Livestock groups merge for marketing strength

Two livestock marketing groups are merging to form one of the largest farmer-controlled co-ops in the UK.

Meadow Quality, the largest multi-species marketing group in England, is joining forces with Graig Producers, which supplies organic beef and lamb to supermarkets. Together, they will have about 4,800 members and a combined turnover of more than £80m.

Greg Mowbray, managing director of Meadow Quality, said the merger would build on the respective strengths of each company, to form a robust collaborative group in the face of ongoing rationalisation in the processing sector.

“Livestock farming is an increasingly demanding business. The market environment continues to change rapidly, margins are tight, legislation is strengthening and commercial risks are increasing. The key is collaboration which has proven to reap huge benefits for all partners in the red meat supply chain.”
Greg Mowbray

He added: “Livestock farming is an increasingly demanding business. The market environment continues to change rapidly, margins are tight, legislation is strengthening and commercial risks are increasing. The key is collaboration which has proven to reap huge benefits for all partners in the red meat supply chain.”

Graig Producers would retain its own identity as the organic specialists within the group, with managing director Bob Kennard joining the board of Meadow Quality.

“The merger will open up new markets for our members,” said Mr Kennard. “With the aggressive push for direct supply from some processors, it is increasingly important that farmers work together on the scale which can match that of the processors. This merger will supply that scale for our members.”

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