Making the Grade – How to Handle Prime Beef

Understanding how to select and market finished cattle will be the focus for some ‘hands on’ training with livestock specialist Peter Morris. This free workshop, run by the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, takes place on the 4th July (10.30 – 12.30) at Corringdon Farm, South Brent.

Why is it important?Making a living today from beef production requires an understanding of both the modern market place and the supply chain. With fewer processors and tighter specifications it’s important that producers are able to maximise the value of a finished animal by informed decision making. Animals that are either ‘under’ or ‘over’ fat may be penalised and cumulatively this can have a big impact on farm income.

Peter Morris of Spencer Cross Consulting is involved in sourcing cattle for a number of processors in the south west and said:

“The aim of this workshop it to help farmers fully understand their chosen supply chain and to help them make informed decisions about whether their stock is best suited there or elsewhere”.

As well as looking at market trends participants will also gain hands on experience by handling a range of animals which are close to reaching their target weights.  Although technology has enabled accurate weight recording determining when an animal is ‘finished’ still requires the producer to handle and assess cattle regularly.

Peter said:“It’s valuable to identify the different elements of a carcass and their relative importance in terms of the meat that comes from them. Handling the animal at key points is useful bit it’s also important to stand back and make a visual assessment.”

The morning workshop (10.30 – 12.30) will also explore the opportunities presented by branding and understanding the challenges of balancing a beef carcass in a premium market place. Attendees will receive relevant handouts to take away and refreshments including lunch are provided. How to bookTo book a place or for further details please contact the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project on 01822 890913 or email hfp@dartmoor.gov.uk.