April 15, 2021 1:06 pm
Predicting the future structure of beef farms in the UK was one of the key themes addressed at the 2021 British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) annual conference.
Seth Wareing, from the Stabiliser Cattle Company, confirmed that beef cattle will continue to play a critically important role in converting grass into high-value animal protein. He said:
“Ruminants are the only animals that can do this job. What’s more, they play a critically important role in those areas of the country where ploughing is not an option.
“Currently, the beef industry has a very fragmented structure. Looking to the future, we need to see greater levels of communication along every aspect of the food chain, involving farmers, meat processers and consumers,” he continued.
Stabiliser uses new tech to boost breed performance
14 April 2021 |
Welsh farmers Llion and Sian Jones are using new ag-tech to enhance breed performance
The Stabiliser Cattle Company has introduced new livestock management software into its high-performance breeding programme.
AgriWebb’s mobile app and insight-led dashboards are being introduced to its 110 breeders, called Multipliers, who manage over 12,000 breeding cattle.
The software makes it easier to record performance data on Stabiliser’s animals, and view numerous insights including weight records and pedigree traits.
It is speeding up data collection and providing evidence to support Stabiliser’s selection of the best available genetics.
Ardross Farm near Fife was recently awarded its Pasture for Life status FEED EFFICIENCY is the key ingredient to a productive and profitable beef system. There is not a one size fits all approach to cattle finishing, with a variation of systems from semi-intensive feeding to 100% grass fed – according to Quality Meat Scotland. Producers operate under tight margins, so it’s important to identify cattle to suit your system based on infrastructure, nutrition, genetics and management, which will help meet market requirements and generate profit, advised QMS cattle and sheep specialist, Beth Alexander. Fifth generation farmer, Claire Pollock from Ardross Farm, near Fife, adapted her system to allow all cattle and sheep to be fed on a 100% forage-based diet. Her efforts have paid off, with the farm recently being awarded its Pasture for Life status.
100% Pasture for Life status awarded to Fife farm
8 February 2021 |
Originally dairy farmers, the Pollock family transitioned into beef 25 years ago
A Scottish farmer who adapted her system to allow all cattle and sheep to be fed on a 100% forage-based diet has paid off, with the farm recently awarded its Pasture for Life status.
Fifth generation farmer Claire Pollock from Ardross Farm, near Fife, says her feeding regime is very simple - grass in the summertime and silage when the grass has stopped growing.
“We use a mix of strip and paddock grazing in a rotational system; however, it is something we should do more of, she explains.