Where Next for Beef? - a Retailer's View
Dr Chris Brown (Agriculture Development Manager, ASDA)
The British beef sector has faced huge challenges in recent times. The present beef sector continues to be resilient and to return the confidence of consumers. The longer term issues which the sector will be facing have to be aligned to the needs of the changing consumer.
Quality First and Last - Orkney Island Gold
Edgar Balfour (Managing Director, Orkney Meat Ltd)
Orkney Meat Ltd was established in 1981, operating from the UK's most northerly EU approved abattoir and meat complex, initially supplying supermarkets. In the early 1990's industry changes led to a fundamental re-think of the operation and ultimately to the launch, in February 1995, of the beef brand Orkney Island Gold. Orkney lamb was successfully added to the brand in 1998.
Beef Production - What is the Potential?
Mike Powley (Beef Farmer, Elm House Farm, Yorkshire)
This paper describes the evolution of beef production at Elm House Farm. By identifying the market place and the constraints of our present system, we then developed a strategy to breed efficient, profitable beef animals. Are our targets for growth rates, conformation, efficiency and profitability high enough?
The Influences of Biosecurity and Environment on a Beef Production Unit
Fiona Campbell (Livestock Manager, Oneholmes Farm, Yorkshire and Burnhouse Mains, Scottish Borders)
Oneholmes Farm is a family unit which has developed to include a hill farm in the Borders and a lowland arable and grass unit in North Yorkshire. We operate a closed herd policy with improving herd health. Our aim is to produce both quality and quantity efficiently whilst meeting the challenges of the environment and biosecurity.
Expected Increases in Genetic Merit in the UK - applying optimised selection in Angus cattle
Santiago Avendano (PhD student, SAC, Penicuik, Scotland)
A new method for selection which aims to provide the highest possible rates of genetic improvement whilst avoiding loss of genetic variation is presented. At the observed rates of inbreeding in the populations, increases of at least 60% in the average Beef Value (BV) index are expected. Pedigrees and index scores are the only information required.
The Practical Use of EBV's in Beef Cattle Breeding
Aled Edwards (Farmer/Cattle Breeder, Home Farm, Llandovery, Wales)
The 80 cow Dyfri Limousin herd has been fully performance recorded for almost two decades. This experience has resulted in many lessons being learnt, the main one being that the selection for Beef Value alone can be counter-productive and dangerous.
The Future for Suckler Breeders in Ireland
Dr Michael Drennan (Researcher, Teagasc, Eire)
Ireland has an important suckler industry producing quality cattle. Ensuring the continued technical improvement will be essential to maintaining a vigorous suckler herd.
Post Curry, Post Mid-Term Review - What's in the Post?
Ivor Llewelyn (DEFRA Beef and Sheep division)
The Beef business will continue to be shaped by EU and Government policy for some years to come. What are the key elements about which all producers need to know?
