2023 Limousin Annual Journal

an opinion on the sustainability of Farming,
but few truly understand just what sustainable
farming is.
It’s in this world of sustainability that I believe
Limousin will reclaim its crown as the most
popular beef breed in the UK. An ambition and
a goal I have such faith in, that I am prepared
to stake my own reputation on it. You see, I
believe that Limousin can help the industry
solve a problem, just like it did those 50 years
ago when it brought more meat yield to the
industry. It’s the same carcass traits that enable
Limousin cattle to perform favourably in carbon
assessment models that make them attractive
to the retail world who have ambitious net zero
plans to deliver. Like any sector, beef farming
emissions vary depending on many factors
such as age at first calving, growth rates, diet,
age at slaughter and how they are cared for.
But most importantly for us, genetics play a
significant role in producing beef with a lower
carbon footprint, and Limousin have that
special gene. The F94l gene.
For years, the Limousin community have
named this gene the Profit gene, but I call it
the Green Gene. Found naturally in Limousin
Cattle, The Green Gene means that Limousin
cattle are among the most efficient in the
world. Naturally, they provide around 7% more
meat than other breeds with around 73% of
the meat being used in the food chain, that’s
more meat than the average beef animal in
Britain without any increase in emissions.
But it’s not just about more, its also about
better. Limousin beef is a healthier meat with
around 30% less external fat and 20% less
intramuscular fat.
With all this going for it it’s no surprise that for
decades Limousin has been considered the
breed of choice for breeders and finishers.
Owing to the fact the cattle thrive in the UK
and deliver favourable growth rates, young age
at slaughter and a high kill out percentage for
farmer and butchers.
And that’s what I am here to prove. The Sale
results speak for themselves proving their
popularity and testament to our members
breeding accomplishments. As we all focus on
developing a more sustainable world the job
for myself and my team will be to prove and
highlight why British Limousin is among the
most sustainable beef in the world, bringing
more opportunity to the members of the
Limousin Beef society.
A tall order perhaps, but an achievable one
when we are working with such a favourable
breed. . I hope that I, the Council and all our
members can do these wonderful animals
proud in 2023.
Alice Swift
CEO
www.limousin.co.uk
ANNUAL JOURNAL 2023 | 9