2023 Limousin Annual Journal

With the Lim we’re
averaging around 281
days gestation and birth
weights of 38kg. Calving is
easy and growth rates are
significantly higher.”
FEATURES
In addition to his dairy beef enterprise, Russell
has a small herd of suckler cows and has
always placed great emphasis on maternal
traits and temperament. He says he thinks
the perceptions of “wild” Limousin bulls are
misleading. Having had five Limousin bulls all
have been good temperament and easy to
manage. But when it comes to geonomics he
notes there’s still some way for the beef sector
to catch up with dairy. The same can be said of
the retail partnerships in beef.
Russell noted retail partnerships in beef
are much harder and complex for the
supermarkets given the fragmented nature
of industry. For a supermarket like M&S,
they partner with around 38 dairy farmers
on a direct aligned contract (via a processor
contract), whereas their beef requirements are
sourced from over 4,000 beef farmers. The need
for consistency in product, both in taste, shape
and farm standards adds complexity. However,
Russell believes this is where an opportunity
could be for Limousin as the breed could work
collaboratively with commercial breeders and
finishers to deliver consistent numbers of
cattle with lean confirmation at a low age of
slaughter to retailer aligned processors.
Like so many farmers are, Russell says he
was sceptical of working directly with a
supermarket but now enjoys the partnership
as much as he does farming! He enjoys
the exposure to business brains, a different
perspective and learning more about customer
demands. “Reducing carbon emissions is the
absolute focus for retailers at the moment.
We need to be able to measure and prove
we are focused on this to retain our retail
contract” says Russell. “This focus on carbon
emission reduction is a key reason why dairy
cross animals present a great opportunity for
the beef market as the beef calf emissions
are offset against both the milking cow and
the beef their own carcass produces. But fast
growing, easy fleshing genetics also play a
key role in reducing that carbon footprint and
presents an opportunity for Limousin breeders
and commercial finishers. Limousins were
originally imported to improve confirmation of
the dairy cross beef calf and its these desirable
carcass traits that can also contribute to a lower
carbon footprint.
For now, Russell’s expansion plans for both his
milk and beef enterprise remain on track with
Limousin genetics now at the heart of it.
www.limousin.co.uk
ANNUAL JOURNAL 2023 | 133