ABP wants your cow beef

Anglo Beef Processors is the first meat processor to pitch its hat into the ring for Over Thirty Month cattle for human consumption, once the ban is lifted on November 7.

It has earmarked four of its plants – Perth in Scotland, Newry and Lurgan in Northern Ireland and Shrewsbury on the Welsh border – as centres for OTM processing.

Its other plants at York and Ellesmere in Shropshire will follow.

The firm says it has already had enquiries from dairy and suckler producers at the recent Dairy Event, and it expects the end of restrictions to dramatically boost overall throughput.

“Initial market values will be influenced by the volume and quality of cattle offered, demand and when the export market re-opens for hindquarter meat,” said a spokesman.

“This is vital if the home market is to be balanced. Quality cows will attract prices well in excess of those operating under the OTMS.”

Dairy farmers wishing to sell cows directly to plants should check that their current dairy assurance has the necessary accreditation to carry out the additional audits, he added.

If they do not they should consider joining a recognised beef scheme such as FABBL/EFSIS.

See Farmers Weekly magazine on October 7 for the full story.