NBA Winter Magazine_2023_

Winter 2023 | ISSUE 29 

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Contents 

Winter 2023 

ISSUE 29 

16 

EDITOR 

Julie Holmes 

National Beef Association 

Concorde House 

24 Warwick New Road 

Leamington Spa 

Warwickshire 

CV32 5JG 

01434 601005 

julie@nationalbeefassociation.com 

08 

DEPUTY EDITOR 

Neil Shand 

ceo@nationalbeefassociation.com 

CHAIRMAN 

Robert Venner 

ADVERTISING 

Julie Holmes 

01434 601005 


DESIGN, PRINT & PUBLISHING 

Ghost Design Consultants 

18 

A National Beef Association Publication 

A specialist organisation open to 

everyone with an interest in the UK 

beef industry. 

Company No. 3678612 

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10 

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE 

WINTER 2023: Issue 29 

NEXT ISSUE: Spring 2024 

Regulars 

Features 

NBA give notice that no part of this 

publication may be reproduced, stored 

in a retrieval system, or transmitted in 

any form or by any means electronic, 

mechanical, photocopying, recording or 

otherwise, without prior consent of the 

publishers. Every care is taken when 

compiling editorial and advertisements 

and the publishers can accept no 

responsibility for errors or omissions 

arising from publication. Views 

expressed and information contained 

in The National Beef Association 

Magazine are not necessarily those 

of the Editor or of the National Beef 

Association who cannot therefore be 

held responsible for any reason arising 

therefrom. Neither the Association, the 

Publisher nor the Editors endorses any 

services or products advertised in this 

Magazine. 

Chairmans report 4 

CEO Report 6 

Regional Round Ups 18-19 

Guest Vet - Molly Mead 12 

Guest Auctioneer - 

Graham Low 20 

Parasite Watch 22 

Breed Society Focus 

Highland Cattle Society 32-33 

Breed Society News 34-39 

Graham Wilkinson to join AHDB as new CEO 8 

New dedicated service for livestock market 

prices to offer enhanced benefits to industry 10 

AHDB Beef & Lamb’s new knowledge exchange programme aims 

to challenge farmer thinking for long term business success 11 

Focus on dry matter intakes this winter 14 

The unique Hanskamp Walk-Through extended 

FeedStation for Dairy and Beef cattle 16-17 

Buying ‘High Health’ stock? Check, check and check again… 21 

Beef sector plays an important role 

in antibiotic use reduction 24 - 25 

Meeting energy demands this winter 26 

Don’t miss the British Cattle Breeders Club conference 28-29 

Genomics provide foundation for quality beef 30 

WINTER 2023 | The National Beef Association Magazine 03

Chairman’s Welcome 

Welcome to the Winter 

edition of Beef magazine 

Robert Venner 

I 

started my autumn chairman’s report 

referring to the weather. I did not 

anticipate that it would still be raining 

almost 3 months later. 

Gosh we’ve seen some rain! With the 

weather being rather too warm to house 

stock, and the land being far too wet to 

keep them out, it’s a hard situation for 

many farmers. Consequently, we have 

seen phenomenal numbers of store cattle 

through the market. Usually at this time 

of year trade can be a bit sticky but, as 

the finished price has recovered, store 

values have been excellent. 

The mid October/ November drive for 

Christmas supply has really lifted the 

trade back up to near former highs. 

Fat cattle are back up to 300ppk live, 

and I just hope the trade lasts until our 

traditional Christmas fat-stock show in 

early December. The buying pattern has 

definitely moved to earlier in the year, 

and so might the Christmas fat-stock in 

future years. 

Politically it was extremely disappointing 

to learn of Jacob Rees-Mogg’s remarks 

against British agriculture, in which 

he called for “cheaper food” such as 

“hormone injected beef from Australia.” 

The use of hormones in livestock 

production was banned over 30 years ago 

and we definitely don’t want to return to 

it now. Even George Eustice came out 

to state that Liz Truss’ trade deal with 

Australia and New Zealand was not good 

for the UK. He then went on to say “The 

UK went into this negotiation holding 

the strongest hand, the best cards, but 

at some point in early summer 2021, 

the then trade secretary (Liz Truss) took 

a decision to set an arbitrary target to 

conclude it by G7. From that moment we 

were on the back foot.” 

I doubt that Mr Rees-Mogg will listen, 

but he needs to understand that UK 

farmers want to farm in a way that cares 

for our animals, preserves our landscape 

and leaves our environment in a better 

state that when we found it. A message, 

which I hope the newly appointed DEFRA 

minister, Stephen Barclay, will take on 

board and act accordingly. 

There has been much in the press about 

Red Tractor and the Greener Farming 

Commitment. We at the NBA instigated 

a stakeholder meeting at Sedgemoor 

back in February, with representatives 

from the NFU, NSA and other leading 

South-West farmers. At the meeting, we 

made a decision to invite Red Tractor to a 

further meeting later in the year. In early 

October we met with Jim Mosely, Philippa 

Wiltshire and John Dracup. We had a very 

open and constructive discussion, which 

all parties felt was beneficial. 

Following extra feed-back provided 

to Red Tractor at a further members’ 

meeting at Taunton in late October, 

Christine Tacon, Red Tractor chair, 

put out a statement apologising for 

being “slow to understand” members 

views fully on the Greener Farming 

Commitment, admitting farmer 

frustration seemed to run deeper than 

the controversial module. She further 

stated Red Tractor would not progress 

with the implementation of any further 

new standards or additional modules 

until the first NFU independent review, 

focusing on Red Tractor governance, was 

completed. 

It is clear that it will be very difficult for 

Red Tractor to reduce its requirements 

under basic RT assurance. The challenge 

is to create a more acceptable mode 

of implementation. A more supportive, 

rather than regulatory, style of inspection 

would be a big step in the right direction. 

Whether the AHDB regional advisors 

could attend desiring farms ahead of 

inspection to help put paperwork in 

place, or whether Red Tractor could have 

their own pre-inspection co-ordinators is 

a matter for discussion. Would AHDB levy 

payers want to see their monies used to 

help other farmers to put their paperwork 

in order? Red Tractor co-ordinators would 

add cost to system, and how would this 

be funded? 

The Greener Farming Commitment 

module has to be built alongside the 

Government’s Sustainable Farming 

Incentive programme. GFC is the right 

thing to do for the beef industry but 

has however been launched too soon. 

If SFI can provide the requirements for 

GFC, then it is a win-win for all parties 

involved. 

Another thing which is clear, is that 

Red Tractor is a voluntary option. Beef 

farmers do not have to be Red Tractor 

assured and can build their business 

without such assurance. Some have 

become frustrated due to the constant 

“cranking up of standards”. 

Those who need Red Tractor 

assurance for their business 

are going to have to persist 

with it, but we will keep 

exploring ideas of how Red 

Tractor’s implementation 

can be made more 

palatable. 

I do know that if we want to defend our 

home market against imports, we all need 

to stand behind our standards. Therefore, 

we have to be mindful that we do not 

create a circumstance whereby it is 

“acceptable” to offer non-UK beef in our 

major retail outlets. Mr Rees-Mogg has 

to face an election, it may not be so easy 

to remove Australian hormone produced 

beef once it has reached our shelves. 

04 The National Beef Association Magazine | WINTER 2023

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Chief Executive’s Report 

Devolution threatens 

food security! 

Neil Shand 

Regular newsletter and press readers 

will know that this is an often-beaten 

drum for me, and one which I will 

continue to pound until someone 

in power wakes up and smells the roses. 

As the devolved governments continue 

to pedal their individual agendas, the 

Agricultural Support versus Environmental 

Gain battle seems to be missing the point 

in a potentially catastrophic way. UK food 

security - and the security of beef producers 

- is being threatened across all four home 

countries. I therefore have a devolved wish 

list for next year - my own ‘Dear Santa’ 

letter… 

Wales - it’s difficult to see how the 

sitting Labour government could 

possibly be any more anti-farming. All 

industry stakeholders are going to be 

seriously challenged on every front, 

in the valleys, the towns and beyond. 

Their policies range from an uneducated 

and unscientific blinkered view on bTB 

(and with it an utter lack of any sensible 

control or eradication policy), to planting 

up to 10% of their most productive 

farmland with trees. Wales is, and will 

remain, one of the biggest challenges 

for next year. The best solution 

would probably be a new UK Labour 

government, removing the option for the 

Welsh Labour Party to blame Westminster 

for all their woes. The derogative terms 

which were used by government ministers 

in parliament, suggesting farmers 

struggling with bTB should ‘change to a 

different business’ is a good indication 

of the level of support being offered to 

producers in Wales by their own elected 

government. 

Northern Ireland - presently without a 

sitting government, but managing quite 

well without one! Agricultural policy is 

quietly progressing in the background; 

a number of efficiency-payment-typecarrots 

are being dangled for future 

policies, including a decrease in calving 

index, decreased slaughter age and early 

calving for heifers at two years old. Some 

of the carrots have been in the ground 

for some time and are well-grown. Many 

of these options were part of the NBA’s 

carbon reduction plan in 2020, and will 

undoubtedly form part of the remainder 

of the home countries thoughts at some 

point in the future. 

Scotland - Agriculture doesn’t appear to 

be a priority for the sitting government, 

and the Bute House Agreement which 

was entered into with the Green Party 

has left that minority party with a 

disproportionately loud voice. Seven 

years have passed since Brexit, and with 

it the acknowledgement that agricultural 

support would have to change. Only now 

have the Scottish Government published 

an Agriculture bill; a bill which basically 

allows them to implement anything 

they like. Details about the actual 

support which will be available are still 

absent from the public domain. With 

the Greens pulling the strings, and the 

likes of the RSPB and others pushing 

hard for a share of the pot, the future 

will likely be challenging. Of course, the 

Agriculture bill must still be approved by 

Westminster, and Alister Jack has already 

proved he is more than capable of a 

resounding NO. 

England - Defra has yet another new 

Secretary in place, Steve Barclay. This 

position has been rotated far too often, 

and it’s having a negative impact on 

the industry; the longest incumbent in 

recent time goes back to the last Labour 

government. In policy terms, SFI/ELM has 

progressed, and next year’s standards 

- announced on the 18 th September 

- do bring some real opportunities to 

predominately grass-based livestock 

units. It should also be mentioned that 

from Defra’s own figures, livestock 

producers - both lowland and upland 

- are the worst off in the industry; with 

average earnings below the minimum 

wage, there is certainly room for a lot of 

improvement. 

As we enter into what will be an election 

year, we, as an organisation intend to 

pull together a fighting manifesto, which 

will cover issues in all corners of the 

UK. It’s certainly a challenge, but it will 

be a manifesto which will ensure all our 

members – wherever they live -will feel 

supported by. 

Food security is a life priority. 

Government policies can only be effective 

if the UK is considered as a whole; 

there is no net environmental gain from 

decreasing livestock numbers in Scotland 

or Wales. The corresponding import 

increases from overseas into England 

would have the exact opposite effect – 

an increase in carbon footprint, and a 

dramatic decrease in food security. 

It really isn’t that long ago 

since Covid, and yet the 

lessons appear forgotten. 

Politicians should take a 

good long look at the needs 

of the people who elected 

them to serve their best 

interests; food security 

should not be subject to 

petty partisan bickering and 

party politics. 

Wishing you the very best of seasons 

greeting for Christmas, and a healthy, 

prosperous and peaceful 2024. 


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Industry News 

Graham Wilkinson to join AHDB 

as new CEO 

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has today announced 

the appointment of Graham Wilkinson as its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Graham brings a wealth of experience 

and a proven track record of success 

from his time at Arla Foods as Global 

Vice President, Agriculture. During 

his extensive time at Arla working in both 

Global and UK roles, he has successfully 

supported over 8,500 cooperative farmer 

owners and managed the delivery of 

innovative commercial milk concepts on 

farm. 

With his experience and knowledge of the 

supply chain, Graham created a leading 

European Agriculture Function within 

Arla, spanning seven markets. He has 

also worked in the retailer-side at 

Tesco PLC, where he strengthened 

the sustainability of agriculture 

supply chains in its dairy, beef, 

pork and poultry sectors. 

Having worked throughout 

the supply chain for his 

whole career, agriculture 

has always been part of 

Graham’s life, working 

with his grandparents and 

parents on the family farm 

in the north east of England. 

He is a passionate leader and 

strong advocate of British 

Food and Farming. 

Nicholas Saphir, Chair of AHDB 

commented: “We are thrilled to welcome 

Graham to AHDB with his passion for 

farming, his impressive leadership skills 

and vast industry knowledge. 

“We believe he is the ideal candidate to 

lead AHDB into the next exciting phase of 

our growth, putting levy payers at the heart 

of our work and maximising the impact 

of the work we do. Thank you to Arla for 

supporting a smooth transition.” 

Reflecting on his appointment, Graham 

Wilkinson said: “I am excited to join 

AHDB, an organisation that I have a deep 

appreciation for and huge respect for its 

fantastic team. 

“My passion is working with 

farmers, for farmers and 

with my experience, I see 

this as a great opportunity 

to drive greater impact and 

success for all levy payers 

to help create a world class 

food and farming industry.” 

Graham Wilkinson is set to leave Arla 

in the New Year, with the exact 

timing to be agreed between Arla 

and AHDB in the coming weeks. 

He replaces Tim Rycroft, who 

leaves AHDB in December 2023 

after nearly two and a half very 

successful years. 


“With the Vector, every 

animal gets the same feed 

because there is always 

fresh feed available.” 

Since installing a Lely Vector, days to slaughter have 

been cut by seven days at Montilly Farm, Tyrone, and 

daily running costs have been slashed. 

The Vector feeding system was installed 

in January 2020 to reduce labour 

requirements. 

Previously David Millar, who farms in 

partnership with his father Ian, spent 

three hours feeding animals with a trailed 

forage wagon. With two farm 

enterprises to balance, the Millars were 

considering employing someone. 

“We worked out we would have to keep 

150 cattle and make £100/head to 

employ one person part-time, but the 

beef wasn’t making any money at that 

time,” admits David. 

Increasingly tight margins made David 

consider how improvements could be 

made. He was drawn to the fact the 

Vector fed little and often and could be 

pre-programmed to deliver multiple 

rations to different pens. 

Rations 

At Montilly, stores are purchased from 

local markets aged 16-18 months and are 

taken through to finishing. Animals graze 

from April to November but all finishing 

cattle are housed for the final 60-90 days. 

Previously, three diets were fed – one per 

shed but now five rations are fed by the 

Vector across the farm’s three beef 

buildings. 

“It wasn’t conducive to feed four rations inside 

one shed using the diet feeder, but now I 

could feed 16 if I wanted to,” explains David. 

These five rations include a store ration 

comprising straw, silage and concentrate; a 

starter ration which includes a higher amount 

of concentrate; and three finishing rations 

which in addition to silage and concentrate 

utilise fodder beet and homegrown maize. 

The Vector has allowed David to target 

rations to different ages and breeds more 

effectively to reduce overall feed costs. 

“The Vector gives us the flexibility to feed 

different rations. For example, the Aberdeen 

Anguses get 1kg less meal than the 

continentals and the bullocks are given more.” 

Benefits 

“The Vector is currently costing £10/day to 

run and is feeding 370 cattle”, says David. He 

says this is one-third of the labour costs 

associated with feeding, based on it taking 

three hours and costing £10/hour. 

The Vector pushes up and feeds hourly which 

has reduced stress. “When the Vector went in, 

my sister said the yard was much quieter. 

Before, when the tractor started up, the cattle 

would ball because they knew it was feeding 

time. Now they are fed hourly, and they 

always have access to feed.” 

The Vector has eliminated bullying and 

improved the consistency of growth rates, 

too. Previously, David said the daily 

liveweight gain of cattle within the same 

pen would range from 0.5kg to 1.7kg/day 

because smaller animals would be bullied 

from the feed fence by larger animals. But 

now finishing animals average a consistent 

1.6kg/day. “With the Vector, every animal 

gets the same feed because there is always 

fresh feed available.” 

Improved feed intakes are resulting in 

better growth which means faster 

turnaround, with animals finishing seven 

days earlier, on average. With feed costing 

£2.50/head/day this equates to savings of 

£17.50/head/week (nearly £10,000 

annually across 550 beasts). 

Quicker turnaround of animals also means 

it has freed space for an additional 50 

animals to be finished annually which is 

further contributing to healthier margins. 

Farm facts: 

·Finishing 550 Aberdeen Angus and 

continental cattle annually, mostly heifers 

with some bullocks. 

·Aberdeen Anguses sold to Tesco and the 

continentals sold to Foyle. 

·Rear 50,000 layers from one day old to the 

point of lay for Moy Park. 

·Farming 390 acres; predominantly grass 

with 30 acres of forage maize grown. 

Bright farming is yours by choice! 

For more information contact your local Lely Center. 

www.lely.com/gb/your-lely-center

Industry News 

New dedicated service for 

livestock market prices to offer 

enhanced benefits to industry 

Access to livestock market sales data moving from 

AHDB to LAA hosted platform 

The Livestock Auctioneers’ 

Association (LAA) has announced 

a change to the current system of 

providing livestock market sales 

prices to industry, in a move that will provide 

enhanced benefits and access to the most 

up-to-date market and price trends. 

Launching from the 1 January 2024, the 

move from the Agriculture and Horticulture 

Development Board (AHDB) website to the 

new independent livestock market sales data 

platform, hosted by the LAA, will provide 

consumers with even greater access to 

information and regularly updated prices, 

helping industry to benchmark against the 

latest market trends. 

Access to all of the vital price information 

used by industry to make informed decisions 

of when to buy and sell, will move across to 

the new platform, while users can expect 

to benefit from even more frequent price 

updates and refined market insights. 

“We are grateful to AHDB for their 

assistance during the transition period, 

while we move to our new platform. Their 

continued invaluable and successful work 

of collating, processing and sharing market 

data on our behalf has been appreciated 

by ourselves and the industry” says Chris 

Dodds, LAA executive secretary. 

Will Jackson, divisional director for 

engagement and strategy (beef and lamb 

sector lead) at AHDB adds, “We are 

working with LAA on a transition to their 

new commercial system and expect it to 

provide the industry with efficient access to 

livestock market sales prices. 

“AHDB will continue to process and publish 

other industry data currently available 

on our website to levy payers, as well as 

insights into the agricultural sector through 

our regular publications, analysis prices and 

outlooks.” 

Providing instant price updates and market 

trends, users can stay informed of upcoming 

changes and market updates, enabling them 

to respond accordingly, while the platform 

can also help inform industry research and 

analysis. 

Mr Dodds continues, “The new platform 

enables us to bring even better and 

enhanced services to users, helping them 

to monitor performance against the most 

up-to-date market information and livestock 

market prices. 

“Not only will this help reduce risks and 

avoid pitfalls, but ultimately it can help 

boost returns and maximise profits, based 

on instant trade updates and market 

trends,” he adds. 

Access to livestock market price trends 

across the marts of England and Wales not 

only helps businesses in making informed 

decisions, but can also help identify 

new opportunities as users gain a better 

understanding of consumer and buyer 

behaviours. 

“We see this as the next stage of 

development of what has been a robust 

and highly valuable service, providing even 

greater access to information and trends 

that will determine future decision making,” 

says Mr Dodds. 

“We believe the enhancement of this vital 

tool will also further support livestock sector 

growth, through performance monitoring 

and market analysis.” 


Industry News 

AHDB Beef & Lamb’s new knowledge 

exchange programme aims to 

challenge farmer thinking for long 

term business success 

Farmers, industry stakeholders, and the wider agricultural community 

are invited to join AHDB Beef & Lamb in embracing its new “Roots to 

Resilience” programme and its goal to empower farmers and build a more 

resilient future for British agriculture. 

On 18 October, AHDB’s Beef & 

Lamb team unveiled its innovative 

systems-based Knowledge 

Exchange Programme, Roots to 

Resilience, challenging farmers to stop 

thinking in black and white and unlock their 

full potential. This systems-based approach 

recognises that agriculture is not just about 

individual people, crops or livestock but 

involves a multitude of factors, relationships, 

and feedback loops that influence each other 

and the entire system. 

Head of Engagement for beef and lamb, 

Samantha Charlton comments on the 

programme: “Our levy payers are at the heart 

of everything we do at AHDB and Roots to 

Resilience is about shining a light on the 

people within farming businesses. 

“It can be challenging 

for farmers to focus on 

the future and invest in 

themselves when their 

time and headspace is 

filled with daily tasks and 

problem solving. We want 

to challenge their thinking 

and help them reach their 

long-term goals by looking 

at the entire system instead 

of focussing on technical 

application alone. We 

understand that every 

farmer and every farm is 

different, and that one 

size fits all approaches 

are outdated and rarely 

successful.” 

The new programme kicks off this week with 

a three-day workshop in Sutton Coldfield, 

which sold out in October, less than 24 hours 

after it was announced. It will incorporate 

part of the renowned Ranch Management 

Consultants (RMC) ‘Ranching for Profit’ 

course which will be presented by RMC 

owner Dallas Mount. Dallas has worked with 

thousands of farmers & ranchers across the 

US, Canada, Mexico and Australia to position 

their businesses for economic profit and 

ecological health. 

A two-day workshop also ran for industry 

consultants ahead of the farmer-specific 

session earlier this week, focussing on 

developing their understanding of the new 

systems-based approach and discussing how 

they will work with the involved farmers and 

AHDB to motivate positive change. 

Key industry topics identified and discussed 

at these workshops will inform AHDB Beef 

& Lamb’s knowledge exchange programme 

activity throughout 2024 and this will be open 

to all levy payers. It will provide more targeted 

support for levy payers in areas that they’ve 

expressed will really make a difference to 

them and their businesses. 

Samantha said: “The programme is designed 

to give delegates the opportunity to step 

away from practical farming and focus on 

long-term planning. It is very much about 

focussing on people and what they want to 

achieve not just in their businesses, but in 

their lives, as we know how intrinsically linked 

the two are. 

“The workshop will play a pivotal role in not 

only providing those attending with bespoke 

action plans for their businesses, but in 

equipping us at AHDB with greater insight 

into the topics that our levy payers want and 

need more help with, so we can deliver the 

best value for money in terms of the support 

services we offer.” 

To read more about the Roots to Resilience 

programme: https://ahdb.org.uk/roots-toresilience/ 


Guest Vet | Molly Mead 

Guest Vet 

Molly Mead 

The role of Vet Techs 

Molly Mead lives on her family’s 

beef and sheep farm, and 

joined The Farm Vets in 

Buckinghamshire as a Vet 

Tech and Approved TB tester just over 

a year ago. She regularly carries out TB 

testing, faecal egg counts, disbudding 

calves, and administering medicines. In 

her role she regularly works with sheep, 

cattle and even alpacas and reindeer. She 

is currently undertaking the Livestock 

Veterinary Technician Apprenticeship 

Course at Harper Adams. 

In recent years, the farm vet team has 

evolved significantly. What was once 

dealt with by just vets has expanded 

to include a variety of specialist roles 

including laboratory technicians, TB 

testers and more recently vet techs. Molly 

is keen for more farmers to understand 

what the role entails and how vet techs 

can help you on your farm to support 

routine and specialist tasks. 

The vet tech role has been well 

established in countries such as New 

Zealand and Canada for a long time, 

however it is a more recent addition to 

farm veterinary practices in the UK. One 

of the benefits of employing vet techs 

is that it takes pressure off the vets so 

they can focus on their clinical work, 

also they offer a more affordable choice 

for farmers who need an extra pair of 

hands on farm. Techs are a cost-effective 

service for farmers to utilise to perform 

routine animal husbandry tasks to a high 

standard. 

The Farm Vets’ clients utilise the vet 

tech service as part of their proactive 

approach to farm health management. 

For example, monitoring weights and 

carrying out disbudding of calves, 

performing faecal egg counts and 

administering worming treatment, 

delivering and administering certain 

vaccinations, or even doing paperwork 

at TB tests. Molly enjoys meeting clients 

and helping them on farm as part of 

their team. Vet techs are mutually 

beneficial to the clients and the practice, 

communicating with vets or the office 

on behalf of a client and feeding back 

observations and data gathered to the 

vets. 

Molly is currently a student at Harper 

Adams, taking part in the new, specially 

developed Livestock Veterinary 

Technician Apprenticeship course. 

This is the first ever qualification for 

vet techs and the aim is for vet techs 

to be recognised as paraprofessionals. 

The course is largely distance-learning 

based, with some practical training 

weeks at the University in Shropshire. 

This allows students to complete the 

qualification whilst still working full time 

in a veterinary practice. Molly says “I 

have really developed my knowledge 

by doing this course, having a greater 

understanding of parasitology and 

proactive healthcare on farm. The 

highlight for me has been getting to meet 

other technicians from across the country 

and learning from each other.” 

Another milestone for the profession has 

been the formation of the British and 

Irish Vet Technicians Association, who 

hosted their first conference in February 

2023. This event saw a gathering of 

over 100 vet techs from across the 

country attending lectures varying 

on topics from alpaca handling to the 

importance of BVD surveillance, as well 

as discussions on how we can progress 

our roles in farm practice. It was a great 

opportunity to network with other farm 

paraprofessionals and connect with 

industry experts. 

To sum up, vet techs are essential for 

on farm health and welfare monitoring, 

and helping farmers keep on top of 

routine tasks and treatments when they 

are already so busy. They are key to 

maintaining good client relationships as 

well as taking some pressure off the vets. 

Get in contact with your local practice to 

see how their vet tech service can help 

you! 

Services Vet Techs can offer: 

• Calf disbudding 

• Herd vaccinations 

• Dry cow therapy 

• Parasite control (Worming/fly 

control) 

• Faecal egg counting 

• Data collection 

• Teat scoring 

• Digital dermatitis scoring 

• Calf weighing 

• Freeze branding 

• Transition checks 

• TB testing & paperwork 

• Mobility scoring 

• Body condition scoring 


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Industry News 

FOCUS ON DRY MATTER INTAKES 

THIS WINTER 

Maximising dry matter intakes 

and rumen efficiency are 

two of the key drivers of 

cost-effective beef production across 

rearing, growing and finishing cattle. 

Georgina Chapman from molasses 

blend specialists ED&F Man explains. 

To optimise growth rates and reduce 

days to slaughter it is vital to achieve 

target energy and protein supply, 

and to do this cost-effectively you 

need to ensure cattle at all stages are 

achieving high dry matter intakes. If 

cattle are eating more it is possible 

to make more use of home-grown 

forages and reduce purchased feeds, 

so making production more cost 

effective. 

Get silage analysed 

To optimise dry matter intakes it is 

important to balance the ration, to 

ensure good rumen health and the 

starting point is to have regular forage 

analyses over the winter. 

Grass silage can be particularly 

variable which can affect intakes. It is 

important to know the analysis so that 

the correct purchased feeds are used 

at the optimum rates. For example, 

low dry matter silage can be more 

acidic and less palatable. This can 

reduce intakes and also negatively 

impact rumen health. 

Poorly fermented silages can also be 

less palatable which will compromise 

intakes while high NDF content is 

another factor reducing how much 

cattle will eat. 

This year in particular it will be crucial 

to get grass silage analysed monthly 

so that you can account for variations 

and balance the diet. 

When balancing forages, starch 

from cereals and maize can be a key 

ingredient in finishing rations, helping 

increase energy density. However, 

too much starch can affect rumen 

health as it is rapidly digested by the 

rumen micro-organisms and increases 

the production of lactic acid. This 

increases the risk of acidosis and subacute 

ruminal acidosis (SARA).. 

Animals suffering from SARA show a 

decrease in feed intakes and efficiency 

as the rumen wall becomes damaged 

by the low rumen pH. This reduces the 

animal’s ability to absorb nutrients. 

Research has shown that by replacing 

a proportion of starch with sugar via a 

molasses based liquid feed will help to 

reduce the starch ‘overload’, improve 

palatability, intake and digestibility 

and encourage a healthier rumen, 

promoting better performance. 

Trial results found an average daily 

gain increase of 0.1kg/day in finishing 

cattle fed 1kg/head/day of a high 

sugar molasses blend in place of 0.7kg 

maize meal. In addition, the amount 

of time the rumen spent in acidotic 

conditions was reduced by over 80%. 

Better fibre digestion 

Sugars provide valuable fermentable 

carbohydrates in the form of sixcarbon 

sugars to fuel the rumen 

micro-organisms, which will encourage 

better fibre digestion without upsetting 

rumen health. When lignin and NDF 

levels are high, the energy in fibre is 

more difficult to extract and sugars 

have been found to help by providing 

the additional fuel needed by the 

rumen micro-organisms to access this 

energy. Farm trials have found that 

by adding a molasses based liquid 

feed to a ration, fibre digestion can be 

increased on average by 17%. 

Molasses can also help improve 

palatability which could be important 

this year, particularly with big bale 

silage. 

Heating, which is common with big 

bales can lead to reduced palatability, 

feed spoilage and suppressed intakes. 

Heating occurs when silage is exposed 

to the air which allows undesirable 

bacteria to grow causing spoilage and 

a reduction in the nutrient content of 

the silage. In addition, the spoilage 

creates strong odours which makes 

the forage less attractive leading to 

reduced intakes. 

Reduce spoilage 

In addition, baled silage is often higher 

in long fibre and dry matter which can 

cause intake issues and increase the 

risk of aerobic spoilage. To improve 

performance on big bale silage and 

reduce the risk of spoilage consider 

using FreshGuard. 

FreshGuard is a ration conditioner that 

suppresses the actions of undesirable 

bacteria and by so doing can improve 

palatability, intakes and performance. 

It can be added to any bulk ED&F Man 

molasses based liquid feed. 

Regular silage analysis to ensure you 

know the quality of forages combined 

with accurate supplementation to 

optimise intakes and rumen health will 

help ensure cattle at all stages can 

grow to their potential cost-effectively 

this winter. 


Molasses Blends 

The Essential Ingredient 

Increase feed efficiency 

to improve margins 

Molasses based liquid feeds increase palatability, digestibility 

and intakes making it the ideal complimentary feed 

Increasing fibre digestibility helps extract more nutritional 

value from forages 

Variable quality silages are prone to heating this winter, add 

Fresh-Guard to your liquid feed to prevent heating and 

spoilage 

Many of our products are available in load sizes from 1 to 

28mt 

ED&F Man offer a range of lick feeder and storage options 

Want to know more? 

Contact your local 

Commercial Manager: 

Richard Dobson 07764 344716 

Angela Sutherby 07957 642669 

Danielle Goatley 07710 075824 

Georgina Chapman 07485 192774 

Nutritionist | Technical Support Manager 

www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com 

@EDFMan_Molasses 

Feeding Britain’s Farms

Industry News 

The unique Hanskamp Walk-Through 

extended FeedStation for Dairy and 

Beef cattle 

The FeedStation Walk-Through extended from Hanskamp is unique 

in terms of welfare, sustainability and cow comfort: walk in and 

out going forwards, reduce stress and injuries, optimal cow flow, 

ergonomic and cow friendly design. 

Many feeding stations require 

cows to exit backwards. Cows 

outside the feed station regularly 

bump into them, damaging 

their udders and legs. A cow entering the 

herd backwards cannot defend itself and 

suffers stress as a result. Also, the claws are 

often unnecessarily stressed by the turning 

movement the cow makes to leave the 

feeding station. 

The FeedStation Walk-Through extended 

has an entrance and exit so the cow can 

follow its natural path and always move 

forward. On the entrance side there is a anti 

bulling gate (L’port) which will close after the 

first portion of feed is dropped in the trough. 

After finishing the last portion the cow can 

walk out forward and next cow can come in. 

The open character of the FeedStation 

Walk-Through extended ensures each 

cow keeps in contact with the herd. Thus 

teaching them how to use this FeedStation is 

no longer necessary as cows see from each 

other how it works. When a cow walks out of 

the FeedStation through the front, another 

cow can walk in from the back thus giving 

optimal cow traffic. On the Walk-Through 

extended FeedStation you can go up to 4 

different feed sorts and a liquid feed. The 

feeders can be linked with every feeding 

computer in the market or customers can 


choose for the Hanskamp Spider feeding 

computer. The Spider system can read 95% 

of the tags in the market also ear tags FDX 

and HDX. 

Do you want to gain a deeper understanding 

of the growth and health of your animals? 

The Hanskamp ScaleUnit offers an 

innovative solution by weighing animals 

while they are in the feed station. 

This advanced technology allows for 

collecting accurate weight data for individual 

animals, resulting in better-informed 

decisions and more efficient management 

on your dairy farm. 

This ScaleUnit, developed by Hanskamp, 

provides a valuable tool for dairy farmers. 

Weighing animals while they are at the feed 

station significantly enhances insight into 

their growth and overall health. This enables 

dairy farmers to quickly and accurately 

assess if adjustments are needed in the 

animals’ feeding regimen. 

The unique advantage of the ScaleUnit is 

its direct impact on the decision-making 

process of dairy farmers. Regularly collecting 

weight data helps detect any deviations or 

issues at an early stage. This allows the dairy 

farmer to make quick corrections and take 

preventive measures, ultimately leading to 

healthier and more productive animals. 

Using Hanskamp’s ScaleUnit not only 

means an improvement in the health and 

performance of your herd but also an 

optimization of your business results. 

With accurate weight data 

at your fingertips, you 

can make well-informed 

decisions based on concrete 

information. 

Invest in the future of your dairy farm with 

the Hanskamp ScaleUnit and increase the 

efficiency of your operations today. 

For more information please look at our 

website https://hanskamp.com/en/ or visit us 

at the Lamma, DairyTech or Beef Expo. 

Industry News 


NBA Regional Round-ups 

REGIONAL 

COUNCIL CONTACTS 

NORTHERN 

William Walton - Chairman 

Northumberland, NE47 

Email: fay.penpeugh@hotmail.com 

SOUTH WEST 

Robert Venner - Chairman 

Email: robert.venner@gth.net 

Phoebe Hart - Secretary 

Tel: 07309 666895 

Email: phoebe.hart@ 

molevalleyfarmers.com 

WALES 

Contact Head Office 

Tel: 01434 601005 

NORTHERN IRELAND 

Stephen Heenan - Chairman 

County Down, BT30 8RT 

Tel: 07889 159496 

Email: stephenheenan63@yahoo.co.uk 

SCOTLAND 

Paul Ross - Chairman 

Email: paul@lenahowe.co.uk 

Neil Wilson - Vice Chairman 

Email: neil@sabadvisory.co.uk 

Tel: 07734812704 

NOT ALREADY A 

MEMBER? JOIN THE 

NATIONAL BEEF 

ASSOCIATION TODAY 

SEE THE LAST PAGE FOR 

MORE INFORMATION AND 

A MEMBERSHIP FORM. 

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP 

ONLY £40 

NBA Regional 

Round-ups 

Scottish Beef Association 

There have been numerous meetings with 

Government officials with regards the 

conditionality of a calving index for the 

suckler cow before her calf will be eligible 

for Voluntary Coupled Support from 2025. 

Presently if the calf is 75% beef genetics 

and lives 30days it gets a payment. Going 

forward the Government want the calving 

index of a set figure to be met in order for 

the calf to qualify for the payment. 

This conditionality around coupled 

support for calves removes the ability of 

the farmer to alter his calving period for 

whatever reason, without serious financial 

implications. 

Whilst this conditionality may help drive 

efficiency by leading to unproductive cows 

being culled sooner, it could also reduce the 

national herd further. Any cows that have 

a calving index more than the selected 

period have the risk of being culled, leading 

to further contraction of the national herd. 

Recent QMS figures show a further decrease 

of 2.7% for last year and a drop of 140k or at 

least 25% in 20 years. 

This continual contraction of the beef herd 

will lead to other businesses loosing trade 

and some will no doubt have to cease 

trading. It also raises the question as to 

when another processor may be lost, leading 

to less competition in the beef market. 

We wait to see what government decides 

to implement and what figure they select 

as calving index to allow a payment to be 

made, and then to see the affect on the 

industry in a few years time. 

Paul Ross chairman and Neil Wilson recently 

met with the Cabinet Secretary and raised 

various issues including the above, along 

with lack of confidence amongst producers 

due to the vacuum of detail with regards 

future support. 

The lack of information added to the high 

costs and this years hike in interest rates are 

leading to an industry unwilling to invest for 

the future. 

The poor grant rates for slurry storage was 

also highlighted as an issue, with the rate 

paid per cubic metre of store built, being 

the same for many years. In this time costs 

have risen substantially, therefore in many 

cases this cost is unviable and will in time 

lead further reduction in cows. Government 

need to introduce a grant scheme 

attractive enough to encourage stores to be 

constructed that will meet the regulations 

they introduced. 

Since meeting with the Cabinet Secretary 

DEFRA has doubled the budget for slurry 

storage south of the border. 

Other concerns raised included the 

statement within the biodiversity strategy, 

which has the greens policies shining 

through, which suggests that following 

a more plant based diet will improve 

biodiversity. It was made clear the Cabinet 

Secretary that such a statement had no 

place in this strategy. 


WAGYU BREEDERS ASSOCIATION APPROVED 

NBA Regional Round-ups 

The whole farm plan is another area of concern as more hurdles 

are proposed for farmers just to access the basic tier one support. 

Various audits are indicated for access to support, which will 

have a financial and time cost to each business. Lack of agents 

to complete the task could lead to further stresses and unless 

communications from Government improve, some businesses will 

struggle to get the necessary paperwork in place. 

All of this is driving confidence to a lower level and needs to be 

acted upon before it’s too late, and the necessary critical mass is 

lost. 

A meeting of the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group in late 

October had a presentation on QMS’s 5 year strategy and their 

proposals to raise levy rates. 

The rate rise proposed for cattle of 39 pence per head is modest, 

but it is essential that this money is spent on marketing or 

promotion through education rather than on their other projects. 

The recent budget statement which sees £27million being 

removed from the Agricultural budget is unbelievable. This is 

on top of £33million sliced off last year, taking the total to £60 

million. 

This is even worse when government tell us they can’t help 

because they have no money and the fact that this budget is ring 

fenced adds to the anger. The explanation as to where it is, is at 

best vague, and although a return of the funds is promised no 

date is given. 

A further question now would be, is the ring fence around the 

coupled support budget more secure than the above ring fence? 

I would like now to wish all a prosperous 2024 and look forward to 

continuing to fight for the beef industry. 

The largest technical beef event in the UK 

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Saturday 27 th April 

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Graham Low | Guest Auctioneer 

Guest 

Auctioneer 

Graham Low 

Orkney Auction Mart 

2023 has provided the industry with 

some highs and lows. We have seen 

record prices for all classes of Cattle 

throughout the year, from Bull sales 

to breeding females, from grazing cattle 

to forward stores in the spring, as well as 

fostered calves hitting a new height in the 

autumn. The most noteworthy would be 

the demand and trade for finished cattle, 

whether it be under 30 months or over 30 

months. We have seen prime cattle fetch 

averages of over 300p/kg in most markets 

in the country most weeks this year, which 

is great to see, as well as abattoirs levelling 

out at 480+p/kg throughout the year. To the 

untrained eye, people would say “Beef is 

booming”, “wow, these farmers are making 

some money”, or my least favourite “that’ll 

pay for a shiny new tractor”. 

What people don’t see in the headlines every 

week are the low points in farming we have 

to withstand and endure just to be able to 

exist. Without getting into too much detail, 

we’ve had to put up with ever increasing 

fuel costs, fertiliser costs, and feed costs. 

This has led to a substantial increase in the 

cost of machinery and implements as well 

as maintenance expenses. Most farmers now 

can’t even afford to pay a fair wage to their 

workers leaving them fending for themselves 

and overrun with the workload. 

As I said, I won’t get into too much detail 

about the challenges we face as we know 

them all too well. The question we need 

to ask ourselves is, are we better of now 

with cattle at £5/kg and all these crippling 

expenses than what we were 50 years ago? 

I can’t answer that as I’m only 27 years old 

and only been involved in the industry for 

just 9 years. But as an auctioneer, I have 

seen record trade all throughout the year, 

and yet the pressures that farmers are facing 

makes my stomach turn. I can get folk the 

best trade they have ever seen, but in the 

same month they are paying some of the 

biggest invoices they have ever paid as well. 

It is a vicious circle, and I can see more 

farmers getting tired of the process. 

So why is beef in such high demand? Could 

it be that the British public love our product 

so much and don’t mind paying a premium 

price for our top-quality produce? 

Could it be that we are 

valued more as an industry, 

and people want to support 

us more? 

Could it be that people thinking more about 

climate change, and as a result, they’d 

rather buy grass fed, sustainable produce 

which has gone from farm to plate in under 

30 miles rather than import cheaper, 

poorer quality and climate damaging food 

from all corners of the planet? Perhaps 

it could be for any of these reasons, but 

the sad reality I think is very simple. Cow 

numbers are getting less! Cattle numbers 

are scarce, and we are still seeing more 

dispersal sales throughout the country. 

Whilst consumers are struggling to afford 

top cuts of prime beef, we see them turning 

to more manufacturing types of beef like 

mince, stews, pies etc. This has seen a 

surge in demand for OTM Cattle and with 

many farmers struggling to keep up with the 

workload, they have taken the opportunity 

to Cull out anything they have not been 

happy with in the breeding herd. Anything 

that has slipped out of their calving pattern, 

anything with bad feet or temperament, 

anything that hasn’t been producing enough 

milk or anything in general that farmers 

haven’t liked, has been sold as cull and 

fetched record prices this year. With farmers 

fetching upwards of £1500-1800 for top 

quality, young fleshy prime cows, they have 

been able to afford to retain a few heifers 

in the herd or been able to buy suitable 

breeding Cattle with a healthy budget. 

In Orkney we are also seeing Cow numbers 

reduce for one reason or another, and we are 

an island that takes pride in having one of 

the most densely populated areas of Cattle 

in Europe. I have been delighted to see 

the majority of breeding Cattle sold in our 

Market this last few years have all stayed 

in the island. But there is no question, 

the number of cows being culled either 

liveweight or deadweight has increased 

substantially. I think that we as an industry, 

are doing everything we can to encourage 

the next generation to get involved with 

farming. But with current state of affairs, 

it is nearly impossible for young folk to 

purchase a farm that comes on the market. 

Orkney Auction Mart has had a record year 

of trading. Record throughput as well as 

record averages which is encouraging to see, 

but I’d like to see the young farmers getting 

more support. Whether it be, support to buy 

a farm in the first place, or support to start 

a herd of breeding cows. I think we need 

to see more support given to these keen 

youngsters who can’t get started. 

I am delighted to see the live ring in Orkney 

as well as other parts of the country doing 

so well. There are less abattoirs and less 

markets in the country and they must all be 

supported to ensure competition remains 

healthy. Our Scottish produce is very unique, 

and its high quality is sought after all over 

the world. I think demand for our product 

will always remain high as long as we can 

keep producing it in plentiful numbers. I do 

feel very positive going forward. I think our 

industry and our product is so unique it will 

always be required. With the big push for a 

greener climate, people will soon have the 

wool uncovered from their eyes and realise 

that home-grown, grass-fed beef, is the most 

sustainable, healthy, green, and affordable 

product in the world. And by supporting our 

beef industry, fuels the local economy. 


Industry News 

Buying ‘High Health’ stock? 

Check, check and check again… 

Purchasing new breeding stock is 

considered essential on most (but not 

all!) beef herds. Improved genetics 

is often the intended business gain. 

It is an unfortunate fact however that this is 

the single biggest risk for introducing a new 

disease which can quickly undermine any 

potential genetic gain, sometimes before any 

new calves are even on the ground. 

Purchasing should always be planned, and 

the first principle is to be sure you are buying 

the very minimum number of animals, from 

the minimum number of herds, that your 

business absolutely needs. 

Purchasing ‘high health’ stock can be a 

useful option to allow genetic gains and 

reduce some of the associated disease risks, 

but buyers need to be aware of the caveats 

and limitations of what ‘high health’ really 

means. Run through this Check List next time 

you are thinking of making a ‘high health’ 

purchase: 

CHECK – Which diseases the buyer has 

stated the animal is low risk for. There is no 

such thing as ‘high health’ for all diseases, 

only for a small number of specific infections. 

Johne’s disease is one of the most common 

and remember that an animal can never be 

‘zero’ risk for Johne’s disease. ALL animals 

(regardless of health status) will still require a 

quarantine period to observe, test, vaccinate 

or treat for possible new diseases. Your 

vet can help you design a good quarantine 

programme. 

CHECK – The sellers true herd status at 

the time of sale using the open access 

online databases that health schemes run 

Tim Geraghty SRUC Veterinary Services is Centre 

Manager Aberdeen and Veterinary Investigation Officer 

(search for ‘PCHS Members Database’ 

online). Honest mistakes and genuine 

miscommunications between buyers and 

sellers are common so never agree to buy an 

animal until you have double checked the 

herd status for yourself. These databases 

give an independently verified status for all 

members and are updated daily. It is always 

worth asking how many animals the seller has 

bought in the last 3-5 years, bearing in mind 

that general disease risk will be much higher 

if they have bought lots of animals from lots 

of other herds. 

CHECK – The animals movement history to 

make sure that the animal was born on, and 

has never left, the herd that is now selling it. If 

it was bought in by the seller, or has been off 

farm for considerable time, then it will be of a 

different (most likely higher) risk status than 

the herd certification. 

CHECK – The individual animals test results 

if the seller is declaring these. Only results 

printed onto official CHeCS Sale Cards (see 

www.checs.co.uk) give a verified result, 

so information from any other source (e.g. 

printed in a sale catalogue) should be taken 

with a pinch of salt. Remember that being 

‘test negative’ does NOT mean being low risk, 

particularly for Johne’s disease. Discuss with 

your vet to be sure you understand what any 

result means for your herd. 

CHECK – The animals stated vaccine status 

but remember that these are very difficult 

to fully validate. Being vaccinated does NOT 

mean the animal is low risk for any disease 

so discuss the vaccine status with your vet 

as part of planning the animals quarantine 

period. If you are ‘Accredited Free’ of some 

disease (e.g. Lepto or IBR) you may not be 

able to purchase a vaccinated animal and 

retain your herd status. 

CHECK – How the animal will be transported 

to your farm. Animals are very susceptible to 

new infections when stressed at transport, 

and being mixed with others at this time 

can undermine even the best health status. 

Private, direct individual transport is always 

lowest risk. Remember the importance of a 

quarantine period on arrival. 

For a comprehensive overview of how to 

manage disease risks when purchasing 

new stock I recommend reading the Animal 

Health Ireland leaflet ‘Purchasing Stock: 

Reducing Disease Risks’ (freely available 

online). 


Parasite Watch | Sioned Timothy 

Parasite Watch 

Sioned Timothy 

Technical Services Manager, Boehringer 

Ingelheim Animal Health 

How to have a worm-free winter 

Removing production-limiting worms from cattle at housing can support healthy growth 

rates in youngstock, and improve milk production in heifers due to calve over winter. 

Follow these five tips for an effective worm-free winter: 

1. Identify at-risk youngstock to treat 

at housing. Treat calves and first and 

second-season youngstock that have 

been exposed to worms on the pasture. 

Ideally, treat them as soon as they are 

housed to provide the greatest benefit. 

2. Assess the risk of liver fluke infection. 

All ages of cattle are at risk if they 

grazed pasture where liver fluke is 

present, or cattle were bought-in during 

the season and not given quarantine 

treatments. Treat high risk cattle and 

those confirmed to be infected with 

fluke at housing to remove the bulk of 

any fluke infection, and test animals 

later in the winter to determine if a 

second dose is required. Your vet or 

SQP can advise on the interval required 

between treating and testing. 

3. Prioritise heifers due to calve over 

winter for a worm treatment at 

housing, this will support optimal milk 

production post-calving and protect 

their future fertility. 

4. Remember to treat external parasites. 

Although they’re not worms, mites and 

lice cause itching and irritation in the 

warmer environment of barns and can 

cause production loss and damaged 

hides. Ask your vet or SQP for a product 

that also treats these external parasites. 

5. Check your dosing equipment before 

use. Check and calibrate application 

guns are working properly and 

dispensing the correct dose, before 

you use them. Clean them after use, to 

ensure they perform as expected next 

time. 

IVOMEC ® Super is a broad-spectrum, dualactive 

parasite control for cattle, that treats 

and provides protection against reinfection 

from the most pathogenic gutworm species 

including Ostertagia ostertagi, Cooperia 

spp., and the cattle lungworm, plus adult 

liver fluke, sucking lice and mange mites. 


® 

Merry Christmas 

from all at KW! 

SANTA’S TOY MILL 

Wishing you a 

very happy and 

prosperous 2024! 

For all product information call 01977 686262 

or visit kwfeeds.co.uk

Industry News 

Beef sector plays an important 

role in antibiotic use reduction 

In November 2023, RUMA (Responsible Use of Medicine in Agriculture) 

Targets Task Force published its annual report examines each food-producing 

sector’s performance in terms of which health, welfare and medicine use. 

Information is gathered and shared on a 

voluntary basis and, for the first time, 

data from the ruminant sector on its 

antibiotic usage was included, marking 

an important step in providing evidence of 

the high standards on UK farms. 

“There has been a long-held view that the 

ruminant sector is a low user of antibiotics, 

but there was no evidence for this,” says 

vet Mandy Nevel from AHDB who helped 

develop Medicine Hub. “Now, as more and 

more producers share their antibiotic usage 

data with Medicine Hub, Welsh Lamb and 

Beef Producers and other, similar schemes, 

a national picture can start to emerge, and 

it’s helping to show that the UK beef sector 

is in a good place.” 

Medicine Hub, the online tool which has 

been developed and is hosted by AHDB to 

defend the reputation of the UK ruminant 

sector, collected, collated and shared data 

with RUMA for the report. The target was for 

a minimum of 2000 data sets for each of 

beef, dairy and sheep, and the great news 

is that these were exceeded with 7,500 

datasets gathered. Input from Welsh Lamb 

and Beef Producers, Kingshay, Map of Ag 

and others was also recognised; without 

collaboration, the targets would not have 

been reached. 

Medicine Hub used 2,968 beef enterprises 

to calculate a mean antibiotic usage of 4.8 

mg/kg while mean HP-CIA (highest priority 

critically important antimicrobials) use was 

only 0.01 mg/kg. 

Looking more broadly, the Veterinary 

Medicines Directorate’s (VMD) UK-Veterinary 

Antibiotic Resistance Sales Surveillance 

(2022) Report was also released and shows 

that UK antibiotic sales for food-producing 

animals have reduced by 59% since 2014, 

to 25.7 mg/kg. This represents the lowest 

sales to date. 

“People and animals do 

get sick at times even with 

the best health care and 

preventive plans in place, 

and antibiotics remain a key 

medicine in the treatment 

‘toolbox’ to help,” adds Dr 

Nevel. 

“When antibiotics are used, under 

instruction from a vet, the mantra of ‘as 

little as possible, as much as necessary’ 

should be remembered. By using antibiotics 

only when truly needed, UK agriculture will 


Industry News 

continue to play its role in tackling AMR 

(antimicrobial resistance) and protecting the 

efficacy of these important medicines long 

into the future.” 

What to do next? 

You or your vet can register your enterprise 

on Medicine Hub or get in touch with 

Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers or the 

Scotland Health Animals pilot programme 

and start the process of uploading details of 

antibiotics used in your beef animals. 

The data always belong to the farmer, 

nothing is shared without specific 

permission being granted. “For the beef 

sector, it is likely that the most common 

route to get data on the hub will be via a 

farmer’s vet and, for farmers in Wales and 

Scotland, this will also be the case the 

majority of the time,” concludes Mandy 

Nevel. “It is important to remember that 

no one else can see an individual farmer’s 

data unless permission is granted; where 

permission is granted, it would usually be to 

the vet to enable them to upload data and 

access the account.” 

There is more information at www. 

medicinehub.org.uk email: medicinehub@ 

ahdb.org.uk or call 02477 719 414. 

What is AMR and why is it important? 

Animals, like humans, can get ill, even with the best health and welfare standards 

in place. When disease occurs, antibiotics may be needed to deal with the infection 

and prevent it spreading to other animals. 

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria exist, which have implications for managing human 

health. The more antibiotics that are used, the more resistance we are likely 

to see. While use in humans is the biggest driver for resistance in humans, 

responsible use in animals is the right thing to do.. This is part of the reason 

behind changes that have been made to which antibiotics can be used in foodproducing 

animals and for increasing record-keeping and information around what 

has been used and when. 

Monitoring and measuring what antibiotics are used in food-producing animals is 

really important to give evidence of farmers’ responsible approach to antibiotic use. 

With EU neighbours and other global competitors either already collating these 

national data, or looking to do so soon, the UK mustn’t allow itself to fall behind. 

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Feature 

Meeting energy 

demands this winter 

This winter, forages are looking very variable but 

as a whole energy and protein is on average lower 

than last year. With cereals coming down in 

price it will be tempting to increase cereal intake 

to meet energy demands. However, Increasing cereal 

consumption can put the rumen at risk of acidosis 

which will reduce energy efficiency. The efficiency 

of energy utilisation is significant for helping ensure 

optimal performance and profitability, as well as 

reducing their environmental impact. The more efficient 

cattle are at converting energy from the feed consumed 

to energy for meat, the better the feed costs and 

environmental output will be. An energy deficient diet 

significantly reduces average daily gain (ADG) and the 

margin from that animal. 

Energy efficiency could be improved by selecting the 

right raw materials and balance of the diet. For example, 

using degradable sources of starch will tend to improve 

propionate in the rumen. Propionate is a glucose 

precursor and is the most efficient Volatile Fatty Acid 

(VFA) for energy utilisation. At the same time, going too 

far could put the rumen at risk of subacute acidosis, 

having a negative effect on energy efficiency and overall 

rumen stability. 

There are other natural alternatives 

like Essential Oils (EO) that can 

be used to secure energy without 

compromising rumen stability. EO 

are the aromatic volatile fraction 

of plant secondary metabolites 

generally recognised as safe for 

human and animal consumption. 

Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of 

blends of EO and their main active components to shift 

rumen microbial fermentation to participate to improve 

digestibility and energy efficiency. The quality and 

Jamie-leigh Douglas - Ruminant 

Technical Sales Manager at Techna 

Nutrition UK and Ireland Ltd. 

concentration of 

the essential oils is 

key to achieving the 

objective. 

One good example 

of increasing energy 

utilisation was 

the addition of 

ELENSIS, a natural 

essential oil product. 

ELENSIS improves 

energy efficiency 

throughout the 

digestive tract of 

ruminants. The 

essential oils have been specifically selected to have a 

synergistic action in the rumen and in the hindgut. It 

improves the rumen balance by shifting fermentation 

towards propionic acid which is the most efficient VFA 

for energy utilisation. The essential oils also have 

two specific coatings for targeted release within the 

rumen and hindgut. They have a slow release and fast 

release coating meaning that the product is effective 

over time in the rumen and also bypasses the rumen 

to be effective in the hindgut, improving total starch 

digestibility. Trials have shown that with the addition of 

ELENSIS there was an improvement of 6-10% in DLWG 

with a reduction of 5% in methane. 

There are a number of strategies that can be taken 

to improve energy efficiency. Essential oils can offer 

a cost effective solution whilst not being subject to 

price volatility and having an adaptable approach. 

When cereals are expensive and their are demands for 

environmental improvements, Elensis makes it possible 

to switch energy sources and use by-products that can 

only be used by ruminants. However, whatever the 

strategy taken, it is important to formulate the diet 

according to the animal’s need and secure the quality of 

energy. 

A lack of energy efficiency is a cost to the animal, 

farm and environment, and therefore, it is not very 

sustainable. The more energy efficient the animal is the 

better the animal will be performing; the cost of output 

is positively improved. 


For Feed Industry since 1964 

Elensis 

FEED PERFORMANCE 

ENERGY REINVENTED 

ENERGY MANAGEMENT 

IS A KEY SUCCESS FACTOR FOR RUMINANTS 

A better use of energy helps to ensure the technical and economic performance 

of the farm and also helps to limit the environmental impact 

ELENSIS IMPROVES 

MEAT PRODUCTION 

+4 to +6 % 

of DLWG 

ELENSIS REDUCES 

METHANE PRODUCTION 

-5 % of methane for less 

environmental impact 

ECM Energy Corrected Milk (Kg/hd/day) 

ECM Energy Corrected Milk (Kg/hd/day) 

36 36 

35 35 

34 34 

33 33 

32 32 

Control 

ECM Control Energy Corrected Milk (Kg/hd/day) 

ELENSIS 

ELENSIS 

34.4 34.4 

35.9 3635.9 

35 

34 

33 

32 

Source : Research TECHNA France 2020 


34.4 

Control 

35.9 

Average Daily Gain (Kg/day) 

Average ELENSIS Daily Gain (Kg/day) 

1.80 1.80 


2.00 2.00 

1.60 1.60 

1.20 1.20 

1.00 1.00 

1.66 1.66 

Control 

Average Control Daily Gain (Kg/day) 

1.80 1.77 1.77 

2.00 

1.60 

ELENSIS 

ELENSIS 

1.20 

1.00 

0.32 0.32 

0.32 

1.77 0.31 0.31 0.31 

0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 

1.66 

12.5 12.5 


Average Control Daily Gain (Kg/day) 

0.28 0.28 

0.26 0.26 

0.24 0.24 

0.22 0.22 

0.20 0.20 

ELENSIS 

Control 

Control 


ELENSIS 

ELENSIS 

0.28 

0.26 

0.24 

0.22 

0.20 

Source : Research TECHNA 2020 


Control 

Methane/ECM (g/l) 

Methane/ECM ELENSIS (g/l) 

12 12 

11.5 11.5 

11 


11 

10.5 10.5 

10 10 

12.5 

12.2 12.2 12.2 

12 

11.7 11.7 

11.5 

Control 

Control 

Methane/ECM (g/l) 

ELENSIS 

ELENSIS 

11 

10.5 

10 

Source : AgroParisTech 2020 


Control 

11.7 

ELENSIS 


WATCH VIDEO 

ELENSIS IS A BLEND OF NATURAL ACTIVE INGREDIENTS 

that allows high energy feeds to be formulated at an efficient cost: 

• Secured energy 

• Valorisation of competitive raw materials 

For further information, please call: 

JAMIE-LEIGH DOUGLAS on +44 7586 323955 

& MARTIN DALY on +353 87 753 7228 

TECHNA NUTRITION UK & IRELAND LTD 

207 REGENT STREET - LONDON - W1B 3HH - TEL. +353 49 4380355 

www.groupe-techna.com

Industry News 

Don’t miss the British Cattle 

Breeders Club conference 

The British Cattle Breeders Club conference is returning to Telford in 

January and will explore why the UK’s cattle industry is part of the climate 

change solution and how breeding can help farmers meet greening targets. 

The industry has pledged to become 

net zero by 2040, and some national 

governments are already proposing 

livestock reductions. 

However, there is another, more sustainable 

solution to meet targets, believes BCBC 

Chairman, Ben Harman, who chose this 

year’s theme ‘Green Genes – revolutionising 

cattle breeding for a sustainable future.’ 

He adds: 

“We can adapt our breeding 

and management practices 

by making the best use of 

science and technology to 

improve animal efficiencies 

and reduce emissions. This 

will also drive business 

profitability.” 

This year’s BCBC beef speakers include: 

• Professor John Gilliland of Queen’s 

University Belfast, farmer, and 

environmental adviser to AHDB, 

will talk about a pioneering carbon 

project called Accelerating Ruminant 

Carbon Zero (ARCZero) that he is 

leading. The project comprises seven 

farms in Northern Ireland, including 

his own. Each farm has undertaken 

detailed carbon audits, including the 

assessment of carbon stocks within 

soils, hedgerows, and trees. Alongside 

this, farm audits have been carried out 

using SAC’s AgreCalc tool to identify 

how future management practices can 

be changed to accelerate their move 

towards Net Zero. Since it started in 

April 2021, data has revealed that 

farmers are managing huge carbon 

stocks and John says Net Zero is 

achievable within target timeframes, 

with each farm having already made 

significant reductions in carbon 

emissions. 

• Aberdeenshire beef farmer Duncan 

Morrison will reveal how he is running a 

profitable 240-head suckler herd that 

is delivering environmental credentials. 

Duncan took on a 226-acre tenancy 

and started a herd of 50 suckler cows. 

Over the past eight years, he has more 

than quadrupled cow numbers to 230 

and is now farming 610 acres. Cows 

calve outdoors unassisted following 

just two cycles with the bull. Cows and 

heifers are kept in mobs of 100. In the 

spring and summer, they rotationally 

graze herbal leys and are outwintered 

on deferred grass or kale. This keeps 

labour requirements to 160 cows/ 

labour unit and reduces housing costs. 


Industry News 

• The team at Brongain Farm, 

Llanfechain, British Farming Awards 

Beef Farmers of the Year 2023, 

finish dairy cross beef calves. They 

will discuss how they are on track to 

produce carbon neutral beef by 2030 

by harnessing better genetics, investing 

in research and development and mob 

grazing animals. 

• Jason Rowntree, professor of Animal 

Science and director of regenerative 

agriculture at Michigan State University 

(MSU), will talk about the importance 

of metrics when assessing the 

ecological improvement in grazing 

systems. At MSU, they are using 

regenerative principles to improve soil 

health while employing 18–20-month 

finishing. 

• Other speakers confirmed include: 

Ffinlo Costain, podcaster and founder 

of the Food and Global Security 

Network, who will talk about why 

breeding programmes are central to 

regenerative transformation, and Alice 

Swift, CEO of the British Limousin 

Cattle Society, will reveal how reducing 

days to slaughter can improve farmers’ 

green credentials and which breeding 

traits can help in this quest. 

Jason Rowntree 

Mr Harman adds: “I am hugely excited about 

the BCBC 2024 conference. 

“We have assembled a 

congregation of speakers 

with the knowledge, 

passion and brilliance to 

make a generational change 

to the sustainability of 

cattle breeding in the UK.” 

Beef day takes place on 23 January at Telford 

Hotel and Golf Resort in Shropshire and 

attendees are invited to attend a champagne 

reception, entertainment, and black-tie 

dinner the same evening. 

To view the full conference programme and 

register your attendance, please visit www. 

cattlebreeders.org.uk 

Green Genes - Revolutionsing 

cattle breeding for a sustainable 

future 

22-24 January 2024 

at the Telford Hotel & Golf resort, Shropshire. 

Duncan Morrison 


Industry News 

GENOMICS PROVIDE 

FOUNDATION FOR QUALITY BEEF 

In 2017, Josef and Hilde Kranz took the decision to sell their 110 head dairy 

herd and move into suckler beef production. Genomic information is helping 

them deliver a high-quality product through three marketing channels. 

Josef and Hilde farm near Heinsburg 

in the North-Rhine Westphalia region 

of Germany where they now run 50 

Red Angus suckler cows, with the plan 

to supply the gourmet sector of the market 

focussing on eating quality. 

All progeny are reared and finished on the 

farm, the males predominantly as bulls, 

but they are currently experimenting with 

fattening some steers. 

Calves are weaned at 9-10 months old and 

bulls are slaughtered at 17-20 months, 

heifers at 24 months and steers will go at 26 

months. Bulls average 400kg deadweight 

with heifers at 320kg. Bulls gain 1.4-1.8kg/ 

day while steers and heifers gain 1.0-1.2kg/ 

day. 

The herd graze in the summer for around 

200 days supplemented with grass silage as 

required. The winter diet is based on grass 

silage. Fattening animals are fed CCM – a 

corn cob mix. 

Josef and Hilde have developed three 

distinct marketing channels for their cattle. A 

proportion of the meat is direct marketed in 

mixed 10kg packs with the rest sold through 

a local butcher. They also sell a number of 

breeding animals each year. 

All slaughtered animals are butchered 

according to American cuts as they believe 

this increases the proportion of high value 

cuts as they target the barbecue market. The 

Tomahawk steaks are particularly popular, 

Josef Kranz 

while the excellent fat distribution in the 

Angus helps deliver high quality burgers. 

Full use is made of social media and their own 

website to post information about the herd to 

new and existing customers. 

This year Josef began using genomic testing 

to develop the herd, a technology he was 

using when in dairying. 

Miguel Becerra, Sales Executive with 

Neogen, the company who has launched the 

UKs first beef cattle genomic testing service 

explains that in simple terms, genomics 

enables you to understand the DNA of an 

animal, and this allows you to really assess 

how good they will be. 

“Neogen Igenity® Beef means that any beef 

producer can get a better understanding 

of their cattle, making better informed 

decisions about which to keep and how 

best to manage them. It is used by 

breeders to make selection decisions for 

breeding, management and meeting market 

requirements. 

“All UK samples are analysed at our 

laboratory in Scotland, ensuring rapid 

turnaround and full traceability throughout 

the process.” 

Josef opted for a total Igenity® Beef package 

of 17 commercially important traits including 

meat quality, daily weight gain, birth weight 

and calving ease and the results have guided 

his breeding decisions. 

Artificial insemination is used on heifers using 

bulls from all over the world, while cows are 

served to the farm’s own bulls. He admits 

the two best bulls for genetic make-up were 

not bulls he was expecting, and he made the 

decision not to breed two cows because of 

mediocre genetics. He believes the genomic 

testing has helped focus his breeding 

decisions to maintain meat quality and is also 

helping increase the value of breeding stock 

sales. 

He markets station-tested breeding bulls and 

one of the bulls sent to the Everswinkel beef 

cattle testing station tested as the best Angus 

bull of the year. 

Having a better understanding of the genetics 

of all the animals on the farm is helping Josef 

and Hilde maintain a premium market from 

their suckler herd by improving breeding 

decisions. 


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© Neogen Corporation, 2023. Neogen and Igenity are registered trademarks of Neogen Corporation, Lansing, MI 48912 U.S.

Breed Society Focus | Highland 

Highland Cattle Society 

What is the most profitable type 

of cattle management? 

The most profitable type of cattle management depends 

on several factors such as location, resources, markets, 

and personal preferences of the farmer. However, there are 

several approaches to cattle management that are generally 

considered to be more profitable than others: 

1. Grass-fed beef production: Grass-fed beef is becoming 

increasingly popular among consumers who are 

looking for healthier and more sustainable meat 

options. Cattle that are raised on pasture can be more 

profitable than those raised on concentrates, as they 

have lower input costs and can command a premium 

price in the marketplace. 

2. Rotational grazing: Rotational grazing involves moving 

cattle through a series of paddocks or pastures, 

allowing each area to rest and recover before being 

grazed again. This approach can increase forage 

production and improve soil health, which can 

ultimately lead to higher profitability. 

3. Genetic selection: Selecting high-quality genetics can 

improve the productivity and profitability of a cattle 

herd. This can include choosing animals with desirable 

traits such as high growth rates, good feed conversion, 

and disease resistance. 

4. Value-added production: Value-added production 

involves processing cattle into products such as 

bresaola, sausage, or specialty cuts of meat. This 

approach can increase profitability by allowing farmers 

to capture a larger share of the value of their product. 

Ultimately, the most profitable type of cattle management 

will depend on the individual circumstances of the farmer, 

including factors such as available resources, markets, 

and personal preferences. In some areas the availability of 

income sources such as from conservation grazing could 

also be an input into the decision making. It is important 

for farmers to carefully evaluate their options and consider 

all factors before making a decision. 


Highland | Breed Society Focus 

How suited are Highland Cattle 

to a grass-fed system and genetic 

selection? 

Highland cattle are well-suited to a grass-fed system 

as they are adapted to grazing on rough terrain and 

can thrive on a diet of grass and other forage. Their 

long, shaggy coats help them to withstand cold and 

wet weather, which can be beneficial in regions 

where grazing is possible for a long season. In 

addition, they are generally hardy, low-maintenance, 

and do not require a lot of inputs such as grain or 

supplements to produce high-quality beef. Being 

able to live outside all year means a large reduction 

in bedding costs. 

Highland cattle are also well-suited to genetic 

selection as they are a purebred breed with a 

distinct set of desirable traits. For example, they 

are known for their excellent meat quality, with a 

fine-grained texture, high marbling, and rich flavour. 

They are also efficient at converting grass to meat, 

which can be an important consideration in a grassfed 

system. You can also utilise any rough grazing 

as Highlands will convert all types of rough forage, 

such as moorland and woodland pasture. Use of 

costly fertiliser can be minimised or eradicated 

completely. 

Additionally, Highland cattle are known for their 

maternal qualities, producing calves with a high 

survival rate and good growth potential on a grass 

fed system. 

One thing that is often overlooked is cow production 

replacement costs. A Highland cow will, in the 

majority of cases, keep calving until their late teens, 

meaning they have around 10-15 healthy calves (or 

more) during their lifetime. Meaning less frequent 

need to replace the cows in the herd and therefore 

lower replacement costs. 

They are also the ideal animal for conservation 

grazing and pasture improvement commanding 

additional income depending on the types of 

payments available in each country or availability of 

land needing this sort of treatment. 

It is important to note that genetic selection for 

certain traits can take time and careful planning. 

It is important to select animals based on a range 

of traits that are important for your operation and 

the market you are serving. Additionally, it may 

be necessary to bring in new genetics periodically 

to maintain genetic diversity and improve traits 

such as growth rate and meat quality. Care must 

be taken at all times to maintain the good traits. 

The Highland Cattle Society are slowly introducing 

genetic measurements. Results so far show higher 

stay ability and milkiness than the average herd of 

suckler cows. 

Overall, Highland cattle can be well-suited to a 

grass-fed system and genetic selection, and can 

produce high-quality beef, demanding a premium 

price, in an efficient and sustainable manner. 

For further information please visit the Highland 

Cattle Society website www.highlandcattlesociety. 

com or telephone the Breed Secretary Anne-Marie 

Carruthers on 01786 446866. 

WINTER 2023 | The National Beef Association Magazine 

33

Breed Society News 

Breed Society 

NEWS 

Longhorn Cattle Society 

Breed Societies, do 

you have any news 

you would like us 

to publish? 

Email your copy and any images to 


The Society’s AGM and weekend of herd visits headed to 

Yorkshire this year. On Saturday a bumper turnout of around 

80 members and friends headed to Easingwold to see the 

Longbridge herd of Longhorns owned by Jane Grant and 

Trish McDonnell. On Sunday we went to Drighlington and 

the Southfield, Fieldhead, South Lane and Moorside herds of 

Longhorns belonging to David and Angela Blockley and their 

grandchildren Harry, Clark and Zara. A ‘guess the weight of the 

cow’ competition on Saturday, combined with donations for lunch 

on Sunday raised over £600 for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice 

who cared for Angela before her passing last year. 

On Saturday we had the formal AGM business and then the 

presentation of the awards, and we were joined by Neil Shand, 

CEO of the NBA at both the AGM and the evening meal where 

he gave an interesting talk about the UK beef industry and the 

opportunities and threats it currently faces. 

Longhorn AGM 2023, the Longbridge herd. 

Vicki Hopkinson receives the Ambassadors 

Award from Bernard Llewellyn MBE. 

At the AGM the Ambassador’s Award was presented to Vicki 

Hopkinson of the Briar Mead herd for her enthusiasm for shows and 

her friendly encouragement towards new members who are giving 

showing a go for the first time. 

James Langlands from Dorset received the Frank Sutton Young 

Handlers Award. James has been helping Dave Phillips of the 

Etheridge herd show his cattle this year and did his first young 

handlers class at the Royal Three Counties Show where he overcame 

his fears and stepped into the ring, being placed towards the end of 

the line. From that start he has grown in confidence and ability, so 

much so that he finished the season at Newbury Show by winning 

his class and taking overall reserve champion. 

At the Trustee meeting in November Clive Roads was elected Society 

Chairman. Clive is well known in the industry as an exceptional 

auctioneer of pedigree livestock at McCartneys LLP and has been 

the Society’s official auctioneer for many years. 

AGM 2023 Saturday hosts Alisha Lack, Graham 

Walker, Trish McDonnell, Jane Grant. 

AGM 2023 Sunday host 

David Blockley. 

James Langlands is junior 

handler of the year 2023. 

Clive Roads, Longhorn 

Cattle Society Chairman. 


BREEDING SALERS IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS 

KAIMBURN | JEDFOREST | BACARDI | CLEUCHHEAD | CUMBRIAN 

On Saturday 26 August 2023, five herds in the Scottish 

Borders hosted a highly successful ‘taster tour’ of pedigree and 

commercial Salers. It showcased the docility of the breed and 

the incredible versatility in a variety of different management 

systems on extremely different terrain. 

Kaimburn owned by Mr and Mrs J A de Gier trade as Edgerston 

Trading (2006) Ltd at Edgerston Home Farm, Jedburgh, the 

farm extends over 1,000 acres, with 600 acres of grazing and 

400 acres of woodland. Formed in 2014 the herd now consists 

of 100 cows, with 60 put to the Charolais whilst the remaining 

40 go to the Salers’ to breed replacements. 

Jedforest Salers, also located at Edgerston Home Farm, is 

owned by Greg and Lewis Ralston, and was founded in 2017 

with the intention to start their own herd and show their own 

animals. Lewis won the Overall Championship at the Premier 

Show and Sale in Castle Douglas this year and shared the top 

highest female price of 5,000gns for Jedforest Roxy. 

The commercial arm of Bacardi is situated at Mervinslaw, 

Jedburgh and showcased 120 Salers cows which reared 

Charolais calves with high weaning weights, that were sold as 

stores at 10 months of age. 

Bacardi pedigree Salers founded in 2011 were located at 

Gattonside Mains, Melrose. The Salers breed was selected 

because they required minimal intervention as the co-owners 

had additional full-time employment. Most of the Bacardi 

bulls were sold privately, however they were keen to support the 

Premier sale at Castle Douglas and promote the breed at local 

and national shows. 

Cleuchhead based at Lilliesleaf, Melrose was started in the late 

1980’s by the Livesey family. The first cattle were imported 

to be crossed with the Galloway, but the herd transitioned 

towards pedigree Salers in 2008. The system focused on 

selling pedigree females at a range of ages. Ten bulls were sold 

annually, and the remaining males were sold as steers or bull 

beef. Males were the by-product of the Livesey’s system, but 

they insisted that they must hit carcass specifications. 

Cumbrian Salers owned by Tom and Ian Walling at Over Whitlaw 

Farm, Selkirk ran 80 pedigree Salers cows and followers on 500 

acres, and 200 acres rented grazing. The farm lies between 

700’ and 1000’ above sea level, calving took place outside in 

May/June and over the past two years there had not been one 

calving that needed assistance. Bulls not destined for pedigree 

were fattened to 14/16 months and sold at 400 kg deadweight. 




LATEST BCMS FIGURES REFLECT CONTINUED WAGYU GROWTH 

Figures released by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) 

for the first nine months of 2023 reveal a marked increase 

in births of British Wagyu-sired calves. Known for its highly 

marbled premium beef, the period January to September saw 

23,808 Wagyu births in England, Wales & Scotland compared 

to 17,083 in the whole of the previous year. Of these, 22071 

were crossbred (sired by a Wagyu bull), and 1737 purebred or 

Fullblood. From a standing start, Wagyu now represents 1.5% 

of the 1.62 million beef-sired calves born in Great Britain Jan-Sept 

2023 – up from 1% in 2022. A number of factors are influencing 

the success of Wagyu, including: its reputation as the world’s 

luxury beef; consumers eating ‘less but best’; farmers wanting 

shorter gestation, lower birthweight and calving ease; continued 

growth in beef from the dairy herd; and the supply chain looking to 

differentiate by price and quality. 

You will find a breakdown by country below: 

England Scotland Wales Total 

Wagyu crossbred 14,355 3,564 4,152 22,071 

Wagyu purebred 968 400 369 1,737 

Total 23,808 

Source BCMS Figs Jan-Sept 2023 

Look out for full 2023 BCMS figures once data is released early next year as more and more beef and dairy farmers turn to Wagyu on 

the back of demand from consumers and retailers. www.britishwagyu.co.uk 

WYNDFORD WAGYU WINS 

3* GREAT TASTE AWARD 

Wyndford Wagyu has been 

awarded a prestigious 

3* Great Taste Award for 

their Fullblood Denver 

Steak. Says Wyndford’s 

Commercial Director, 

Jess Edwards: “Our 

commitment to excellence 

and exceptional flavour 

has been recognised, 

and we couldn’t be more 

proud. This award is 

testament to the hard work 

of our dedicated team and 

the exceptional quality of 

our premium Wagyu beef. 

From our ethical farming 

practices to our passion for 

sustainability, every step 

is taken with the utmost 

care and that’s reflected 

in our Wagyu!” You can 

experience the taste that 

earned them a Great Taste 

Award, and order your 

award-winning Wyndford 

Wagyu today! 

www.wyndfordwagyu.com 

WARRENDALE WAGYU 

GOLD AT WORLD STEAK 

CHALLENGE 

On Monday 13 November 2023, over 150 people from 

across the globe gathered at Smith & Wollensky, London 

for the 2023 World Steak Challenge awards ceremony. 

Warrendale Wagyu picked up a Gold Medal for their British 

Wagyu Sirloin Steak. You will find their sirloin and other 

cuts on their website - why not be the 

judge yourself? 

www.warrendale-wagyu.co.uk 

www.worldsteakchallenge.com 

L-R Nick Rose (Aldi), Richard 

Canvin (Dovecote Park), Tom 

Richardson (Warrendale Wagyu) 

Breed Societies, do you have any news you would like us to publish? 

Email your copy and any images to julie@nationalbeefassociation.com 

36 The National Beef Association Magazine | AUTUMN 2023

Key Appointment for the British Charolais Cattle Society 

Siân Sharp has been appointed Breed 

Liaison Officer, for the British Charolais 

Cattle Society (BCCS). In this position 

Siân will become the face of the BCCS, 

and will initiate a strategy to take the 

Charolais breed forward and into the 

future. 

Siân brings, extensive experience of 

working within the pedigree livestock 

field and she joins the BCCS from the 

Salers Cattle Society of the UK where 

she served as Breed Secretary and 

prior to that Breed Secretary for the 

Highland Cattle Society. She has cattle 

in her DNA, an in-depth knowledge 

and hands on, practical experience of 

the agricultural industry. Until 2017 

she bred pedigree Aberdeen Angus 

cattle alongside her father David Lucas 

at Cheeklaw Farm, in the Scottish 

Borders, and she was a council member 

of the Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society 

(AACS) council, participating in various 

committees. 

BCCS Chairman, Andrew Sellick says: 

“We have worked hard over recent 

years to improve the breed and its 

Red Ruby Devons 

performance, and we’re delighted Siân has 

joined us use her expertise and innovative 

ideas to take the British Charolais to the 

next level.” 

Sian’s mission is to give a clear identity 

for the breed, and develop relationships 

with members, breeders and commercial 

producers, along with proactively promoting 

the Charolais’s reputation as the number 

one terminal sire both commercially and 

environmentally. 

“I want to ensure 

the BCCS is 

fit to meet the 

challenges of 

current and future 

suckler market. As 

someone once told 

me, three weeks 

in the life of a 

Charolais calf is a 

very long time, and 

Charolais breeders 

have raised the 

performance and 

profile of the breed 

enormously in 

We have had a busy last quarter with the Dorset Show and the culmination of the Herd Competition & Open Day. 


Appointment of highly respected industry figure in newly created position 

for the next stage of the Charolais breed development 

terms of conversion, efficiency, and days to 

slaughter.” 

“My role is to elevate this message, and 

raise awareness of the advantages the 

Charolais brings in the crucial areas of 

costs and carbon. In tomorrow’s livestock 

world, these will be vital benefits the 

British Charolais terminal sire can offer, 

for improving commercial performance and 

reducing environmental impact.” 

The Dorset Show saw another great day for the Devons with the only beef breed having its own separate classes. We had another large 

and impressive class of yearling heifers. Encouraging numbers brought forward to judge John Barker and probationary judge Tom 

Hooper (shadowing), the Champion results were as follows. 

Female Champion 

Treballywyn Plum 12 th – Mr T Wilton 

Male Champion 

Kingsbury Yetti - M & L Parsons 

Breed Champion 

Treballywyn Plum 12 th – Mr T Wilton 

Junior Champion 


Interbreed Breed Champion 

Treballywyn Plum 12 th owned by Trevor Wilton 

Reserve 

Hillside Daphne – Mrs D Telling 

Reserve 


Reserve 


Reserve 

Hillside Daphne – Mrs D Telling 

Breed Champion. 

Herd Competition judges Andy Lane and Geoff Thomas visited 23 Devon herds in just 3 weeks. Andy commented “One thing that 

struck us most, as it has judges of past competitions, is the flexibility of our amazing breed to adapt and thrive in any situation”.The 

winner of this year’s competition was Jim Dufosee and the Blackhill Herd in Wiltshire. An outstanding day was had by all in October 

with glorious weather, 60+ guests viewed quality Devon cattle. The Blackhill herd is the largest herd in the society. It was a very 

impressive sight and combined with the amazing management strategies, left no doubt why they were chosen by the judges Andy 

Lane and Geoff Jones as the 2023 winners. 

The society is now in the planning stages of our DCBS Spring Show & Sale at Sedgemoor set for 26 th March 2024, a date not to be 

missed if you are looking to purchase quality pedigree Devon cattle. 



Podehole do the double at Beef Shorthorn Herd Awards 

It was two in a row for Charles and Sally Horrell’s Podehole herd 

as they were announced winners of the Beef Shorthorn Society’s 

National Herd Competition 2023. 

Up against five other herds from across the UK who all 

respectively won their regional herds competitions in autumn 

2022, judge for this year was former Shorthorn breeder, David 

Dickie from Dumfriesshire. 

The presentation of the award was made at the October Striling 

Bull Sales where Mr Dickie announced his winner alongside 

Aimie Park who was presenting the award on behalf of the 

sponsor’s, Pedigree Sales Online Livestock Auctions. 

Mr Dickie said: “I was looking for a herd with strong breed 

characteristics, in particular cows that were milking well with 

good udders but still fleshy and making a good job of their calves. 

“I found the Podehole herd to be the most uniformed and credit 

must go to the Horrell family and stockman Roy for presenting a 

great herd of cattle for myself and Rosemary to judge.” 

“Building a herd of top-quality animals is a skill that can take 

years of patience and careful management and the other finalists, 

Chapelton, Glebe Farm, Jodame, Meonhill and Holkin each set 

a great example for the breed. The standard within the breed 

is growing year on year and that hasn’t gone unnoticed when it 

New era for Beef Shorthorn brand 

comes to people investing, with numbers increasing each year at 

society sales and national and regional shows.” 

Established in 2022 during the society’s bicentenary celebrations 

the award scheme will be run over an initial three-year period. 

The Beef Shorthorn breed is positioning itself for a confident 

and modern impact on the beef industry going forward as they 

launch a new evolution of the Beef Shorthorn Society brand, 

with a refreshed and modernised message of the breed’s future 

potential. 

Tim Riley, President of the Beef Shorthorn Society said, “As a 

Board and Society we are thrilled to launch a new chapter of the 

Beef Shorthorn Society brand. 

“As the oldest pedigree-registered cattle 

breed in the world as well as one of the 

fastest-growing native breeds in the 

UK, we are immensely proud of our past 

but also excited for the future direction 

of the breed and the Society. It was 

therefore the right time to build on and 

revitalise our original branding.” 

He continued: “Our new look more clearly distinguishes the 

“Shorthorn identity” in the image of the bull and embodies the 

friendly nature of our Society. Earlier brand elements such as our 

‘tick’ have also evolved. The motif of the ‘tick’ sets us apart visually 

from other Society’s and denotes the ‘approval’ that the breed 

receives from the likes of Morrisons through our Beef Shorthorn 

Scheme.” 

Ed Harvey, Head of Marketing and Communications said, “I’m 

extremely proud of the work produced by the team at Findlay Design 

who were commissioned to advise us on evolving our brand in a way 

that was considerate of our heritage but would also convey the value 

proposition of the breed both as a modern beef breed choice whilst 

reflecting the ‘friendliness’ of the Society to prospective and longstanding 

members. 

“The modernisation of the brand, from the softening of the font 

through to a more representative ‘roan’ colour and markings as well 

as the improved characteristics and stance of the Beef Shorthorn 

animal within the design, conveys a wonderful confidence for the 

future of improved awareness and interest in the breed.” 

The rebrand will shortly be rolled-out across a new and improved 

website for the Beef Shorthorn Society, with updated merchandise, 

digital and print advertising filtering in throughout 2024. 

Membership along with the number of Beef Shorthorn cattle has 

grown in the last 10 years, with over 4,000 females and nearly 

1,100 bulls being registered every year and commercial birth 

registrations to Beef Shorthorn sires on a steady increase. Mr 

Riley says the continued success of the breed is at the forefront 

of the Board’s thoughts and ambitions with the aim to “continue 

this momentum with the next generation of beef farmers.” 



NATIONAL BEEF EVALUATION DATA SHOWS BRITISH SIMMENTAL 

ADVANTAGES IN AGE AT SLAUGHTER; REDUCED FINISHING 

COSTS; & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT! 

In an endorsement of British Simmental’s commercial abilities, 

data from AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations has confirmed that 

on average, calves by a Simmental sire finish 36 days earlier 

than those by continental sires and 46 days earlier than calves by 

native sires; Simmental sired calves can cost £72 less to finish; 

and that fast finishing equates to 5.4kg less CO2 equivalents. 

The data also highlights the advantages of Simmental females 

with continental sired calves out of Simmental dams finishing 29 

days earlier than the average of all suckler dams! 

AHDB’s National Beef Evaluations produce EBVs for five carcase 

and three maternal traits for all breeds and crossbred cattle 

across the UK. Rather than using performance recorded data, 

data is collated nationally from BCMS, as well as many of the 

UK’s largest processors and abattoirs. This database includes 

records from over 3 million animals slaughtered in the last 

10 years, which allows AHDB to estimate the genetic merit of 

beef cattle, including over 500,000 sires, for days to slaughter, 

carcase weight and EUROP scores. 

Days to slaughter has a huge effect on the efficiency of a farm. 

Animals which take longer to finish cost more in terms of feed, 

so reduce overall profit. These animals also produce more 

greenhouse gases and so reducing days to slaughter reduces the 

carbon footprint of your beef. In the National Beef Evaluations, 

Simmentals rank highly for this trait in Continental Breeds 

(August 2023) and have, on average, the best genetic merit 

for reducing days to slaughter. The actual performance data of 

Simmental bred offspring can also be looked at to see how this 

translates to actual performance. 

Across all types of dams (blue bars), offspring of registered 

Simmental sires have the lowest average days to slaughter. 

FOR EVERYONE WITH AN INTEREST 

IN THE BEEF INDUSTRY 

Advertise from £275+VAT 

Contact Julie Holmes 

07393 463225 


OFFICIAL 

MAGAZINE 

FROM THE NATIONAL 

BEEF ASSOCIATION 


Beef Breed Directory 

The 

British Limousin 

Cattle Society 

www.limousin.co.uk 

02476 696500 

www.luingcattlesociety.co.uk 

Dairy Cottage, Tower Road, 

Ayton, Berwickshire TD14 5QX 

Tel: 01890 781358 Mob: 07592 139708 

Email: secretary@luingcattlesociety.co.uk 

BREEDING SALES 

February, May & October 

Limousin - the breed with the premium built in 

Fieldsman: Charles Symons 

T: 01573 440207 Mob: 07971 231885 

E: cjmsymons1@gmail.com 

PART OF FARMING’S FUTURE 

www.redrubydevon.co.uk 

WAGYU BREEDERS 

ASSOCIATION 

A LEAGUE OF 

ITS OWN 

EASY CALVING - DOCILE 

info@britishwagyu.co.uk 

www.britishwagyu.co.uk 

Unit 1, The Stable Yard, Woodhayes Farm, Honiton, Devon, EX14 4TP 

t: 01404 47863 e: dcbs@redrubydevon.co.uk 

Avenue M, 

Stoneleigh Park, 

Kenilworth, 

Warwickshire. CV8 2RG 

Tel: 02476 697222 

Email: 

charolais@charolais.co.uk 

www.charolais.co.uk 

THE 

ULTIMATE 

SUCKLER 

COW 

01377 227 790 

info@stabiliser.co.uk 

www.stabiliser.co.uk 

nba 34 x 68 mm 2023 v2.indd 08/03/2023 1 

13:25:42 

SIMMENTAL 

THE BREED YOU CAN BANK ON 

SUSSEX CATTLE 

SOCIETY 

Tel: 01580 880105 

www.sussexcattlesociety.org.uk 

THE BRITISH BLUE 

CATTLE SOCIETY 

Holme House 

The Dale, Ainstable 

Carlisle,Cumbria CA4 9RH 

01768 870522 

info@britishbluecattle.org 

SETTING THE 

STANDARD 

www.britishbluecattle.org 

PROFIT THROUGH 

EFFICIENCY 

MATERNAL MAINSTAYS 

OF THE SUCKLER HERD 

*SIMMENTAL = NO.1 

CONTINENTAL BREED 

FOR AGE AT SLAUGHTER 

* NATIONAL BEEF EVALUATION DECEMBER 2022 

THE BRITISH SIMMENTAL CATTLE SOCIETY 

+44 (0) 2476 696513 

information@britishsimmental.co.uk 

www.britishsimmental.co.uk 

40 The National Beef Association Magazine | WINTER 2023 

NBA Breed Directory (34x68.5mm) Spring.indd 08/03/2023 1 

09:25:00

MELTON MOWBRAY MULTIBREED SALE – 27 MARCH 2021 

WELSHPOOL SPRING SALE – 20 MAY 2021 

Beef Breed Directory 

National beef association 

Fighting for the 

future of the 

British Beef Industry 

SALERS 

MATERNAL 

MAGIC 

The Hereford does it all 

SUITS ANY SIRE 

& 

SUITS ANY SYSTEM 

www.nationalbeefassociation.com 

SALERS CATTLE SOCIETY OF THE UK 

Jasmine Cottage, Gavinton, TD11 3QP 

secretary@salers.uk 

07903 626249 

WWW.SALERS.UK 

Visit www.herefordcattle.org to find out more 

01432 272057 

GRAZING SYSTEMS | BEEF QUALITY 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES 

Gascon 

Cattle 

Society 

Breed Secretary: 

Pauline Milton 

07787722497 

gasconcattle@btconnect 

.com 

www.britishwhitecattle.co.uk 

01954 232796 | 07771 333303 

www.gascon.org.uk 

A versatile hardy suckler 

breed 

t: 02475 099146 

e: info@beefshorthorn.org 

www.beefshorthorn.org 

www.aberdeen-angus.co.uk 

01738 622477 

Patron: Her Majesty The Queen 

Stirling Agricultural Centre 

Stirling FK9 4RN 

Tel: 01786 446866 

info@highlandcattlesociety.com 

www.highlandcattlesociety.com 

Aberdeen-Angus, its more than a breed, it’s a brand. 

The perfect 

suckler cow 

w w w . r e d p o l l . o r g 

( 01245 600032 

secretary@redpoll.co.uk 


NBA Membership 

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The NBA is a charity, set up by beef farmers, for beef farmers. We 

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MEMBERS BENEFITS 

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WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN US? 

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NBA is also great for networking and sharing 

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Hexham & Northern Marts 

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Bishopton Veterinary Group 

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Rumenco 

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# 

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NBA Winter Magazine_2023_

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