes comes from the

MICHAEL SHAN NON WITH LIM AGRAIN FODDER BEET VARIETIES RO BBOS (LEFT ) AND TARINE (R IGHT)

cattle’s forage-based diet. “We find that the omega 3s in the meat from the forages contribute to the unique flavour. We have many customers who recognise this and a growing number who order online or make the 70-mile round trip from Edinburgh for their orders.” Michael feeds a total mixed forage diet throughout the rearing period. Cattle arrive on the farm at six to 12 months old. They live outdoors year-round on a carefully managed paddock system, grazing grass during summer and a total mixed forage ration, strip grazed, during winter.

Forages for the first winter include kale, fodder beet and round baled silage. In their second winter Michael feeds fodder beet and silage. A fresh round bale of silage is placed at the end of each ‘strip’ making both available to the cattle.

“Fodder beet has the energy content needed to finish the cattle. Kale is good for maintenance, but fodder beet has the extra fuel that is needed to add weight. We weigh cattle regularly and we see a noticeable difference in cattle grazing fodder beet where daily weight gains are typically 0.7kg to 1kg.”

Michael over-winters his cattle and 300 breeding ewes outdoors. He aims to increase productivity by generating greater output per hectare through a higher stocking rate and growing crops that will support this. “We have to grow the right crops and the best varieties,” he adds, speaking from his 20 years’ experience in the seed industry. And to this end, he’s currently growing three Limagrain varieties of fodder beet, Robbos, Brick and Tarine, to see which suits his farm and system best. “I want a variety that lasts the season – from October until April,” he adds. “It needs to be winter hardy and disease resistant, and yield well.” Fodder beet on Michael’s farm is sown in early to mid-May. Weed control is important and the crop is sprayed with pre-emergence herbicides. It is ready to graze by the autumn.

FODDER BEET FACTS

AVERAGE DRY MATTER YIELD = 15-17 TONNES PER HECTARE DRY MATTER CONTENT = 16-23% CRUDE PROTEIN = 12-13% D VALUE = 78% ME = 12.5 – 13 MJ / KILO DRY MATTER GROWING COST PER HECTARE = £1460 COST PER KG LIVE WEIGHT GAIN 34.3P

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SUMMER SPRING 2017

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2017

GEORGE EUSTICE, MP

GUEST WRITER

GUEST WRITER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

BRIGHT BREXIT FUTURE FOR BEEF The UK is famous for its beef industry and its native beef breeds. My own family have had a pedigree herd of South Devon Cattle since the breed was created in the 19th century and have a long association with the South Devon Herd Book Society. I grew up showing cattle at major shows. The beef industry is broad, from our pedigree native herds which command a premium to more commercial operations aimed at a different market.

Increasingly, people around the world want to

up access of UK beef to the Philippines earlier this

in the countryside eating grass. I was a farmer and

know more about where their food comes from

year, and exports began in November. This market

I know the reaction of cattle when you turn them

and how it is produced. The global marketplace is

will be worth £34 million over the next 5 years and

out to grass in the spring. Many farmers will tell

a competitive arena but British agriculture has a

will see UK beef on dinner plates and restaurant

you that a healthy cow is a productive cow. Visits to

huge advantage, thanks to our high standards of

menus nearly 7,000 miles from home. Beef farmers

farms in the UK and seeing the care and dedication

animal welfare, animal health, transparency and

can be confident of many similar opportunities for

that goes into our environmental standards first-

traceability. All this is down to the ambition and

exporting our prized produce across the world after

hand is the highlight of my job and makes me proud

dedication of our farmers who work tirelessly to

we leave the EU.

to be British.

improve their products and their businesses.

But looking beyond trade, as custodians of our

Beef reared in the UK is already worth more than

As we leave the EU there is one thing that will not

rural heritage, farmers are the original friends

£350 million in global exports each year, and

change. There will be no dilution of our animal

of the earth, the people best-placed to deliver

leaving the EU increases the scope for Britain to get

welfare and safety standards, nor of our rules on

benefits in the countryside. That is why we run

out into the world and strike new trade deals. It’s

food production in general. As consumers pay more

agri-environment schemes to help protect wildlife

an extremely exciting time for those in the industry,

attention to the journey their food takes from farm

habitats on farms as well as delivering many other

as the strong demand for internationally renowned

to fork, we will continue to be known for sustainable environmental benefits.

British beef opens up new opportunities for farmers.

farming and high quality produce.

As we design a new post-CAP agricultural policy, we

Quality will be the defining factor in determining

This emphasis on provenance will give British beef

have the opportunity to think about what we really

success in the future and it is critical that we market

a valuable place in international markets. Indeed,

want to encourage and incentivise. We are looking

the value of our beef effectively when competing

in the first half of this year beef exports to countries

at how we can improve soil management and

on a global stage. With a reputation for the highest

outside of Europe went up 45% year-on-year to

husbandry. We are also looking at the potential of

quality products, we are poised to break into new

almost 8,000 tonnes. I am confident that this

pasture based livestock systems both to improve the markets, with British beef leading the herd.

trend will continue and that there will be a bright,

environment and also add value to the British brand

profitable future for beef farmers outside of the EU.

on products such as beef and lamb.

We will also be taking the opportunity to reach new

This is especially important in beef farming, where

markets across the world. For example, we opened

our cattle enjoy spending most of the year outdoors

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FEATURE AS OUR GUEST WRITER, PLEASE CONTACT THE NBA MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017 -18 ISSUE 06

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BEEF EXPO PRNRIRELAND EVIEW PR E & POST CALV ING WORKSHOPS

M THE SAME FEE

FORAGE PRE-T REGIONAL

ROUND-UPS FOR EVERYONE

D WIT

REATMENT H

GUEST WRITER

GEORGE EUSTICE

WITH AN INTERE

THE OF FICI

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

THE

F INDUSTRIES PRIORITIES FOBEE R BREXIT

MORE GAIN FRO

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AL MA GAZ

INDUSTRY

INE FR OM

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NORTHE

SS GREAT BRIT AIN

NBA OUTLINES

T: 01392 447494 E: info@sdhbs.co.uk

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South Devon Herd Book Society, Westpoint, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ

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NEWS & INDUST

UPDATES

THE NA TIO

NAL BE EF ASS OC

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FUELLING UP W FODDER BEITETH HEALTH

ISSUES

BREED SOC

NEWS UPDATE IETIES S

I AT I O N

WINTER 2017

09

IS THE SAME improve feed conversion efficiency and reduce the incidence of sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA). However, recent research has highlighted just how important it is that the yeast used is a highly-active live form.

“Rumen fermentation is compromised any time rumen

Average rumen pH after acidosis challenge

pH drops below 5.8, with optimum performance around

6.0

Optimum

5.8 5.5

6

pH 6.0,” states Dr Nicola Walker, AB Vista’s ruminant

Rumen pH

6.2

On many intensive beef finishing units, the inclusion of a yeast is now commonplace to help maintain optimum rumen pH,

Acidosis

product development manager. “How low that pH drops, how long it spends below the pH 5.8 threshold and how

Graph 1 (left) Only Vistacell in a live form was able to have an average rumen pH above the point where fibre digestion is compromised (pH 5.8)

5.9

quickly it then recovers all have a direct impact on the

Rumen pH

SPONSORED FEATURE

NOT ALL YEAST

rumen fermentation and, ultimately, feed conversion efficiency.

“For intensively reared beef cattle, the rumen will

5.8

Table 1 (below) Effect of yeast addition and viable state on rumen pH in beef heifers (Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2013)

5.7

typically spend long periods below pH 5.8 unless yeasts or rumen buffers are used to maintain a balance in the

5.6

rumen. And it’s a particular problem for those fed large

No yeast

Vistacell (Live)

Vistacell (Inactive)

amounts of rolled cereal, high starch silages – such as maize and whole crop cereal silages – or starchy concentrates.”

Before acidosis challenge

After acidosis challenge

If the rumen drops below pH 5.5 – the threshold

Vistacell yeast Vistacell yeast No yeast No yeast

Active Inactive Active Inactive

for SARA – fermentation efficiency is even further

Dry matter intake (kg/d) 11.3 11.3

11.7 10.7 11.2 10.0

Average rumen pH 6.1 6.3

6.3

disrupted as the normal fibre-digesting microbes begin to die off. This delays performance recovery when rumen pH rises, whilst also releasing lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which can cause inflammation of the rumen lining.

“Reducing the extent and time of any drop in rumen pH

Minimum rumen pH 5.5 5.6

5.7

5.7 5.9 5.7 4.9 5.0 4.8

Time below pH5.8 (hr/d) 7.0 3.5 3.7 13.1 10.4 12.7 reduced time spent below pH 5.8 on the standard diet,

For commercial beef finishers, the implications are

it was the active live form that was most effective

substantial. According to the research, either type of

following the acidosis challenge.

yeast would provide a feed efficiency advantage during periods when the risk of SARA is relatively low, yet the

is therefore critical if feed conversion efficiency, feed intake and growth performance are to be maximised,”

“Although all treatments were affected by the acidosis

yeast needs to be metabolically active (live) to be fully

adds Dr Walker.

challenge, dry matter intake (DMI) was maintained only

effective in aiding recovery from any significant acidosis

by the active live form of the yeast, with DMI for the

challenge.

A recent independent trial carried out by Agriculture

inactivated yeast and control groups falling by 5% and

and Agri-Food Canada (a department of the Canadian

15% respectively during the 24 hour period following

“Yeasts have a hugely important role to play in intensive

Government) compared rumen pH fluctuation in beef

the challenge,” Dr Walker explains.

beef rations, and are relied upon to help stabilise rumen pH by beef producers throughout the world,” Dr Walker

heifers receiving either 4g/head/day of a metabolically active live yeast (Vistacell) , the same dose of yeast

“The cattle receiving the active live yeast form also

deactivated (killed) by autoclaving at high temperature,

appeared to recover from the challenge more quickly,

or no yeast at all. All heifers were fed a non-acidotic

tending to have a higher post-acidosis average ruminal

“Yet this research shows just how much impact yeast

mixed ration containing wholecrop cereal silage and

pH and less time spent below ph 5.8. In addition, both

viability can have on efficacy under truly acidotic

a cereal-based concentrate to give an overall 50:50

the cattle receiving the inactivated dead yeast and

conditions. For beef cattle regularly challenged by large

forage-to-concentrate ratio.

those on the control diet required a supplementary

meals of highly fermentable feeds, the difference in

dose of 250g sodium bicarbonate in order to return the

feed efficiency and growth performance is likely to be

rumen to a balanced state.”

substantial.”

Rumen pH was then monitored for seven days before and seven days after an acidosis ‘challenge’, which took the form of a large meal of barley grains following a day during which only 50% of the normal ration was fed.

The results are shown in Table 1, and it was clear that whilst both forms of the yeast significantly increased average rumen pH, raised minimum rumen pH and

10

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

continues.

Yeasts have a hugely important role to play in intensive beef rations, and are relied upon to help stabilise rumen pH by beef producers throughout the world WINTER 2017

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

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 AUTUMN 2017

11

NBA NI BEEF EXPO PREVIEW

NBA NORTHERN IRELAND

BEEF EXPO PREVIEW THE BIGGEST TECHNICAL EVENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND RETURNS TO DUNGANNON FARMERS' MARKET ON MONDAY THE 26TH FEBRUARY.

FARM TOURs Friday 23rd February On Friday the 23rd of February there will be a day of farm tours giving visitors the chance to view three exceptional farms across the county. Each year we aim to view a range of farms and systems representing the vast variety within our industry and showcasing innovation and progression. The farm tours will set off from Dungannon mart at 9am sharp returning at 5pm. Ticket prices include admission to the three tour farms, transport and lunch. A day filled with the latest suckler herd research, an insight into the future beef integrated supply chain.

Jonathan Price, Mourneview Farm, Glenavy In order to achieve success, a business-like approach must be adopted on farm. Jonathan Price knows that figures must add up in order to continue farming, a passion he has always had. Jonathan took over his family farm 10 years ago as a third generation farmer. Working alongside his brother, they employ seasonal workers when required. Jonathan has established a purpose built yard for his beef finishing enterprise, allowing him to finish over 400 cattle per year. Sheds were designed for increased cleanliness, ease of manual labour and enhanced health prospects of all stock. Rubber slats are used throughout the farm as they have increased the lying time of all the livestock and thus increased DLWG significantly whilst reducing incidences of lameness and injury. Straw pens are used for cattle arriving on farm in order to allow them to integrate in to the environment smoothly – this ultimately lowers stress levels, reduces morbidity levels and allows DLWG to be optimised. Cattle are all vaccinated, dosed and clipped (back and tail) upon arrival to Mourneview Farm. Jonathan “buys quality for quality”, always hoping to buy the best on offer at local marts.

Jonathan buys in continental cattle between 14-18 months of age. He aims to finish all livestock between 20-24 months, with a target DLWG of 1.6kg. Most cattle are finished indoors, however, when the weather permits, grass is utilised for grazing. All silage, slurry and cereal work is done by themselves with additional seasonal workers. Winter and spring barley is grown in a rotation with grass, giving a straw supply to the beef unit and a further revenue for the farm. Jonathan supplies inspec cattle to Dunbia in order to meet market demand.

AFBI Loughgall Beef Research Farm

The Deerpark Farm at Loughgall is the winter accommodation for the AFBI research suckler herd. The herd consists of 100 cows, including Stabiliser and Limousin cross Holstei

since the herd was established back in 2006. Herd replacements have been managed to produce their first calf at 24 month. Heifers are regularly weighed to ensure they are on

body weight) and calving at 24 months (85% of mature body weight). The majority of this performance is achieved from high quality forage either grazed grass or grass silage w

replacement heifers were involved in a grazing study evaluating a daily grass allocation system relative to a 3 day paddock system. The effect of different trace element supplem these studies will be discussed at the farm tour.

The herd has been bred using synchronisation and artificial insemination, with Stabiliser bulls sweeping after the second service. AFBI have been researching various synchroni

The role of sorted semen as a mechanism to breed maternal females for replacements or terminal males for finishing has been undertaken over the last few years. The use of th

additional Stabiliser heifer calves being born relative to male calves which has increased the genetic merit of the breeding females coming into the herd in the future. It has also terminal sires. The 2017 progeny which include maternally bred Stabiliser females and terminal bred Charolais males will be on display at the farm tour.

In addition to viewing the herd and facilities at AFBI visitors will have the opportunity to meet the researchers and hear the latest findings from a range of DAERA and AgriSearch

12

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

NBA NI BEEF EXPO PREVIEW

Gary Fitzpatrick and John Toland, Moss Hill Farm, Aghalee, Armagh

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM THE WEBSITE

Gary and John developed a joint business in 2006 after realising a market opportunity which resulted from high conacre prices and a surge of bull calves from dairy farms onto the market. By ensuring health protocols were strictly followed and their bespoke nutritional programme was consistently implemented, calves were able to thrive, despite coming from varied sources.

Purpose built sheds were erected with optimal ventilation, lighting and feed space and coupled with quality barley straw and enhanced hygiene practices, allowing the health and vigour of all calves to be optimised all year round. Gary and John buy mainly black and white calves together with Hereford and Angus calves for the Dunbia supply chain. They purchase approximately 10,000 calves per year which represents a significant enterprise within the Northern Ireland supply base. Calves are bought at 2 weeks of age, reared to 12 weeks and are then sold to a predetermined market. This secure market is successful due to a respected reputation of quality livestock and well performing calves.

Calves are fed lower levels of milk replacer (450g per day), alongside a high quality feed programme aimed at increasing concentrate intake and papillae development. A close working relationship with their vet has developed a strict vaccination and treatment protocol. A combination of all these factors has resulted in a decreased mortality rate from 6% to less than 1%.

Dunbia were highly motivated by the top quality calves coming off Moss Hill Farm and had no hesitation in developing a long standing contract with Gary and John for quality Hereford calves which supply the Coop’s Irresistible range. Gary, John and Dunbia work closely with grower-finisher farms in order to maximise the potential of these calves and bring in-spec, high quality cattle back onto the market. The calves are performance recorded throughout the supply chain and the results are fed back to create a streamlined approach.

Tickets are priced at £24.00 for NBA members and £30 for non-members and include three

in Friesian genotypes, which has been evaluated

n target for breeding at 15 months (60% of mature

with minimal concentrates being offered. During 2017

mentation methods was also evaluated. Results from

exceptional farm tours each containing several interactive workshops, transport to & from either Dungannon mart or Hillsborough research centre and a complimentary lunch provided by

isation methods as a means of improving herd fertility.

major event sponsor.

he female sorted semen on the herd has resulted in

o enabled a greater proportion of cows to be bred to

Bookings can be made online at www.nibeefexpo.co.uk or by

h funded projects.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

contacting the NBA Head Office on 01434 601005.

WINTER 2017

13

NBA NI BEEF EXPO PREVIEW

NBA NORTHERN IRELAND

BEEF EXPO PREVIEW

k i n d ly s u p p o r t e d b y MAJOR SPONSOR

NI BEEF INDUSTRY A NEW DAWN DINNER DANCE FOR DUNBIA Friday 23rd February

A combination of organic growth, strategic acquisitions and entrepreneurial vision

After a day of farm tours, it’s time to bring out the suit and

and sheep for national and international markets.

has seen Dunbia expand into a multi-site, multi-species operation processing cattle

put on your dancing shoes. With the return of the NI Beef Expo the NBA will introducing a Beef Industry dinner, the

In 2017, the strategic partnership and acquisition agreement between Dunbia and Dawn

ultimate networking event for all within the NI Beef Industry.

Meats has further increased the scope of operations by expanding processing capabilities to approximately 900,000 cattle and 2.6 million sheep annually.

Set at the beautiful Corick Country House the beef industry dinner is an event not to be missed. With representatives from

The combined businesses now offers customers regionally sourced beef and lamb from 15

across the industry and a fantastic charity cause the event will

facilities across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a further 10 Dawn

be the highlight of the beef industry’s social calendar.

Meats facilities in the Republic of Ireland. With a clear focus on quality and sustainability across 3 national businesses; Dawn Meats in Ireland, Dunbia in the UK and Elivia in France,

The night will begin with a welcome drinks reception followed

this partnership will allow Dunbia to grow as a leading supplier in the UK market enabling

by a three-course dinner with wine. Beef for the dinner is kindly

us to deliver long-term solutions for our customers and a strong relationship with our

sponsored by major event sponsor Dunbia.

farmers.

After dinner entertainment will include after dinner speaker

Dunbia, as the major sponsor will be prominent at the Beef Expo Show in Dungannon

and beef farmer David Martin taking to the stage and a

Farmers Mart where we will be speaking to key members within the beef supply chain,

charity auction hosted by Trevor Wylie of Dungannon Farmers

facilitating a better all-round understanding of the challenges facing the sector.

Market in aid of the newly established Northern Irish Air Ambulance. Auction prizes include: a three-day road trip to

We are also delighted to be working in association with the NBA team to deliver farm

the NBA Beef Expo, including 2 days of farm tours, 2 nights

knowledge transfer sessions, showcasing some of our most impressive and efficient beef

of accommodations, Beef Industry Dinner tickets, Beef Expo

farms as part of the Industry Farm Tours. This will look at a range of systems including calf

tickets and all transport. and a signed rugby shirt from Ireland

rearing, beef finishing and a visit to a research farm, we are excited to illustrate how these

International Rugby star Rory Best.

different businesses operate technically and financially. We believe these sector leaders demonstrate viable and sustainable beef production systems for the future.

Tickets are priced at £48 for NBA members and £54 for non-members. Tables are set for ten.

To book your tickets please visit the website www.nibeefexpo.co.uk

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS 9:00am Event opening and ceremony chaired by John Sheridan 10:00am NICCEC ‘Future Stars’ Calf Show begins 11:00am A series of technical seminars including topics: Nutrition, Genetics, Policy and Health 2:00pm NICCEC ‘Future Stars’ Calf Sale begins 4:00pm Trade stand, Breed society and YFC competition prizes awarded 5:00pm Event closes Further information and tickets available at www.nibeefexpo.co.uk

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

NBA NI BEEF EXPO PREVIEW

NI COMMERCIAL CATTLE CLUB ANNUAL ‘YOUNG STARS OF THE FUTURE” SHOW AND SALE MONDAY 26th of February This year we are delighted to host the NI commercial cattle club annual ‘Young Stars of the Future” show and sale as part of the NBA Beef Expo NI. Following the success of NI bred cattle at shows across the UK this is a great opportunity to purchase some of the best stock this country has to offer. With some of the top herds already confirmed to be showing calves the event will be a fantastic opportunity to buy a spectacular calve for the future show season ahead.

mainline sponsors

other sponsors include

c a lt e c h c rys ta ly x . a b v is ta . b o e h r in g e r in g e l h e im . n at u r al stockcare.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

15

NBA NI BEEF EXPO SEMINAR PREVIEW

INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

HELPS NI FARMERS MAKE MORE FROM A collaboration between researchers at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), farmers and industry in Northern Ireland is driving improvements in grass utilisation for local livestock producers through the long running GrassCheck project.

Originally established in 1999, the GrassCheck

“Importantly, however, by sharing the data through

The information has proven especially useful for

project is operated by Northern Ireland’s levy body

easily accessible technology it also helps other

the farmers who are collecting the data. Dr Lively

AgriSearch and the Agri-Food and Biosciences

farmers in their area make informed decisions about

says “Beyond better control of grass supply and an

Institute (AFBI), and supported by the Centre for

when to apply fertiliser, cut grass and ultimately

early ability to react to inclement weather periods,

Innovation Excellence in Livestock (CIEL), the College

make more from forage”.

one GrassCheck farmer was able to pinpoint a 5t difference in grass production between two

of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and

Lyndsay concludes “This is a great example of how

neighbouring fields. As a result, he decided to re-

Rural Affairs (DAERA). It aims to provide up-to-date

collaborating on the use of innovative technology

seed the poorer fields.”

grass information to assist farmers with grassland

can benefit farmers and food producers.” AFBI Beef

management decisions and improve utilisation across

researcher Dr Francis Lively, says GrassCheck is

the region. In spring 2017, GrassCheck progressed

already helping farmers make more from grass. “In commented on the importance of the project.

from monitoring grass growth on small scale trial

Northern Ireland we have 307 different soil types

plots, to include 12 dairy farmers, 15 beef farmers and and a range of micro climates. By having localised

Jason Rankin, General Manager of AgriSearch, “GrassCheck is AgriSearch’s longest running programme. We took the decision to significantly

5 sheep farmers, who measure grass growth weekly

data on grass growth, rainfall, soil moisture levels

increase the scope and scale of the project in 2017

and take fortnightly grass samples, from around

and temperature, livestock farmers can use this

and have been delighted with how the project

Northern Ireland.

information to improve decision-making on farm.”

has progressed. New technology is enabling us to capture a wealth of grass growth, quality,

AFBI has placed digital weather stations on each of

During 2017 GrassCheck was particularly useful

soil and weather data right across Northern

the farms and these send reports every 30 minutes

for local livestock farmers given the changing

Ireland. We have a wide range of farm types and

into a central database, which all farmers can access.

conditions throughout the season, with eastern

systems represented.” “We have harnessed a

This helps livestock producers understand the impact

areas experiencing drought in the late spring and

range of communication means to disseminate

of the weather at a localised level and how this is

western areas experiencing flooding in the autumn. this information, including weekly bulletins in the

influencing grass growth in their area.

“By having data from GrassCheck, farmers in the

local farming press, farm walks, a comprehensive,

Lyndsay Chapman, CEO of CIEL, one of the four Agri-

west of the province, who were most affected

dedicated website and social media which has

Tech Centres established as part of the government’s

by the heavy rain, were able to identify local

proven most successful.” “There is no doubt that

Agri-Tech Strategy, says such technology is vital

soil moisture conditions and make data-based

the expanded GrassCheck programme has put grass

in helping farmers make informed decisions. She

decisions about housing livestock early.” Dr Lively

back on the agenda in Northern Ireland. Given the

says: “CIEL has secured funding for scientific grade

continued: “If we have farmers in trouble because

considerable financial benefits from making more

weather stations on each of the farms. For the

of forage shortages and need to apply for weather

from grass, this is very important. For every 1t extra

farmers involved in GrassCheck this technology

aid support payments, we have the evidence to put

grass produced on a beef farm, that’s the equivalent

provides real data to help them understand what the

forward to government policy makers to support a

of £204 in the farmers pocket.”

weather and soil temperatures are doing to their farm

claim.”

swards.

about ciel Ciel is one of the four agri-tech centres established as key pillars of the Government's agri-tech strategy. They are funded through Innovate UK, the UK's strategic innovation agency, and a partnership between industry and academia. Ciel works with 12 of the UK's leading livestock research institutions and a group of industry members spanning the food supply chain. Ciel aims to use these collaborative partnerships to enhance and accelerate innovation, as well as inspire and identify opportunities that could lead to the developement of new products, services and techniques.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

NBA NI BEEF EXPO SEMINAR PREVIEW

GRASS FARMER FEATURE

FARMER FEATURE

Paul and Frank Turley

Oliver McKenna

Frank farms 400 acres (all grassland) outside

Oliver runs 60 suckler cows on 88 acres

Downpatrick, Co Down. They run 190 Angus

near Eskra in County Tyrone. These are

X British Friesian suckler cows with progeny

split into spring and autumn calving herds

finished as heifers / steers at 17-18 months.

with a tight calving pattern (8 weeks).

They aim to calve 95% of their cows over a

All cows are bred to AI and sire breeds

six week period commencing in late January.

used include Simmental, Limousin, Saler

This aligns peak feed demand with peak grass growth.

and Red Angus genetics. All cattle are rotationally grazed.

They also rear and finish 100 dairy origin Angus X Holstein cattle at 19 months.

Oliver says, “Monitoring grass growth on our farm is crucial to managing

All cattle are finished without concentrates. Frank says, “We believe in weekly

feed resources and increasing animal performance through flexible grazing

grass measuring and budgeting. It not only allows us to grow more grass but

practices, which has allowed us to increase farm stocking rates, lower the

also enables maximal grass utilisation, which lowers the production costs of

cost of production and improve farm productivity.” Farming in an area of high

our beef system”. Frank’s farm is dry and free draining. As a result, he has a

rainfall, it can be difficult to graze wetter land and utilise grass. 2017 was

long grass growing season. However, growth is restricted during hot and dry

particularly challenging. While 9.1t DM/ha was grown over the grass growing

weather conditions. As can be seen in the grass growth curve below where the

season. Of this, 2.1t DM/ha was grown when on/off grazing had to be practiced

grass growth dropped considerably during the dry spell in May 2017. Frank grew

due to the extremely wet conditions. Individual paddock growths ranged from

an average of 13t dry matter per hectare in 2017, however, individual paddocks

5.5 to 11.9t DM/ha.

ranged from 8.9t DM/ha to 17.3 t DM/ha. Frank is engaged in a programme of reseeding to improve the total tonnes of grass dry matter grown on the farm.

Oliver sees opportunities to further improve grass production through

He sees opportunities through further refining of grassland management and

improvements in drainage and reseeding as well as improving soil fertility (pH,

measuring and is seeking to continue to improve silage quality.

P & K).

2017 GRASS GROWTH CURVE ON THE TURLEY'S FARM

2017 GRASS GROWTH CURVE ON THE OLIVER'S FARM

140 120

100 Daily grass growth rate (kg DM/ha)

Daily grass growth rate (kg DM/ha)

9.1T DM/HA GROWN

120

100 80 60 40

13.05t DM/ha grown in 2017 Range in paddock yields 8.9 t DM/ha to 17.3 t

20

80 Grazing all stock

ON/OFF grazing - due to wet weather conditions

60

40

20

7.0t DM/ha Range in paddock yields 5.5 to 11.9t DM/ha

2.1t DM/ha

0

0 21-MAR

11-APR

02-MAY

23-MAY

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

13-JUN

04-JUL

25-JUL

15-AUG

05-SEP

26-SEP

16-MAR

06-APR

7-APR

18-MAY

08-JUN

29-JUN

20-JUL

10-AUG

31-AUG

21-SEP

WINTER 2017

17

NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

REGIONAL round-ups IMAGE CREDIT: DEVON CATTLE SOCIETY

REGIONAL COUNCILS CONTACTS

SCOTLAND Despite the horrendous weather the Beef event

when the SBA chairman once again, on behalf of

in June proved to be a successful day and the SBA

members, sought clarification on their legality.

held the usual thank you dinner for the organising

There is NO DOUBT this form of tagging was

committee at Cafrae Mill, Earlston, in October. The

outlawed under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006

Aberdeen Angus Heifer, which was raffled at the Beef

although until recently nothing has appeared

HELEN DOBSON - SECRETARY/TREASURER Hexham NE46 3SG Tel: 01434 601005 Email: helen@nationalbeefassociation.com

event, was presented to the delighted winner, Angela

to have been said to make farmers aware of

McGregor, at Wederlee Farm and the occasion was

this change, only that it was not on the list of

well covered by the Scottish press. The search for a

practises that ARE legal, dehorning, castrating

venue for the 2019 Beef Event is now underway and

etc. The SBA would strongly encourage farmers

MIDLANDS JOHN BELL - CHAIRMAN Northamptonshire NN11 5NP Tel: 07188 890320 Email: john@berryfieldsfarm.co.uk

the Chairman will be visiting beef farms in the north

to remove dewlap, or brisket tags as they are

of the country early in the New Year.

wrongly called, as soon as possible.

Two farm walks have been planned for late January,

The SBA once again sponsored two classes at a

early February next year. The first will be in the

very successful LiveScot beef event at Lanark (see

Scottish Borders and the second is at a finishing

photo) and at Aberdeen’s Christmas classic show

unit in Aberdeenshire. Rosie has already secured

and sale.

NORTHERN DAVID THOMLINSON - CHAIRMAN Carlisle CA1 2RS Tel: 07802 675799 Email: david@thomlinson.co.uk

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

18

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

sponsorship for these events which promise to create a great deal of interest. Further details will be

We look forward to meeting with beef farmers,

announced nearer to the time.

members and non-members at our forthcoming events early next year and hope the weather

Brexit meetings go on with the SBA always in

remains in the kinder mode it has shown recently.

attendance. The almost inevitable conclusion of these meetings is that we need to know more before the industry can reach any conclusions. The SBAs position remains unchanged in that we need to protect our markets and future support payments must go towards farms that are investing, employing, and producing the food that the market and the Scottish Food and Drink industry wants. The SBA supports the Scottish Government in pursuit of convergence money that clearly belongs to Scottish farmers, and has sent a letter with other stakeholder organisations to Westminster. The unlikely likelihood of getting money back is not the only issue, it is important ground rules are set properly for the future.

The ongoing subject of brisket tags was on the agenda at an Animal Health Meeting in October

NOT ALREADY A MEMBER? JOIN THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION TODAY. SEE PAGE 48 WINTER 2017

SOUTH WEST

from the continental breeds to be crowned

NORTHERN IRELAND

Commercial and pedigree livestock from exhibitors

overall champion. Reserve Champion Young

The NBA is the largest lobby group in the UK which

across the region and further afield flocked to

bull went to the Neale family from Launceston

specifically looks after the production of beef. While

Westpoint Exeter on November 8th for Agrifest, the

with their exceptional Limousin Bull Nealford

we look after all areas of production we have a keen

premier South West prime stock event organised by

Monarch born in June 2016 and sired by

sense of responsibility to primary production of beef

the NBA SW region.

Ampertaine Inferno. Paul & Lin Calcraft from

i.e. the suckler cow.

Payhembury took the NBA sponsored Home Bred With HRH The Countess of Wessex in attendance,

& Fed Championship with their May 2016 born

Three highly significant factors have just happened

the West Country’s top beef and sheep producers

Limousin cross heifer Miss Independent. British

in Northern Ireland:

showcased animals with a breadth and depth

Blues came out on top in the pedigree calf

of quality breeding and production. Among the

classes as Nigel and Candy Jenkinson won both

1. The agreement reached between Britain, Ireland

many accolades on offer were trophies from the

the continental and supreme pedigree calf titles.

and the EU now means that NI will not only have

Royal Smithfield Club, presented to the supreme

Claiming the tricolour sash for the Shebbear

continued North-South trade through an unchanging

based couple was Dymond

border, but also East-West to Britain.

Blue Magnum, a January 2017

2. The average NI suckler herd of less than 20 cows

born bull calf by the prolific

has a strong participation in environment and public

bull Drift Domino. The Bishop

goods. It produces, in the most part, red meat from a

family from Berkshire took

75% disadvantaged land area and in nearly 50% of

the Native Calf title with

NI this is severely disadvantaged land.

their Aberdeen Angus heifer

3. The payment of basic single payments and

Warrenho Erica T668.

how they are rolled out will largely follow the same process as that which we have now, but

One of the other attractions at

with an increasing continuance of recognition to

Agrifest was a sheep sale with

environment and provision of public good.

a difference. A unique quartet of Pink Pedigree ewes were

Bovine TB continues to vex and test, no pun

sold in the name of charity. In

intended, our ability to deal with this complex

total £14,000 was raised for

disease, in our national herd, in wildlife, and

Cancer Research UK, this was

more importantly in these austere times, is with

made up from the sheep sale,

compensation. There is a consultation out on bTB

items auctioned at the pre-

and it closes on the 1st of February. Some of the

event dinner, a Chinese raffle

proposals that may be of concern are; to limit

and the sale of pink hats.

compensations to £1800 sterling for any one animal, that the farmer pays for an annual test, and that we

Also at the event the Tony

set up local TB discussion groups. Representatives

Austin Memorial was awarded

from the NBA met with NI’s chief veterinary officer

for the first time to the SW

Robert Huey and his team along with representatives

member who has contributed

from NI Agricultural Producers Association and

the most to the NBA.

Farmers For Action.

primestock cattle champion and the supreme champion pair of lambs. Prime lambs were a new

It was presented by Rebecca Jordan, Tony Austin’s

NBA representatives will be attending various

addition this year and proved an enormous success

daughter. When announcing the winner she said:

industry meetings in January pre-consultation

with 50 pairs of lambs entered. The supreme

“It is fitting the Tony Austin Memorial should be

closure. I would ask everyone to familiarise

primestock cattle championship went to the British

presented in its first year to a man Dad considered

themselves with the report in order to fully

Blue sired heifer Lady Gaga owned by Michael and

a true friend. One who travelled miles to meetings

participate in a meeting the NBA will hold for our

Melanie Alford from Cullompton. Taking the reserve

with Dad, listened to his more outlandish

members at the end of January in NI.

spot was Graham Ward from Torrington with his

opinions, acted upon his sounder ones and

Limousin cross steer Morse. The Alford Family

laughed at the outrageous stories he had

also picked up the Baby beef championship with

accumulated over his years as a farmer and

the May 2017 born Limousin Heifer Foxhillfarm

huntsman, I am pleased to announce that

Naomi. Red Ruby Devons proved their place at

this year’s recipient is John Vanstone who is

the forefront of the region's beef industry as a

Vice Chairman of the NBA and has travelled

tremendous example of the breed claimed the

the length and breadth of the country to

prestigious Young Bull of the Year title.

support NBA events and attend meetings.”

Congratulations John and thank you for

The homebred bull Bollowall Front Row from Jeff

all the hard work, that you carry out with

Thomas took the Native Young Bull of the Year

a smile, on behalf of the NBA, your fellow

title before fighting off very strong competition

farmers and the industry as a whole.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

19

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

BREED SOCIETIES NEWS

LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY

DEVON CATTLE SOCIETY

The British Limousin Cattle Society has recently launched its new LimSale app. The

DEDICATED BEEF WEBSITE SINCE 2016

app can be downloaded to a wide range of smart phones and tablets and presents

The Red Ruby Devon Cattle Society runs a dedicated beef website to

an electronic sale catalogue that can be filtered according to individual search

promote the beef breed, which was part of the society 5 year strategy with

criteria. It can be used to create catalogue short lists, record notes and store all

www.redrubydevon-beef.co.uk launched in June 2016. The website speaks

results to help find the animals best suited to all producers’ needs at the touch of

directly to the consumer with information on taste, health, recipes, and where-

a button. A handy feature of the app is that it can work in any environment. Once

to-buy listings. www.redrubydevon-beef.co.uk is supported by an extensive

a chosen sale has been downloaded, no internet connection is required for the

media campaign to regional and national press. Whilst this work is on-going

app to run. This offers great flexibility in sale locations where internet access is

and will take time to build traction, coverage has been achieved in leading food

limited. It will successfully run on any Apple device (from iPhone 4s and above), all

and lifestyle magazines such as "Delicious" and "Olive" as well as broadsheets

platforms running Windows 10 and over 13,950 android devices. A further digital

such as The Times. Although a native breed with a long and proud heritage,

development sees yet another launch for the Society by way of a new modernised

the Devons are more often at the front than one might first think. They were

website. As powerful as social media is, a website is still a hub of information to be

in fact (probably) the first beef breed society to undertake Type Classification

accessed by members, commercial beef producers and the industry at large. The

when the Society launched its own scheme in 2005.

redesign sees a completely new, simple to use layout that is in line with the Society’s ongoing modern rebranding which will go even further to advertise and promote the Limousin breed and the activities of the Society. There is a ‘mobile’ approach to design which ensures that it is easily viewable and works well on mobile devices, tablets and PC’s. In addition, there are new and improved levels of navigation to ensure smooth movement around the site and a ‘less is more’ approach, with increased focus on key content. Available on the familiar www.limousin.co.uk

LIMSALE

WAGYU CATTLE SOCIETY

WAGYU RIBS COMPETITION WELCOMES RUGBY STAR MIKE TINDALL

Rugby hero Mike Tindall, MBE was one of the star guests at Countryside Live, Harrogate 21-22 October 2017 where he was a special judge in one of the competitive classes. The former England captain and Gloucester rugby player, who is married to Zara Phillips, was a guest judge for the Royal Smithfield Club in the taste-off between the winner of the Wagyu Ribs class and the first-placed

THE ALL NEW MOBILE SALE APP

entry from the combined Continental & Native-bred Ribs of Beef. For the first time in the UK, there was a separate class for Wagyu Ribs, a breed noted for its highly marbled, premium beef. The celebrity ‘cook-off’ was hosted by Mike Tucker, Chairman of the Wagyu Breeders Association and Sue Nelson of Food Finder. Mr Tindall was a guest judge with Jill Mills, Cattle Steward and wife of Yorkshire Show Director Charles Mills, as well as Norman Bagley, Director of

ü All Society sale catalogues available to view on your mobile device

the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS). Two well-known local

ü Filter pages to find catalogued animals meeting your criteria

Allen, Pulborough, West Sussex which won by 69 points to 65. Special thanks

chefs, Chris Harrison of Shoot The Bull in Hull & Michael Wilkinson from The Star in The City, York cooked the winning entries which were judged on taste, tenderness and visual appeal. Overall champion was the Wagyu rib from James

ü Create your own catalogue from saved results

go to sponsors Harbro, AIMS, Cotswold Wagyu & Delta Wagyu, together with Geoffrey Burgess & Phil Henshall of the Royal Smithfield Club.

Download the LimSale App The LimSale app is supported by minimum platforms iOS8 Apple, Windows 10 and Android 4.0.3.

For further information contact the British Limousin Cattle Society, info@limousin.co.uk, telephone 02476 696500

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

Limousin LimSale App Ad_90x134mm_01_18.indd 1

WINTER 2017 17/01/2018 10:03

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

BREED SOCIETIES, DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS, YOU WOULD LIKE US TO PUBLISH? Email your copy and any images to nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com

CHAROLAIS CATTLE SOCIETY

A small but high-quality offering of Charolais bulls saw a high of 5,500gns and an average of £3,304, for the 15 bulls sold at Borderway Mart for the breeds last official sale of the year on Friday 17 November. The clearance rate was up by 18% on the year, continuing the trend that has been consistent throughout every one of this year’s Society sales.

The trade topper at 5,500gns was the reserve supreme and reserve male champion from breeders Mark and Jane Hayhurst, Kirbymisperton, North Yorkshire. The 18-month-old Whitecliffe Mountain is sired by the homebred Whitecliffe Highlight and out of Whitecliffe Harriete, who goes back to the 38,000gns Perth reserve junior champion Goldies Champion and was purchased by G McClanachan and Sons, Torthorwald, Dumfriesshire.

HEREFORD CATTLE SOCIETY

MORE RECORDS SMASHED AT THE ANNUAL DESIGNER GENES SALE! • Highest priced Hereford female to ever sell at auction in the UK (11,000 gns) • Second Highest priced Hereford female to ever sell at auction in the UK (10,200 gns) • Highest averaging Hereford sale in UK history The heavy snow did not deter the crowds and buyers at the 2nd Annual Designer Genes Sale held at Shrewsbury Auction.

A total of 19 lots were sold to average £5,062 and gross £96,185, making it the highest averaging Hereford sale in UK history.

The sale also broke the record twice for the highest priced Hereford female ever to sell at auction in the UK at 11,000gns and 10,200gns. The sale auctioneer was Jonny Dymond of Halls Auctions and the sale was organised and managed by Josh Dowbiggin.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

21

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

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beef diets have been shown to increase fibre digestion by 10%.

22

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

Richard Dobson Mel Broughton Dave Dave Stanford Stanford Mel Broughton Danielle Danielle Goatley Goatley Dave Stanford Dave Stanford Danielle Goatley Freephone: Freephone: Danielle Goatley

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NBA NEWS - PEDIGREE COMMITTEE

PEDIGREE COMMITTEE UPDATE AND NBA NEWS

The NBA’s pedigree committee meets in Spring and Autumn each year to have the opportunity to discuss any issues which might affect some or all breed societies and their breeders. As a body this group of breed secretaries and Chief Executives work very well together, and contrary to occasional rumour, we do not spend our time fiercely competing with one another but act together for the good of the industry as a whole.

At the recent September meeting which was held

within many political organisations and who can

responsibility of every cattle owner to address

at Stoneleigh Park, there were representatives

therefore take forward issues of concern.

the health status of their herd.

- Bovine TB, and the current consultation paper

from the Beef Shorthorns, Blues, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Lincoln Red, Longhorns,

At this Autumn 2017 meeting, topics on the

for England was reviewed and a group response

Murray Grey, Ruby Red Devon, Salers, Simmental,

Agenda included:

recommended.

- EU zootechnical directives, which are the rules

South Devons, and Wagyu breeds.

- Health issues, particularly with regard to

by which breed societies operate.

Chris Mallon keeps us up to date with current

CHeCS schemes. The meeting welcomed

- DNA testing, and the particular requirements

NBA work – this time to bring forward matters

Tim Brigstocke and Keith Cutler MRCVS from

for each breed to monitor the integrity of its

involving Brexit; import threats from other

CHeCS, and representatives from Biobest and

records.

beef producing countries; EU regulation;

SAC, and there was a good and frank discussion - Performance recording and EBVs.

trade negotations; and progress towards an

about how the schemes are managed, their

ombudsman to protect the primary producer.

pitfalls and advantages. It is well recognised

Any beef breed society secretary/Chief

We are fortunate to have a National Director

within the pedigree sector that herd health is

Executive may attend meetings if their society

who has established good working relationships

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WINTER 2017

23 11

NBA NEWS - MIDLAND'S

MEET THE NEWLY ENERGIZED MIDLAND'S NBA COMMITTEE NBA Midlands Committee are a group of like-minded, forward thinking farmers committed to driving forward beef production at the heart of the country.

The committee aims to…

• Encourage new entrants into this industry of growing demand and evolving markets.

• Create a strong and futureproof brand which champions quality, health, welfare and above all traceability throughout the supply chain.

• Encourage the production of a consistent products suited to required markets that the consumer requires.

• Help facilitate the movement towards producers being paid for the quality of the meat and away from the imposition of the EUROP grid being the decider of returns to the producer.

Meet the team...

JOHN BELL Midlands Committee Chairman The fountain of knowledge behind the Midlands wing of the NBA, John’s years of working within the beef and feed industry alongside producers, processors and retailers makes him the perfect figure to steer the committee.“With Brexit looming, there couldn’t be a more important time to work together. We need to make sure we are not forgotten in negotiations and trade deals but equally ensure we are efficiently producing a high quality and traceable product that is attractive to new markets. By joining together, we can create a network of producers who can achieve this.”

ANDREW LAUGHTON Vice Chairman focusing on TB & National Board Representative Finishing over 6,000 cattle a year in Louth Lincolnshire, Andrew represents the East of the country and beef finishers on the committee and board. “Seeing the direct effect that this small association has on policy makers in Government is what first got me interested in the NBA. I hope that the new Midlands Committee which represents over 15,000 head of cattle will add strength to the NBA and help create an even greater voice. We cannot ignore TB and think of as a South West issue, instead we must learn from regions who are further ahead in tackling the problem and be proactive.”

TOM ELLIOTT Vice Chair heading up the Events and Social Sub-committee A renowned native cattle breeder and 2017 Beef Expo farm tour host representing the pedigree and suckler sector within the committee. Alongside his father, Roger, Tom manages their 300 head suckler herd made up of South Devon, Shorthorn and Saler cross cattle, 700 ewes and family run butchers shop. “The Midlands events committee plan to hold a series of up-beat innovative meetings and farm visits throughout the year. The meetings will span across all sectors of beef production, from farm to fork!” “We also hope to encourage new and young members who are interested in beef cattle to get them more involved with the industry.”

RUEBEN LAW Vice Chair and chair of the Brexit and Policy subcommittee After a brief employment within the motor racing industry, Rueben joined Berryfields Farm in 1990 and has been a key part of the team ever since. “During my time working at Berryfields, our industry has met and overcome many upheavals and challenges. Our imminent departure from the E.U. presents similar issues that we must counter but we have to look upon it as a positive opportunity to eventually create a Domestic Agricultural Policy that will create the framework for productive and environmentally sound farm businesses to flourish. The major limiting factor on a deal being reached in trade talks before the deadline of March 29th 2019 is simply time, the process of realigning agreements concerning all industries, that have stood in statute for 40 years is going to be a slow and complicated process, even before the respective nations ask their representative bodies for approval. A last-minute no deal with animosity would be disastrous for many beef production systems as WTO rules would impact cost of any imported farm inputs by 30%40%, a transitional period would be essential to avoid this.”

How you can Get involved? For more information on the Midlands NBA Committee and how to get involved please contact secretary Katie Woolliscroft. A key member in both Leamington Hastings and Warwickshire Young Farmers Clubs and cattle nutritionist, Katie is passionate about her work within the feed industry and innovating the future feeding of cattle herds in the UK. Mobile: 07860 716759 Email: kwoolliscroft@heygates.co.uk The next two meetings will be on Thursday 8th February at James Bonners family farm in Northamptonshire, For more information see page 39. and Thursday the 15th February at Red Oak Farm in Northamptonshire.

24

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

THURSDAY 15TH FEBRUARY RED OAK FARM, BRACKLEY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE The NBA Midlands region are hosting a Finishers Farm Walk at Red Oak Farm which is owned by Owens Farms Westbury Limited with the kind permission of George Coles the Herd manager. George was a finalist at the 2017 British Farming Awards for the prestigious “Beef Innovator of the year” award for his ability to bring new lines of cattle genetics to the UK and his use of pioneering thermal technology to assist in the running of his pedigree Simmental cattle herd. Both Simmental and Red Aberdeen Angus are produced from a suckler herd through to finishing for a range of end markets including 16 – 22-month steers for Dawn Meats.

The Red Oak Simmental herd were established in December 2014 with the purchase of Tilbrook Wander and son Forest from the Tilbrook herd while the Red Oak Red Aberdeen Angus pedigree herd was initiated in 2013 after a meeting with Ricardo Truffer, a vet and farmer from Argentina. Embryos were imported from him enabling a new line of genetics to be brought to this side of Atlantic. The Simmentals are finished between 270 – 400 kilos, while the Angus are finished between 330 – 370 kilos on a TMR grass silage based diet.

The farm walk is kindly sponsored

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SUMMER 2017

23 11

SPONSORED FEATURE

MAKE 2018 THE YEAR YOU RESOLVE TO PUT A BVD ERADICATION PLAN IN PLACE FOR YOUR HERD? As many as 65% of UK dairy and beef herds host some level of BVD infection and production losses are estimated to cost an average of £46.50 per cow per year. It is encouraging though to think that by following a structured herd eradication plan it is possible to eradicate the disease and its negative impact and at the same time add value to your herd through being certified BVD free.

Making use of a range of resources, for example

calves. Ideally, aborted foetuses and stillborns

the recently launched BVD Free Wales Scheme

should also be tested. “The third step is the most

(Gwaredu BVD), which provides financial support for

important,” Matt continues. “Armed with the

identifying BVD carriers in a herd, or the competition knowledge of which animals are infected, it is vital

Apply a Tissue Sample Tag to a calf as soon as possible after birth to quickly validate the animal’s disease status

in this issue to win a supply of Tissue Sampling Tags

to immediately segregate those individuals from the

from Allflex, the new year could be the ideal time to

rest of the herd and to remove them from the farm as

monitoring and health screening is therefore

make a resolution and start an eradication plan in

soon as possible, with the only real option

essential to confirm that new PI animals haven’t

2018.

being to slaughter.”

entered the herd and that the herd remains free from

Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is a highly contagious

With all persistently infected animals

disease affecting all breeds of beef and dairy cattle.

removed from the herd, the final action is to ensure

As an alternative to taking blood, tissue sampling can

It causes generalised immunosuppression as well

the herd remains BVD free. “This not only means

also be used to detect for the presence of the BVD

as fertility problems in male and female animals,

maintaining adequate biosecurity protocols such

virus. “For a nominal cost per animal, and with little

decreased milk production, reduced weight gain,

as testing all bought-in animals, preventing contact

extra hassle other than posting the samples off for

fever, diarrhoea and respiratory dysfunction. The

with neighbouring cattle and thoroughly cleaning

analysis, Tissue Sampling Tags (TSTs), which take a

BVD virus can also have synergistic effects with

any borrowed or shared machinery, but also carrying

small biopsy of tissue as the ear tag is applied, are a

other pathogens, making animals more prone to

out annual screening tests on all youngstock, either

fast and easy method of checking the disease status

secondary diseases. The disease is spread from

by taking blood or tissue sample testing,” Matt adds.

of individual animals without the need for veterinary

infection.”

intervention,” explains Helen Sheppard of Allflex.

dams to their unborn calf, with the dam picking up infection from direct or indirect contact with

Several additional steps can also be used to prevent

infected carriers. Often these are persistently

re-infection. For example, only purchasing cattle

“Using TSTs instead of conventional ear tags enables

infected animals (PIs) but can be animals who are

which are certified BVD free, isolating any animals of

farmers to get more value from the application of ear

only transiently infected, which can include bulls.

unknown BVD status, avoiding purchasing pregnant

tags, and by providing an inferred viral status of the

animals, only using bulls or semen from bulls which

dam, as well as an infection status for the individual

Whilst it may not yet be compulsory in England and

are certified BVD-free and vaccinating existing and

animal being tagged, can give extra peace of mind by

Wales to ensure cattle are BVD free, it makes sense,

bought-in stock will all help to reduce the herd’s

clearly validating that each and every animal on the

in terms of herd health and economic productivity, to exposure to the virus.

farm is clear of the disease.”

have an effective eradication plan in place. “The first step is to assess the risks of bringing the virus onto

Vaccination can help to protect the herd from the

For businesses selling breeding stock or which need

your farm, either by purchasing infected animals

disease, but it is vital to ensure that the vaccine is

to prove to their milk or beef buyer that the herd is

or through infection from neighbouring herds,”

administered at the correct dose and at the right

BVD free, there is also the potential to add value by

explains Matt Yarnall of Boehringer Ingelheim. “It

time, including the timing of boosters. Use of the

being able to unlock new marketing opportunities

is also important to consider how the disease might

one-shot, annual, live vaccine can help give peace

for your farm’s produce. “Every day a PI animal

spread through the farm, either from cow to cow or

of mind that animals are appropriately protected.

remains on the farm, they have the potential to cause

via infected bedding or slurry, and where possible

It is also important to remember that Persistently

additional losses and add costs by spreading the

to reduce the risk of infection between groups of

Infected cattle are so highly infectious that they will

virus to other animals in the herd or neighbouring

animals.”

continue to spread the BVD virus even if the herd is

herds. The disease won’t simply eradicate itself, so,

vaccinated. “BVD virus vaccination is designed to

we’re encouraging all beef and dairy farmers to make

The second phase in eradicating the disease is to

protect cows and heifers in early pregnancy to avoid

2018 the year they proactively act to ensure their

establish whether the disease is already circulating

infection and the production of PI calves,” Matt

herd is BVD-free,” Helen concludes.

within the herd by verifying the infection status of

Yarnall adds. “To get the best results, vaccination

individual animals: youngstock can be assessed

is recommended before breeding and prior to cattle

For more information about BVD and how to

either by working with your vet to blood test at least

going through a market or to a show. While BVD

implement an effective eradication plan speak

five unvaccinated animals from each management

vaccination can reduce the harm from active BVD, it

to your farm vet or go to www.bvdfree.org.uk or

group, or by tagging and tissue testing individual

is not able to totally eradicate the disease. Ongoing

www.bvdzero.co.uk

26

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

COMPETITION TAG AND TEST FOR BVD FROM BIRTH - Use Tissue Sampling Tags (TST’s) to help eradicate Bovine

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D CONDITION

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AN IMPORTANT TOOL TO HELP YOU TOWARDS A BVD FREE FUTURE… • Officially approved cattle tags; use management TST’s to test older cattle • Supplied in yellow or white • Available as a large or medium flag or button tag • Apply with the B07Micro TST Universal Applicator • Take a sample of tissue as part of the normal tagging process • The unique sample tube is designed to protect the integrity of the tissue sample by preventing contamination ensuring that tissue samples arrive at the laboratory in an optimum condition** • The tissue sample is tested in the laboratory to determine each animal’s individual BVD status • Persistently infected (PI) animals can be identified for culling For your chance to WIN ONE OF TWO PRIZES OF 65 TISSUE SAMPLE TAGS (INCLUDING TESTS AND UPLOADS) AND AN APPLICATOR simply email nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com with the email subject 'Competition Allflex', your full name, address and telephone number.

The two winners will be picked at random and will be notified by email and featured in our next issue.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: 31st MARCH 2018 - GOOD LUCK! Terms and Conditions Apply. **Subject to samples being taken, prepared and submitted in accordance with application instructions.

“Testing for BVD is easy.

Simply choose a TST tag.”

Philip Jones, Lan Farm, Carmarthenshire

Many farmers still believe that testing for BVD is a difficult, time-consuming and expensive process. It’s not.

Choose the Allflex TST (Tissue Sampling Tag) range, and every time you apply a tag to an animal in your herd, you’ll be testing for BVD. No need to change your tagging methods, your applicator or your processes, just your tag.

And with a TST tag costing little more than our standard tags; it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Contact your local agricultural merchant or

call our customer team on 0845 600 9070 THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

27

FEATURE - MANAGING VENTILATION

MANAGING VENTILATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF SIDEWALL DESIGN The design of sidewall cladding of livestock buildings is as important as a competent hole in the roof. The wind ventilates cattle buildings 90%+ of the time but must still breathe on a still day. Target: enough inlet area whilst controlling air speed. On the basis that cattle need a ballpark 0.1m2 outlet each in the ridge, and a minimum 0.1m2 inlet in EACH sidewall, and twice as much for high yielding cattle, the sidewall inlet area for 100 cattle will be 10 to 20m2 in each wall, whilst controlling air speed. Ballpark figures for ventilation inlet and outlet areas for any building can easily be refined by reference to BRP+ publication, Better Cattle Housing Design.

Large openings create draughts.

Common meshes have 25% void area.

Overhang protecting open sidewall.

Variable sidewall for maximum control.

Spaceboard: maximum 25mm gap. With 150mm board provides 15% void.

Gap below eaves increases inlet area.

Protected opening between cladding and wall can double the open area.

Meshes above outside feed bunker reduces wind turbulence in pens.

Spaceboard above open feed pass reduces wind turbulence in pens.

Overhang protects opening below eaves.

Mesh protecting youngstock pens.

Solid gables; very common but totally eliminate free ventilation, increase straw costs and risk of disease. Use Yorkshire board on multiple gables.

Yorkshire board. Best solution for prevailing wind direction; 25% void with two parallel lines of 150mm boards and 50mm gaps.

Yorkshire board. Keeps out rain and snow, controls air speed.

Ventair sheeting and cranked crown ridges; unlikely to give even 25% of inlet/outlet requirements. Builders love them because they are easy to fit and look the part.

Unfortunately they will cramp performance for ever.

28

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

ADVERTORIAL

PERMANENT ELECTRIC FENCING BOOSTS GRASS PRODUCTIVITY Mark Oliver, UK Sales Manager with Gallagher UK, believes many beef farmers should give permanent electric fencing another look as a way to increase grazing effectiveness.

“In all beef systems, the challenge is maintaining

to cost-effective growth, making controlling the

effective system is to provide enough power. A

high growth rates and ensuring adequate fat cover

amount of grazing cattle have access to absolutely

smaller energiser is a false economy, the additional

at optimal weights,” he says. “At the same time,

vital. new developments in electric fencing mean

cost to buy a more powerful energiser being small

this growth must be achieved cost-effectively which

it is the most cost-effective and flexible option to

compared to the benefits.

means making full use of forages, particularly

achieve this, allowing field and paddock sizes to

grazing. The key to this is delivering good quality

be adjusted to suit grass growth and management

The Gallagher iSeries energisers offers higher power

and quantities of grass.”

practices. “If a farm invests in a permanent system

ratings to deliver maximum power to fences up to

to surround the grazing area and provide the main

53km long, while strategically positioned fence

He says data from EBLEX confirms that while set

divisions between paddocks, temporary fences

monitors provide real-time information on fence

stocking is seen as the simplest grazing strategy,

can be quickly and easily installed to sub-divide

operation. The new S200 solar powered energiser

a move to rotational or paddock grazing can

paddocks as required to control grazing access, so

will power a 20km infrastructure, while with the

significantly improve grazing productivity and

maintaining grazing quality and reducing waste.

S400, upto 30km can be powered from a solar

the opportunity to improve returns. “Moving to

Such an arrangement also makes it straightforward

system. “As the fence is carrying more power it is

a grazing strategy which gives more control over

to move gateways to reduce poaching damage. This

vital to have sufficient numbers of adequate earthing

grazing quality and quantity will increase both

flexibility is a major advantage.”

posts. Finally, we believe that as permanent fencing should be expected to last 25 years, it is worth

dry matter yield and utilisation. The potential difference between set stocking and paddock

The new generation of fencing products from

investing in professional installation. “On average, a

grazing is an additional 3.9tDM/ha per year. “To put

Gallagher mean the current is monitored across

permanent electric fence is around 25-30% cheaper

this into context, that is equivalent to being able

the entire fence network many times a second.

to install than an equivalent traditional fence and

to save 4.5 tonnes of cereals per hectare grazed

Should the current fail the system will automatically

a high capacity energiser will cost around £30 per

per year, which at today’s prices would cost around

respond and increase the power going through

year to run, which is less that the running cost of a

£540 per hectare.”

the fence. Should the fence fail, an alarm will

battery powered unit. Furthermore, all Gallagher

also sound allowing the fence to be checked and

energisers come with a seven year warranty, the

He says controlling grazing intakes, ensuring cattle

repaired quickly. The alarm can be directed to

only brand to offer such extensive cover.”

always have access to good quality grazing and

several smartphones meaning the farmer and

that grass is not allowed to get too old is central

stockmen can all be informed. The key to an

www.gallagher.eu

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

29

NBA PRIORITIES FOR BREXIT

NBA OUTLINES THE BEEF INDUSTRIES

PRIORITIES FOR BREXIT THE NBA DIRECTORS HAVE SET OUT THE FOLLOWING PRIORITIES FOR THE BEEF INDUSTRY WHEN CONSIDERING BREXIT:

Marketing & Trade The four nations must adopt a UK specific approach for the promotion and branding of product, in

likely route for imports to enter due to the lack of

productivity and profitability on farm.

transparency in labelling.

Current funding for the TB eradication programme must be matched by the UK post Brexit to ensure its

addition to protecting and promoting existing PGI

Carcass Pricing Strategy

brands creating a level playing field for production

The EUROP gird must be developed to include

and marketing budgets are combined for maximising

factors directly related to eating quality, such as

on economies of scale and reducing duplication and

tenderness and marbling to maintain our position

risk of competing with ourselves.

at the top end of the world market for quality beef products.

The UK must maintain tariff-free access to the EU. We must ensure that the UK’s single biggest export,

Legislation for the compulsory ombudsman for

Cow beef continues to enter Europe (Holland and

primary producers must be transferred to UK law to

France). A transition period of access to the EU single

ensure that unfair trading practises cannot persist.

market is necessary while new trade agreements are discussed. Skilled European workers make up a large proportion of the meat processing workforce.

Regulation

Measures must also be taken to ensure that cross-

is needed to further improve traceability removing

border movements between Northern Ireland, the

the need for a stand-still period. This database

Republic of Ireland, our main export and processing should be coupled with the introduction of EID for all cattle within the UK to supply a robust traceability partner are as simple as possible and tariff-free system so our market export certificates can be approved.

The UK must not negotiate over the historical quota

£500 million in the last decade and is likely to cost £1 billion in the next decade unless further action is taken.

The RPA and Trading Standards budgets must be supported so that they can continue to monitor standards and traceability effectively.

Future levy’s raised from the sales of beef cattle should be ringfenced for the marketing promotion and research of the beef industry and

A new cattle movement and registration database

access remains between them.

continuation. The disease has cost the UK taxpayer

The system will:

of TRQ imports. New export markets must be targeted • Remove the need for paper passports. and expanded as well as maintaining the UKs historic • Provide more point of sale information to share of EU exports. Exports for 5th quarter products

better inform farmers.

which have a limited market within the UK must be

• Simplify the calf registration process.

maintained and expanded for carcass balance.

• Better monitor disease risk within the UK and manage breakouts.

The UK beef meat market must be protected in

not reassigned to other sectors of the agricultural industry.

Live import and export of animals must be maintained for development of beef genetics worldwide. Stressors associated with the transport of live cattle are mainly due to the loading and unloading of cattle. Long distance transportation is needed for transporting cattle to areas where they can be finished and ensure high genetic merit animals are also imported to improve the genetic pool within the UK. The use of slats in the UK should be maintained.

Its banning on welfare grounds would have a severe negative impact on beef production, in particular the Scottish Highlands and islands and much of NI where the supply of straw is not sufficient. Several

trade agreements from countries that do not

Antibiotic resistance and welfare legislation must

compete on a level playing field for production,

be maintained at EU level to ensure the export

beef health and welfare and agri-environmental

markets as these opportunities will be based on our

standards, as well as socio-economic factors and farm

ability to provide provenance, traceability and quality

support structures. Under WTO rules this will become

information.

Future support schemes

increasingly difficult.

studies have found there to be no difference in the performance or cleanliness of animals housed on slats and straw yards.

A prerequisite of successful delivery of post-Brexit

Financial support for UK agriculture must be

The strong domestic market for British beef,

strategy is the appropriate funding of personnel and

maintained post 2024 to reflect the integral role

currently 75% self-sufficient, must be protected by

resources.

farm businesses play in the provision of public goods.

labelling and branding for consumer awareness and research and development to increase utilisation of less popular cuts, improving carcass balance.

Animal Health and Welfare

The future agricultural policy must strengthen our national food security by setting a level of self-

Higher regulation and traceability for the catering

Reduction of endemic disease such as Johne's, BVD

sufficiency which will protect the industry against

supply chain is required as meat for catering is a

and TB should be prioritised in an aim to improve

political, economic and environmental volatility.

30

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

NBA PRIORITIES FOR BREXIT The role of traditional practices in more marginal areas where the suckler cow is the basis of food production, efficiently producing high quality protein from land that could otherwise be utilised for food production should receive particular recognition.

These systems also: • Create environments which benefit public health and wellbeing through access and enjoyment.

• Help to protect natural capital, such as air, water, soil and carbon.

• Benefit biodiversity and habitats on farm.

Farm support has a significant benefit to other rural businesses and services, providing rural employment

The NBA proposes the following to be included in the future farm support scheme: 1 Environmental schemes to support protection and management of public goods such as air, soil and water as well as biodiversity, habitats and public access. This will not complicate funding under WTO rules.

2 Capital grant funding that will future proof the industry and drive efficiencies through the implementation of new technologies on farm for example; handling systems, fencing, drainage, manure storage and new buildings 3 Best practise schemes supporting improvements to efficiencies, health and welfare for practising farmers. This could include:

and positively impacting on socio-economic factors

a. Implementing EID systems on farm

which in turn prevents rural depopulation.

b. Disease screening, post mortems, and health information that contributes to national disease pictures 4 Research and Development funding. Care must be taken to ensure research is disseminated

The period up until 2025 must be utilised to ensure

effectively to farming practitioners in a way that can be implemented on farm. Collaboration

the post Brexit farm support payment system is fully

with other nations in research and development must continue to avoid duplication and ensure

functional to avoid technical difficulties and delays in payments as we have seen in the past.

resources are utilised effectively.

5 Support for farming families in succession planning and exit strategies to make it easier for the younger generation to take over the management of farming businesses as well as support systems

Necessary improvements must be made to the

for new entrants to the industry. This would include; start-up loans and low interest loans for new

distribution and administration system so farmers

entrants; percentage-based additional payments for ‘qualified’ young entrants; the relaxation of

can access the money in a straightforward way

planning controls to encourage older farmers to retire yet remain on the farm; and tax breaks to

without the need to use agents.

encourage business succession.

Funds must be targeted to incentivise good farming

A full version of the NBA Brexit policy document is available in the members area

practices and the provision of public goods and

of the NBA website www.nationalbeefassociation.com.

ensure that support is only received by active

For queries and further information please email info@nationalbeefassociation.com.

farmers.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

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For more information and news: www.lincolnredcattlesociety.co.uk

Tel: 01522 511395

WINTER 2017

31

FEATURE - EFFICIENCY STUDY

BEEF FEED EFFICIENCY PRO EXPANDS ACROSS GREAT BRITAIN

BY MARY VICKERS BEEF & SHEEP SENIOR S AHDB BEEF AND LAMB

Reducing feed costs can make a big difference to the bottom line of all beef businesses. Enabling farmers to do that without affecting performance is the aim of the Defra and AHDB-funded Beef Feed Efficiency Programme.

So far, feed intake records from 1,200 cattle have

in North Wales and North

been collected which will be used to identify the

Yorkshire, means the

genetic differences between the sires of those

programme now has much

animals in terms of how efficiently they convert

greater flexibility in terms

feed to liveweight gain. Including feed efficiency

of sourcing suitable cattle

in the genetic selection indices of beef cattle has

and has increased capacity

the potential to increase farm-level profit by 39%

to record greater numbers of

and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around

animals.

22%.

Comparing performance between beef bred progeny from dairy and beef cows Backfat change (mm) Daily liveweight gain (kg) FCR Dry matter intake (kg/d)

Initial results The project, led by AHDB and Scotland’s Rural

Although the programme

College (SRUC), is two thirds of the way through

has not yet generated

the recording phase and preliminary results

sufficient records to work

are showing that daily feed intake can vary

on the genetic analysis, the

considerably between the progeny of different

preliminary performance

sires which are growing at the same rate.

data is showing some interesting trends.

Mary Vickers, AHDB Beef & Lamb Senior

0

2 Dairy

4

5

8

10

9.5

10

Beef

2.2 2 1.8 Daily live weight gain 1.6 (kg)

Scientist, explains: “Along the way, much has

Both Limousin-sired cattle

been learned about conducting this sort of

from beef and dairy dams

performance recording on commercial farms.

are being recorded and

Investment in equipment which accurately

an initial comparison of

measures feed intake, along with electronic

their performance across

identification of the cattle, means that the

400 cattle has shown

measurement of individual daily intake is now

some interesting results.

feasible with a high level of accuracy. As part

“Limousin-cross cattle from

of the project, feeds are regularly oven dried to

the dairy herd had a lighter weight for age at

progeny as stores in Frome Market in the autumn.

determine dry matter content of the ration, cattle

the start of the recording period but had very

No concentrate is fed to the cows, however,

are weighed weekly and are ultrasound scanned

similar levels of daily dry matter intake,” says

calves are offered creep from mid-June onwards.”

at the start and end of the test period.”

Mary. “This was a consequence of their greater

1.4 1.2 1 7

7.5

8 8.5 9 Feed intake (kg DM/day)

intake as a proportion of body weight. Growth

Across the two herds, Mr Needham has five stock

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound

rates for the suckler-bred calves have so far been

bulls which are purchased only after he has

waves to create images of the inside of the body.

around 8% faster than those from the dairy herd,

checked their estimated breeding values (EBVs).

Images taken over the loin area provide

with an associated reduction in feed conversion

Both herds are routinely health tested.

measurements of the layer of subcutaneous

ratio (FCR). As expected, we are also seeing

fat in that area. This enables composition of

considerable differences in intake between

To date, Mr Needham has supplied 25 calves to

the liveweight gain to be incorporated into

sires.”

the project, sired by two different Limousin bulls

the model for recording feed efficiency, as the

and he plans to supply more. The objective is to

feed requirement for laying down lean tissue is

Calves on test

collect feed intake and performance data from

different to that required for fat deposition.

Mark Needham is a suckler producer from

no less than eight calves per sire from over 200

Dorset and has supplied calves to the project.

Limousin bulls used across the UK.

An additional funding partnership with the

Mr Needham says: “I run 180 continental-cross

Scottish Government and ABP Food Group has

suckler cows, half are put to a Charolais bull and

Mary says: “Calves from Mr Needham’s farm

meant a recording unit in Scotland has been

half to a Limousin. The cows are spread over

have performed well while on test, with daily

set up and has already hosted its first batch of

two units, which are both spring calving. One

liveweight gains averaging 1.68 kg per day and

136 animals. The Scottish unit, together with a

herd has the advantage of being outwintered on

average dry matter intake averaging around 8.5

pre-existing unit in Dorset and two new units

chalkland which saves on housing costs. I sell all

kg per day. Compared to the average weight of

32

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

FEATURE - EFFICIENCY STUDY

GRAMME

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the cattle in the group, both sire groups were among the heaviest at the start and finish of test, with growth rates in the top 5%.”

The ration used during the recording phase is based on grass silage, barley and a protein blend to be typical of the majority of commercial beef rations.

Figure 1 shows the average growth rate and feed intake of the calves submitted by Mr Needham. Cattle with relatively lower feed intake for the same level of performance are the most feed efficient.

Mary explains: “The circled dots illustrate the performance of two animals which grew at the same growth rate during the recording period (1.5 kg/day) but had a dry matter intake that differed by 11% or 0.9 kg of feed dry matter per day. During a 100-day finishing period, this type of response could deliver a feed cost saving worth approximately £22 per head, a reduction in feed cost per kg liveweight gain of £0.17.”

The future Identifying sires and dams whose genetics mean their progeny eat less but grow at the same rate is what this project is all about. The aim is to collect sufficient records to generate breeding values for the Limousin breed to demonstrate the approach of using commercial growing cattle recorded for feed intake on commercial farms, with the data linked back to the pedigree herd. The project has also established industry standards for recording of feed intake and will determine an agreed measure of feed efficiency to be included in selection indices. At the end of the project, the programme will continue through the ongoing availability of the feed recording facilities, which will be available to breed societies and breeders who wish to generate breeding values for their breed.

The Beef Feed Efficiency Programme is part of AHDB’s wider Farm Excellence Platform, which inspires industry to improve performance and succeed through farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange.

The programme is continually looking for suitable cattle that can be purchased or retained on a B&B arrangement for feed intake recording.

Feedback on cattle performance is available. Any producers with Limousin-

01750 724 110 www.roxan.co.uk

sired cattle aged eight months or less who are interested in understanding how their cattle could participate should contact Natalie Cormack on 07866 934563/01890 781006 or email natalie.cormack@ahdb.org.uk.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

33

FEATURE - AHDB FOCUS FARM

STRATEGIC FARM

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE After leaving the family farm for a career in construction, AHDB Beef & Lamb strategic farmer Ian Norbury has recently returned to farming to concentrate on making his business more resilient for the future.

Dairy Farm, in Mobberley Cheshire, has been in

growth and quality is also important, because if we

CONSULTANT’S VIEW

Ian Norbury’s family since 1963 and was originally

can finish more stock on grass, we can save money

As well as working closely with AHDB, independent

run as a dairy unit by his mother and father. After

in other areas” Ian explains.

consultant James Hadwin is helping Ian drive improvements. Working with data from Farmbench,

struggling to make enough money from the dairy business, Ian’s father decided to concentrate on

Working alongside a consultant, Ian wants to

James is looking forward to seeing how Ian can

finishing his Aberdeen Angus cattle.

focus on improving breeding as well as looking

ensure he is delivering a product that the market

at using EID more effectively. Each strategic

wants, but also helping to get the farm in a strong

Five years ago, after working in construction,

farm will also be benchmarked using the AHDB

financial position to stand up on its own.

building farms and parlours, Ian decided to give

whole-farm benchmarking service “Farmbench”

up his employment and return to running the farm.

and appropriate targets will be set for improving

Like many beef farmers, Ian is having to take a

Having moved back into the farmhouse where he

output and performance. “Benchmarking is not

close look at his business. With Brexit around

grew up, Ian now works full-time alongside his

something we’ve really concentrated on in the past

the corner and uncertainty around farm subsidy,

father to look after the 250 acres of land, located

and I ‘m keen to learn where our strengths lie and

Ian sees strategic farms as a way to look into the

close to Runway two at Manchester Airport.

what our weaknesses are. We’ll then be able pay

issues currently facing his business. “There are key

“Currently, we’re running 45 suckler cows, with

attention to the improvements needed to make

areas that both Ian and I know he needs to look

75% of those Angus and the remainder being

our farm more profitable and resilient to future

at improving, but seeing it on paper will help to

Simmentals. We also have 25 pedigree Aberdeen

changes.”

provide focus and generate discussion with the 12 other strategic farms,” James explains.

Angus cows and sell Mobberley Angus bulls. We are early-spring calving and all animals go out to

AHDB Inspiring Farm Excellence offers the

grass with no creep,” says Ian.

opportunity for the group of strategic farms to

After the initial visit to the farm, James has

come together for events and follow each other’s

recommended that they work together to put a

Ian’s calves are weaned at seven months and then

progress. Commenting on the farmer-to-farmer

solid grazing plan in place and ensure that the

wintered into cubicles with grass silage made

learning opportunity, Ian says: “I wanted to be

grass growth rates are monitored closely. He will

from high sugar grass, supplemented with a small

one of the strategic farms as I think it’s a great

be working in partnership with Ian’s vet to create

amount of home-grown barley. In spring, the cattle

way for me to learn and also to share knowledge

health plans to ensure the animals are able to meet

are back out on grass with the aim of finishing

with others in a similar position. It’s a network of

their full potential as quickly as possible. “As a

them between 20 and 24 months.

positive people who look at how we can resolve

farmer myself, I am excited to be involved as I feel

situations, rather than sit back and complain about

the beef industry faces specific challenges and it

the things we cannot do anything about".

is only by focusing on business performance and

IMPROVEMENT AREAS

pushing to make changes that the industry can

As one of thirteen strategic farmers, Ian is now set

move forward in a profitable way,” said James.

to work closely with AHDB and industry experts

“Having met the group, I’ve noticed there is a

to track improvements in areas including health,

broad spectrum of farmers, farms, locations and

nutrition and genetics, with the overall objective

farm sizes. Everyone is willing to share and I really

of increasing the number of stock meeting target

hope this continues. I believe that farmers need

For more information on AHDB Beef & Lamb

specification. “I want to be able to push the farm

to help each other by being honest and sharing

Strategic Farms visit: beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/

harder to increase profits. Improving our grass

knowledge to keep farming at the top of its game.”

returns/project-farms/strategic-farms/

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Tel: 0800 7832804 www.securecovers.com WINTER 2017

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WINTER 2017

31

GUEST VET

GUEST VET

KEITH CUTLER

KEITH CUTLER K L CUTLER BSC BVSC DIPECBHM MRCVS

SURVEILLANCE AND THE VALUE OF POST-MORTEM EXAMINATIONS Thirty years ago, as a young vet just starting out in farm animal practice one of the most valuable resources available to me was the ability to open up and inspect my failures at the local knacker yard or the hunt kennels and learn from them.

Vince, the knacker man, who would often be found

from carrying out a postmortem examination either

about the health of our farm animals; metabolic

sitting on a bloated carcass wearing his dirty

on-farm or at a local fallen stock centre or collating

and mineral profiling can provide information about

apron and with blood up to his elbows eating his

data from abnormalities detected in the slaughter

nutritional status (although data may need careful

sandwiches if I arrived around lunchtime, would

house can be enormously valuable in monitoring

interpretation), microscopal examination of faecal

cheerfully assist in confirming the diagnosis; usually

parasites and pathogens that may be present on a

samples can inform about levels of parasitism within

one of two: ‘twas either the ‘lights’ or the ‘runners’!

farm affecting the health, welfare and productivity

the herd and serological testing of samples collected

Of course, if a more professional postmortem

of the animals and allowing herd health plans to

from carefully selected animals will give an indication

examination was required with laboratory tests to

be developed to control or eradicate parasites or

of or reassurance about status with respect to the

confirm a more complex diagnosis the Veterinary

pathogens identified thereby maximising health,

various infectious agents that may cause disease

Investigation Centre was just up the road where the

welfare, productivity and profitability.

and compromise production. On-farm postmortem, having considered and taken any necessary measures

experience of colleagues specialising in these tasks was available to assist in confirming the cause of

Surveillance, however, can, and should, take many

to eliminate the possibility of notifiable disease

disease outbreaks and death. The information gained

forms. Data can be studied to assess performance

(anthrax in particular should still be considered

was often invaluable in developing a plan of action to

– do cows conceive in the numbers and at the time

in cases of sudden death where no other obvious

control the problem and then prevent it arising again

expected and do calves grow at a satisfactory rate?

cause exists; it is, after all, only a couple of years

in the future.

– and the animals themselves should be critically

since cases were confirmed in dead cows found,

inspected – what condition are they in and how is it

typically, down-river from a long-gone tannery) and

Knacker yards and VI Centres are no longer ‘two

changing? The examination and testing of clinical

protect personal health, can quickly contribute useful

a penny’ but the information that can be gained

samples can also provide valuable information

information allowing rapid intervention if necessary.

FIG 1

FIG 2

FIG 7

FIG 3

FIG 8

FIG 4

FIG 9

FIG 10

FIG 5

FIG 11

FIG 6

FIG 12

Fig 1 – An on-farm postmortem of a dead steer carried out to confirm a diagnosis of pneumonia and investigate its cause. (Note the site of the examination on an area of concrete that can easily be cleaned and disinfected after the examination has been completed.) Fig 2 – A bulling heifer presented for postmortem examination at the local hunt kennels. Figs 3, 4 and 5 – Postmortem evidence of both acute and chronic pneumonia which, if not the cause of death would certainly have resulted in compromised performance. Abattoir surveillance has shown evidence of chronic pneumonia lesions in the lungs of a large proportion of the animals slaughtered for human consumption, which will have an adverse effect on their performance, that have never been noted with or treated for pneumonia in addition to those that have. Fig 6 – The massive inflammation and necrosis of the lining of the trachea and consequent inhalation pneumonia of an animal affected with clinical IBR confirmed at postmortem examination allowing rapid intervention to protect in-contact animals by vaccination. Fig 7 – The demonstration of lungworm in the trachea of an animal that had died following a period of coughing and respiratory distress to confirm the cause of the problem and allow others in the group to be treated appropriately without delay to avoid further losses. Fig 8 – Postmortem confirmation of widespread peritonitis, in this case caused after a calving during which a calf’s foot had penetrated the wall of the uterus. Fig 9 – Postmortem confirmation of a ruptured abomasal ulcer in a weaned calf as the cause of sudden death. Note the presence of gut content free in the abdomen. Fig 10 – Another case of the sudden death of a calf but this time confirmed as having been caused by a torsion affecting part of the small intestine which has become devitalised. Fig 11 – Pericarditis confirmed as the cause of loss of condition of an eighteen month old fattening animal. Fig 12 – The cause of the pericarditis confirmed by careful postmortem examination as a length of wire, probably from a disintegrating tyre used to weigh down the sheet over the silage clamp, which has been ingested along with the silage and has then penetrated through the gut wall and migrated through the diaphragm and into the pericardium and, in this case, the heart itself.

Endell Veterinary Group, 49 Endless Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3UH 01722 333291

32

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

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- ANIMAL HEALTH NBAFEATURE FARM WALKS COMPETITION & MEETINGS

PRE & POST CALVING WORKSHOPS

THE NBA LAUNCH THEIR SPRING SELECTION OF ON FARM WALK AND MEETINGS.

Kindly sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and Caltech Crystalyx, the meetings will focus on optimizing health and nutrition of cattle around calving and maximizing neonatal health and viability. To book your FREE place please call NBA head office on 01434 601005

Thursday 25th January

Thursday 8th February

TUESDAY 6TH MARCH

WHITFIELD HOUSE FARM, BRACKLEY, NORTHAMPTIONSHIRE

ESCOTT FARM, WILLITON, TAUNTON, SOMERSET

Stuart, Jim & Michael Walker will be first to open

Young farmer and previous winner of the NBA

Viv Sellick, former vice chairman of the South West

the gates to their exceptional farm in Sanquhar,

Future Beef farmer award, James Bonner will

NBA Committee and long-standing member will

Dumfries. Spanning over 1,800ha across three units

be hosting the second farm walk in the heart of

be welcoming farmers to his mixed family farm in

the farm is home to 650 suckler cows and followers,

Northamptonshire. His exemplary 300 strong high

Taunton, Somerset.

100 replacement heifers, 32 bulls, over 2,500

health CHeCS accredited suckler herd include Saler

Scottish blackface and mule breeding ewes and 8 full

X, Limousin X and Simmental cross cattle which

Here, Viv and his family farm 350 acres of arable

time staff. In the last two years, brothers Stuart and

are crossed with a Charolais bull. Bull calves are

ground along with their livestock enterprise including

Michael have expanded the herd of 300 majority AAx

kept entire and finished in a 16month system and

140 commercial suckler cattle and 200 ewes. The

cattle to over 650 breeding cattle they have also built

sold deadweight and heifers are sold through local

sucklers are majority Limousin and Belgium Blue

state of the art winter housing and are in the process

markets as 12 - 14month stores. James aims to

cross Holstein commercial suckler cows which are put

of building a designated calving shed. The new

increase the Saler breeding within the herd, breeding

to Charloais stock bulls. Progeny are taken through

building can now be managed by a single stockman

his own replacements using a Saler on heifers and

to finish on grass silage and home-grown cereals,

and implementation of locking yolks throughout the

also establishing a small herd of pedigrees which he

finishing at approximately 20 - 24months. The farm is

house means all x cattle can be vaccinated in just 45

hopes to establish as a polled herd.

also home to a 30 herd of pedigree Charolais cattle,

KNOCKENJIG FARM, SANQUHAR, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

minutes as apposed to a full day’s work previously. It

pure bred Devon cattle to be used on the stewardship

is clear to see that this young pair

scheme and the beginnings of a pedigree Aberdeen

are focused on efficiencies, using

Angus herd.

EBVS, AI programme on heifers, implementing EID and collecting

The TB eradication scheme is the number one priority

data from finishers on animal’s

in terms of health management on farm. Prior to

performance to finish in order to

TB, the family were selling pedigree Charolais bulls throughout the UK and exporting semen from Escott

constantly improve the genetics of the herd.

STATE OF THE ART FACI

NNER JAMES BO SOME OF AMONGST R CATTLE HIS SALE LITIES AT KNOCKEN

progeny around the world.

JIG FARM.

ESCOTT CHAROLAIS GRAZING ON THE SOMERSET HILLS

WINTER 2017

39

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

CALF REARING RESULTS

BY SIMON MARSH PRINCIPAL LECTURER - BEEF CATTLE SPECIALIST HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

What are the arguments for upping milk replacer levels and what are the benefits of computerized calf feeding systems? Harper Adams principal lecturer Simon Marsh, runs through the University’s latest calf rearing trial findings on these and other areas of research.

4) STARTER CONCENTRATES FEED RATE AND

1) COMPUTERISED MACHINE FEEDING SYSTEMS

• Labour inputs were reduced by 42-49% with

The experiment:

once-a-day feeding.

QUALITY

Calves were reared either on a traditional

• Once-a-day feeding needs a high level of

Feeding calves an 18% crude protein starter

individual bucket rearing system feeding five litres

stockmanship to quickly identify any calves that concentrate from a week old is a standard

of milk based on calf milk powder (CMR) mixed at

are not thriving.

recommendation and we have compared various feed types and weaning strategies.

12.5% strength (625g/CMR/day) to weaning at six weeks, or the same quantity of CMR fed to calves

3) FEEDING ELEVATED LEVELS OF MILK POWDER Key findings:

reared in a group on a computerised machine.

Standard recommendations with milk powder

• Calves were weaned when eating either 0.75kg

Key findings:

systems are to typically feed 500-600g a day of

or 1.25kg of starter pellets for 3 consecutive

• No difference in calf performance.

CMR. Four studies have now been carried out at

days. It was concluded that the current

• From a behavior study it could be suggested that Harper Adams to evaluate feeding elevated levels

recommendation of weaning calves when

the group reared calves were more content.

of CMR with feed rates of 450 v 750g (Marsh et

concentrate intake have reached 1.0kg a day for

• Labour was reduced by 53% with the

al., 2004), 500 v 750g (Marsh et al., 2014), 750 v

3 consecutive days should remain.

computerised machine reared calves. If labour is

900g (Marsh et al., 2017) and 600 v 900g (Marsh

• When a coarse mix was compared to 3mm

costed at £10/hour to rear calves and if a

and Bleach, 2017). In all of the studies the calves

pellets, DLWGs were significantly improved with

machine costs £7,000 then rearing more than

fed elevated levels of CMR recorded significantly

the 3mm pellets. Since coarse mixes are typically

520 calves will cover its cost.

higher weaning and 12 week weights.

£70/t more expensive major savings were made

• With calves sharing teats hygiene standards

Key findings:

on feed costs.

must be very high to prevent disease passing

• Calves fed the higher levels of CMR recorded

• When a 3mm pellet was compared to a 6mm nut

through the batch of calves.

improved performance which continued through with an identical formulation the calves fed the to 12 weeks at the end of the trial, in other

6mm nut recorded significantly improved DLWGs.

2) ONCE-A-DAY MILK REPLACER FEEDING

words the calves fed the lower level of CMR did

• Both of the above trial results will come as a

SYSTEMS

not exhibit compensatory growth.

surprise to many calf rearers.

We have now carried out three experiments

• Despite higher feed costs per calf the study to

feeding calves either once or twice a day with

compare 600 v 900g CMR resulted in lower feed 5) CALF COATS

CMR – not whole milk. In all of the experiments

costs per kg gain.

the calves were fed the same quantity of CMR,

• Teagasc have evaluated feeding markedly higher perform as well as our October batches. Is this due

for example three litres a day of milk mixed at

levels of CMR comparing 600g v 1,200g, the

20% strength fed once, or five litres mixed at 12%

latter being virtually equivalent to feeding ad lib calves with coats from arrival to 6 weeks with a

strength given in two feeds.

milk. Weaning weights were increased from 62.7 January batch of calves.

Our January batches of calves invariably do not to weather, colostrum quality? We evaluated fitting

to 71.6kg but by 270 days of age when reared on Key findings: • Calves with coats recorded higher DLWGs from

In the first study the calves started on the

a grass based system there was no difference in

once-a-day feeding at 5 days old and recorded

weight. The calves fed the very high level of CMR start to 1 week and start to 12 weeks. Overall the

significantly poorer performance. This supports

recorded a major growth check at weaning since

calves with coats gained an extra 5.3kg from

the ‘legal position’ on once a day feeding of milk to

they were not used to eating concentrates.

start to 12 weeks, despite relatively mild weather

calves that they must be 28 days old before being

Getting calves to eat starter pellets is vitally

(6.6-11.6º) being recorded from January to April

changed to once a day feeding of milk. In the 2nd

important. It may be a surprise to learn that

during the course of the trial.

and 3rd study the calves were a month old at the

work in the USA at Penn State University showed • Coat bloom score was improved with coats

start of the experiment and the once-a-day calves

that concentrates stimulates rumen development together with an improved faecal score and

recorded improved performance

in a calf – not forage.

reduced incidence of scour.

• However in the study at Harper to compare 750

• The calves with coats recorded lower

Key findings:

v 900g CMR the calves (Blue and Sim crosses)

concentrate feed intakes and due to the

• Consider once-a-day feeding on milk powder

were finished on a barley beef system. The

calves improved performance this resulted in an

based regimes with calves over 4 weeks old.

calves fed 900g CMR finished 16 days earlier

improvement in the FCR.

• On once-a-day systems milk is fed with a higher

with 7.7kg heavier carcase weights worth £33 per • Total feed costs per calf and per kg gain were

concentration/mix rate of CMR. Feeding whole

bull easily recouping the £13 higher calf rearing

reduced by £2.90 per calf and 13p/kg

milk is therefore not suitable.

costs.

respectively with coats.

40

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH COMPETITION • In a follow up trial in the dairy unit winter born Holstein heifers were fitted with coats from birth to either 3 or 6 weeks old. There was no benefit shown with coats to 6 weeks.

• The advice is therefore to fit coats on winter born calves from birth to

TRUST IN OUR EXPERTS FOR RED TRACTOR ASSURANCE

3 weeks of age. Regularly wash and disinfect coats to minimise disease transmission.

How to get the most from your dairy-bred bull calves • It cannot be emphasized strongly enough that calves should get an early and adequate intake of good quality colostrum with at least 3 litres within the first 6 hours of life. A blood test (zinc sulphate turbidity test) can show if a calf has had sufficient colostrum. If it hasn’t, speak to the dairy farmer or don’t buy anymore calves from him!

• Do not under feed milk. Increasing the CMR feed rate significantly improves performance and on intensive systems improves lifetime performance.

• Provide good quality 18%CP concentrates ad lib with water and straw.

Continue to feed concentrates containing 18%CP to at least 12 weeks of age.

SAI Global offers the complete suite of Red Tractor Assurance Schemes with a no-nonsense, simple inspection programme to meet your whole farm assurance needs.

• Optimising calf health is key and protection should be given to all the various diseases such as Rotavirus, Cryptosporidia, Coccidiosis etc. Whatever feeding system is employed an unhealthy calf will not thrive.

Two calf trials are carried out each year at Harper Adams. The studies involve batches of 48 dairy-bred bull calves that purchased at 14-21 days old and are reared on production based experiments to 12 weeks (approx. 15 weeks old) which mirrors most calf rearers purchasing calves from markets. Our current calf trials are looking at hay versus straw which is a study I’ve wanted to carry out for a number of years. Will the hay fed calves become ‘potbellied’ as is often stated? The second study is looking at a ‘high spec’ transitional

• Experienced assessors, proven experts • Extensive geographical coverage • Competitive pricing • Time efficient auditing

CMR with very high levels of immunised egg protein, yeast cell wall material, a probiotic and plant extracts in a 60% skimmed milk and butter milk formulation for the first week on the calf unit.

The majority of the reports on the above trial work can be found on the NBA website (go to Resources>Technical Information>Calf Rearing).

Acknowledgement: The support from Trouw Nutrition GB, Wynnstay and Bonanza Calf

CONTACT US T: 01908 249973 E: agrifood@saiglobal.com www.saiglobal.com/assurance/farm-assurance

Nutrition is gratefully acknowledged in funding the above calf trial work at Harper Adams.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

41

FEATURE

ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTION

AND GROWTH PATHS FOR FINISHING BE What is the best way to finish cattle? That question usually starts a discussion, if not an argument. Is forage or concentrate finishing best?

Should they be young or more mature? Is grass finishing superior, or are we deluding ourselves about how cheap we think grass based systems actually are? What system or feeding regime gives us the best eating quality from a consumers perspective? How do we make a profit from finishing cattle?

All of these questions and more deliver a lively

January and April 2014. All medium group animals

finishing system or growth path was also undertaken

evenings’ debate, wherever you are in the country.

were housed in a single straw bedded pen and the

using the opening store value of the animals at

A recent trial funded by AHDB Beef & Lamb and

TMR comprised wholecrop barley (WCB), grass

the start of the study and the actual sale value

conducted at SRUC’s Beef & Sheep Research Centre

silage (SIL), BAR, RSM, MOL and MIN.

achieved along with all variable costs incurred for each animal. Fixed costs were then also taken from

near Edinburgh set out to examine some of these

the figures published by both AHDB Beef & Lamb

issues.

Long duration finishing system - all animals were

and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) to assess the

Trial work undertaken

turned out to grass on 13th of May 2013 for their

relationship between Feeders Margin (sale value –

The overall objective was relatively simple: what

1st grazing period as for the medium group except

opening store value) and total production costs that

finishing system or alternative growth path

that they were grazed on an old unimproved

could be expected from each finishing system in

optimises animal performance, beef eating quality

grassland pasture on a set-stocked basis that was

commercial farm circumstances.

and profitability for finishing beef cattle in the UK.

of poor grazing quality but maintained to ensure at least 1,500 kg/ha of grass DM at all times.

Trial results obtained

The trial started on 1st May 2013 when all 72

Animals were housed on 9th October 2013 for

Average days on trial were 86, 286 and 622 for the

animals were approximately 12 months of age.

their 1st winter store period and remained in the

short, medium and long duration growth paths with

Three alternative finishing systems or growth paths

same straw bedded pen until turnout the following

mean slaughter ages of 15.1, 21.8 and 32.9 months.

were studied with 24 animals managed in each of

spring on 2nd April 2014. Winter store TMR diets

Average slaughter liveweights were 528, 624 and

3 groups to slaughter at 12 - 16months of age, at

were offered based on SIL, STR and MIN and was

671 kg and average DLWGs over the whole length

18 - 26months of age and at 28 - 36months old. All

with a small amount of WCB, BAR, RSM and MIN

of these finishing periods were 1.58, 0.96 and 0.54

indoor diets were offered as total mixed rations

when appropriate At turnout for their 2nd summer

kg/d confirming the genetic potential that these

(TMR) fed through a feeder wagon fitted with a feed

at grass, animals returned to the same area of

animals have for growth (see Figure 1 for individual

recording system. Half of each group of 24 animals

unimproved grassland which was managed in the

DLWGs).

were LIMx steers and the other half LIMx heifers.

same way until housing again on 15th October 2014. These long group animals were then housed

Mean carcass weights were 298, 356 and 378 kg

Short duration finishing system – all animals

together in a single straw bedded pen and offered a

with average slice shear force measurements (a

remained indoors from the trial start on 1st May

forage based TMR on an ad libitum basis until sent

mechanical measure of meat tenderness) of 10.8,

2013 on straw bedded courts and were fed a “barley

for slaughter in three batches during November

10.4 and 11.9 kg for the short, medium and long

beef” type, high concentrate diet until sent for

2014, January and March 2015 respectively. The

growth paths indicating that the long duration

slaughter. The TMR diet comprised barley (BAR),

finishing TMR comprised WCB, SIL, BAR, RSM, MOL

finishing system produced beef of significantly

rapeseed meal (RSM), straw (STR), molasses (MOL)

and MIN.

poorer tenderness than either the short or medium duration systems (Figure 2). The proportional

and minerals (MIN). Both steers and heifers were sent for slaughter in three groups during June, July

All animals were weighed fortnightly throughout

content of gristle in the striploin samples was also

and August 2013 respectively.

all of the alternative growth path periods to allow

significantly higher in the long duration system at

daily liveweight gains (DLWG) to be calculated

values of 1.63, 1.62 and 1.96 % of the longissimus

Medium duration finishing system – all animals

and all animals were followed through the abattoir

dorsi muscle respectively. Sensory taste panel

were turned out to grass on 13th of May due to the

to collect carcass data and meat samples for

assessments of beef eating quality showed

cold weather during the late spring of 2013 delaying

eating quality analysis. A full meat eating quality

increased levels of toughness (38.7, 42.5 & 46.9)

the growth of grass. The generally set-stocked

comparison was made using all 72 animals from

between the short, medium and long duration

grass sward was a two year old perennial ryegrass

each alternate growth path finishing system at

systems. However, despite these differences, the

reseed that was well established and of good

Bristol Univesity where both mechanical and

long duration system could still produce beef eating

grazing quality, fertilised and managed to ensure

sensory taste panel eating quality parameters were

quality parameters that were considered acceptable

a minimum grass availability of 1500 kg DM/ha

assessed. The % of gristle in each meat sample was

for the human food chain.

throughout the season. Medium term animals were

also measured to examine the influence of finishing

housed on 9th October 2013 and offered a forage

system on gristle development in carcasses.

feeders margin (£/head) was 301, 523 and 570

based TMR on an ad libitum basis until sent for slaughter in three batches during November 2013,

42

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

From a financial perspective, the average total

Finally, a full economic analysis of each alternative

for the short, medium and long duration systems WINTER 2017

EEF CATTLE

FEATURE

SYSTEMS

EXTENSIVE LONG DUR ATION FINISHING SYSTEM – POOR GRAZING FOR TWO SUMMERS

BY DR JIMMY HYSLOP BEEF SPECIALIST SAC CONSULTING LTD

ION DURAT G FOR EDIUM SIVE M GOOD GRAZIN N E T IN SEMISTEM – ING SY FINISH MER M U S E ON

creating the impression that grassland based

addition, the real

finishing systems result in greater profitability.

benefit of not turning

Despite this however, when these values were

finishing cattle out to grass (and leaving the

These results confirm

expressed on a daily basis (i.e. total FM/day on the

finishing sheds empty but still incurring fixed costs)

that commercial beef finishers should

different systems) the mean values were 3.72, 1.86

is that the extra grassland can be used to generate

be advised to adopt efficient, short to medium

and 0.91 (£/head/day) across the three alternative

profit elsewhere from a wide variety of more

duration (12 - 20months) finishing systems that

finishing systems.

profitable enterprises. The business as a whole

deliver higher quality beef to the human food

can then generate additional profit from additional

chain whilst offering producers the greatest

Once variable costs were deducted, Gross Margin

output with the same fixed costs (land, labour,

opportunity for commercial profit from their

figures were 36, 86 and 65 £/head whilst further

buildings and machinery).

business as a whole.

deducting fixed cost estimates reduced Net Margin figures to -27, -34 and -209 £/head for the short,

Fig 1

medium and long growth path systems respectively.

Total variable costs were 265, 437 and 505 £/ head whilst estimated fixed costs were 63, 120 and 274 £/head for the short, medium and long growth path systems respectively. These figure reveal that grassland based finishing systems are not cheap when the large number of days involved are taken into account.

Examining the quadratic relationships between feeders margin and the total costs incurred for individual animals either during this trial (red cost

Fig 2

lines) or from industry fixed costs estimates (green costs lines) revealed that the greatest potential for profit was to be found when animals were slaughtered at younger, rather than older ages (Figure 3). We should not be fooled by misleading features of alternative finishing systems such as Feeders Margin, feed costs on a £/t dry matter basis or on “market topping” sale prices for individual animals.

PROFIT FOR THE BUSINESS AS A WHOLE IS WHAT COUNTS Whilst it could be argued that better grassland management might improve DLWG at grass it is

Fig 3

interesting to note that DLWG for the 1st half of the medium grazing season was 1.2 kg/d whilst it was 0.4 kg/d for the 2nd half. That being the case, improving grassland management would only be expected to improve DLWG during the latter half of the season increasing liveweight by approximately 40 kg at the end of the summer. This would not be enough to allow these animals to be finished off grass, so they would have to be housed and finished during their 2nd winter. Incurring the variable and fixed costs associated with this indoor finishing period are unlikely to have improved profit potential overall. In THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

43

FEATURE - LAA

A SOLID YEAR AND A PLATFORM FOR GOOD DEMAND THROUGH 2018 SOLID YEAR AND REASON FOR OPTIMISM FOR BEEF INDUSTRY AS LIVE SALES RING DEMONSTRATES VALUE TO THE SECTOR. A solid year and a platform for good demand through 2018, that is the message coming from leading livestock auctioneers across the country.

Throughout figures for 2017, due for release in April

seen more beef cattle in Bakewell in 2017 than

safety among the key attributes of the UK livestock

2018, look to show an upturn on 2016, with live

2016, although this may in part be due to the

supply chain. “We need to champion Great British

auction rings reporting a solid, if unspectacular

closure of some neighbouring markets. Looking

produce and make sure that trade deals enable our

year. And the feeling is, that will remain the case

ahead over the next 6-12 months, it is difficult to be

producers to maintain high standards.” Certainly,

into 2018, albeit gazing into our crystal ball

clear, but I would not expect trade to vary wildly one the value of the live sales ring is instrumental in

somewhat as sterling values and Brexit negotiations

way or the other.”

delivering a transparent and competitive trading platform. LAA surveys earlier in the year over two

will clearly play a strong influence on trade.

It has been a similar picture in Northumberland and

key industry events demonstrated that 93% of

Looking back over 2016, cattle sold by English and

surrounding counties, according to Robert Addison

respondents used the auction mart system to buy

Welsh markets broke down as

at Hexham Market. Mr Addison explains, “In terms

or sell stock at some point over the calendar year.

• Store and breeding cattle – 713,000

of prices, demand has been good throughout. It is

Mr Northcott says, “The livestock market has been

(581,000 English markets).

good stock in this area, with many fat-stock show

the benchmark for trade and prices, so it is vital. If

• Dairy cattle – 60,000 (54,000 English markets).

winners around the UK originating from this part of

everything goes deadweight, there is no flexibility.

• Calves – 246,000 (198,000 English markets).

the country and sold through Hexham.” Selling some We can provide what the buyer, and consumer,

• Slaughter cattle (steers, heifers and young bulls)

23,000 store cattle in the year, Mr Addison reports

wants.” Mr Sneddon adds, “The livestock auction

194,000 (185,000 English markets).

on a flying start to the year, up until May, before

mart system enables the smaller man to be on the

• Cull cows – 146,000 (130,000 English markets).

a miserable summer, with the rain not stopping,

same footing, and have equal access to a wide range

seeing a lot of weathered stock coming through in

of buyers. Consider also, that of those animals sold

Most agree that these figures, and certainly value,

September and October. Even so, store cattle prices

deadweight, how many will have come through the

had held up well in 2017 and will look to continue

have increased by up to £50 a head.

auction mart system at some stage of their life?”

Market, reports that beef trade has been ‘pretty

Looking ahead into 2018, all agree Brexit will

“There is certainly more pressure to use alternative

satisfactory’ all year round. Mr Northcott says,

play a part, and the Livestock Auctioneers

sales routes,” says Mr Addison. “But it is more

“Trade has been fairly strong right through 2017,

Association’s (LAA) influential role, as instigator

beneficial for both buyer and seller through the

perhaps with not so many peaks, but certainly less

of the UK Livestock Brexit Group, will be crucial in

ring, with batches, numbers, more buyers and

troughs. Personally, I see a steady beef trade in

representing the industry. The group now numbers

competitive pricing.”

2018, as there has been a level trade for a period,

24 key trade bodies and associations across the

so we are quite positive.” Alastair Sneddon, senior

industry, as well as representation from Defra, the

Mr Dodds concludes, “Auction marts offer a

partner at Bagshaws and auctioneer at Bakewell

Welsh Assembly and Scottish Government. Chris

marketplace for all categories of stock and the

Market, agrees, “Demand has been steady through

Dodds, LAA executive secretary and chairman of

ability to sell in suitable batches, often with the help

2017 for the beef sector. Exports have been good,

the UK Livestock Brexit Group explains, “The UK is

and guidance of the auctioneer, which helps achieve

as has demand from local retailers, as consumer

a high-quality producer of premium meat products,

the best price. The auctioneer is always best placed

increasingly use farm shops. “We have certainly

with traceability, good health and welfare and food

to guide on market trends and requirements.”

through 2018. Mark Northcott, auctioneer at Frome

44

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

WINTER 2017

M

Sc nu min sci one nut

S Stun reqm pros proo desn

and S avo r be ep requp

d a a b r

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products such as MEGAMINS™ Rumen Buffer and designed to specifically meet the needs of Dairy, Beef and Sheep farmers with the range being developed to MEGAMINS™ Biobind. Whatever the on farm feeding avoid unnecessary over supplementation, whichPlease cancontact Scotmin system, there is a(0)MEGAMINS™ product to suit, with For further information on the MEGAMINS™ Range Nutrition on +44 1292 280909 or visit www.scotmin.com be extremely expensive and superfluous to nutritional products available to feed as part of a TMR, free access or top dressed. requirements.

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ForFor furth er er infoinfo furth rma tion on rma

BEEF BREED DIRECTORY

BEEF BREED

DIRECTORY CATTLE SOCIETY

The Hereford Cattle Society Hereford House, 3 Offa St Hereford, HR1 2LL

CONCORDE HOUSE 24 WARWICK NEW ROAD LEAMINGTON SPA WARWICKSHIRE, CV32 5JG

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Stirling Agricultural Centre Stirling FK9 4RN Tel: 01786 446866

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FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH BEEF BREED DIRECTORY Breed Secretary: Debbie Dann 3 Eastgate, Stoneleigh Park Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LH

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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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Weekly Newsletter - sent every Friday, by email, to keep you up to date with all the NBA and Industry news Free Use of the NBA Terms and Conditions of Sale for Pedigree Cattle (non-members pay £20 per animal) Members-only Area of the NBA's website Priority Booking for all regional meetings and forums - The NBA run a range of regional meetings, farm walks and road shows, in conjunction with our Industry Sponsors, to provide our members with the latest technical information and knowledge sharing opportunities Free entry into NBA Beef Expo events 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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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

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APPLICATION FORM

YOU CAN NOW JOIN UP ONLINE visit www.nationalbeefassociation.com/about/how-to-join today and help us make sure your industry's future is secure alternately, fill out the form below and return to us via post NAME: COMPANY (if applicable):

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POSTCODE: PHONE NUMBER: EMAIL ADDRESS: THREE WAYS TO PAY: 1. CREDIT CARD Please debit the sum of: (circle selected amount)

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2. CHEQUE Please send this form and a cheque for annual membership, a minimum sum of £75 (Under 26* £40), made payable to National Beef Association, to The National Beef Association, Mart Offices, Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 3SG. 3. STANDING ORDER To Bank plc: Address: Please pay Lloyds Bank plc, Malvern, WR14 4QG.

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GIFT OF THE GAVEL

GIFT OF THE GAVEL

TREVOR WYLIE PARTNER IN DUNGANNON FARMERS’ MART

“A PERFECT METHOD FOR ADDING DRAMA TO LIFE IS TO WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE LOOMS LARGE!” Unfortunately, that is what I have done. Hence, I am sitting here near Christmas trying to put pen to paper.

As an auctioneer I certainly can talk but getting my life down on paper is a different story.

Dungannon Farmers’ Mart was founded in 1958

did you kick me?”, with my microphone still on, to

group. The animals in these groups move through

by my grandfather, Edmund Wylie and his two

the great amusement of the crowd. Of course, I

many units and then can be rejected by the

partners, Robert McKeown and Wesley Morrow.

keep good company with this mistake, quite a few

processor in terms of specification. These animals

They set up in central Dungannon, selling store

of our MPs have been caught the same way!

arrive in the mart with a large movement history

and dairy cattle on a Wednesday and selling

and are reliant on buyers who can cope with this.

pigs and sheep on a Thursday. Thursday was the

In 1991 at the age of 77 my grandfather decided

As ever there is a variation in what is presented

traditional market day in Dungannon so given the

to take things a bit easier and gave me a share

in a mart and as ever the well presented stock

mart’s central location it meant it was a family day

in the business. It was a great time to be an

irrespective of breed continues to command the

out with wives doing a bit of shopping while the

auctioneer. Up until the BSE crisis in 1996 marts

best prices. The mart is the last bastion of fair

men were at the mart and maybe later in the local

were booming with a healthy throughput of stock.

prices. My colleagues in the intensive sectors

hostelry.

Just as beef farmers began to recover from the BSE

highlight the issue of all the risk being on the

crisis Foot and Mouth arrived in 2001. This was a

farmer, he/she is at the mercy of feed prices and

By the early 1980’s Edmund Wylie and George, his

devastating blow for all marts after the lean years

selling price and he/she has the longest period in

son my father, now owned the mart outright. They

post BSE and many marts closed.

the food chain. From conception of breeding stock to the slaughter of their offspring is years while

had a vision to buy a site out of town and build a new specialised mart. They achieved their dream t Y and the present mart in 1987. I started in s a opened A W O e u Y D Hcompleting the mart part-time a certificate Se IRwhile S A IRY A in agricultureUKatDwhat is now known as CAFRE. My D W S first role was& yard person along with my work on

However as one door closes another opens and in t 2002 we diversified into selling pedigree s a AYlivestock.

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the processor works on a risk period of weeks to

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OR CAPerformanc DAand of farming” farmers can sell in an open Fastract Performance Feeds Fastract Lmarket F BL C

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else can you go and spend a daywhich looking at what produces results “since using Jump Start our calves are “since using Jump“Fastract Start our calves are interests cup of“tea (unfortunately the the family farm which then had 150 cattle and 300 it was daunting at first but with practice became shouldyou, costhave a lotamore brighter and sharper” brighter and sharper” enjoyable. There is nothing like the thrill of days something stronger are long with breeding ewes. I progressed to auctioneer under “I of have seen a big difference in a gone) sick cow

livestock as they go through barrier a like minded people enjoy the “craic” as we say the watchful eye of my mentor Swaile now,selling within 6 hours ofand giving Ruminant Paste“ “The calves lookStephen after themselves we just “Thethe calves lookofafter themselves now, we just

needauctioneers. scour treatments previous highest record. who was one of ourdon’t resident I was any more” let loose selling small tools and implements at our

don’t need scour treatments anyyou more” over here don’t even to dress up!

Use at and calving, any time ofhave digestive disorder,

stress or travelling Use as a routine for new born calves, atThere any sign Use as a routine for new born calves, at any sign are many challenges for marts already here Dungannon Farmers' Mart and the Wylie family of scour or any time appetite is poor. of scour or any time appetite is poor.

machinery sales. Being a green horn, I was selling too slow and received a helpful kick from Stephen

and coming. The recent legislation on the number

are honoured to host again the NBA Beef Expo and

difficult : call to get me to movePrompt on. Oblivious we01434 look forward to seeing old friends and meeting deliveryto: the call message 01434 600602of moves an animal has before slaughter Promptisdelivery 600602www.eggsport.co.uk Stephen was trying to communicate I said “why

for marts especially if the animal starts off in a calf

at Y t Y WA W ushanDuAs aOD e Y SHO Ses tIRSYee lSfIH R Y A s a LUeK D DU/AKIcRDADAIRY 2 W S£ SW & & “since“since usingusing JumpJump StartStart our calves are our calves

new ones in February.

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vail “AF t s a DAY W abCl FOR u O e e D DA A Se IRY SH t LF ire BL o U CAct E DA AIRY K K RE” D U W S “ Fastract produces results which “ Fastract produces results which & “since using Jump Start our calves are

Fastract Performance Feeds Fastract Performance Feeds

” brighter and sharper brighter and sharper ”

are

look after now, we “The “calves The calves look themselves after themselves now,just we just don’t don’t need need scourscour treatments any more” treatments any more”

Use asUse a routine for new at anyatsign as a routine forborn new calves, born calves, any sign of scour or any time appetite is poor. of scour or any time appetite is poor.

Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602 Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602

50

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE at Y t Y WA W us DAs aO

Fastract Performanc

shouldshould cost acost lot more “ a lot more “ “I have“I seen big difference in a sick have aseen a big difference in acow sick cow within 6 hours of giving Ruminant Paste“Paste“ within 6 hours of giving “The calves look after themselves now, we just Ruminant don’t need scour treatments any Use atUse calving, anymore” time digestive disorder, at calving, anyoftime of digestive disorder, stressstress or travelling or travelling Use as a routine for new born calves, at any sign of scour or any time appetite is poor.

brighter and sharper”

www.eggsport.co.uk

Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602www.eggsport.co.uk

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“AF “ FOAFF

WINTER 2017

Essential trace elements Highest density in any UK bolus*

BVD WITHOUT COMPREHENSIVE

VACCINATION

YOU ARE

EXPOSED Are you exposed to losses of £46.50 per cow per year?1 Along with removal of persistently infected cattle (PIs), strict biosecurity including vaccination protects your herd and your livelihood. Speak to your vet about how to get the cover you need.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT BVDZERO.CO.UK

1. Yarnall and Thrusfield (2017) Vet Record doi: 10.1136/vr.104370 An educational service from Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, Animal Health, makers of Bovela®. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, Animal Health, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YS, UK. Date of preparation: Jul 2017. AHD10227.

Use Medicines Responsibly.

MAKING

BVD HISTORY