Call for Scots livestock farmers to use market spec tool

Almost 40% of sheep and 30% of beef cattle in Scotland are failing to meet market specification, with many animals being sent to slaughter overfat and overweight, according to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

The levy board is encouraging more farmers to use its online Meat the Grade tool to help optimise their returns.

The virtual tool highlights key factors that need to be considered by farmers to ensure livestock meet the target carcass specifications required by processors and consumers.

See also: Guide to understanding a beef killing-out sheet

The tool includes a 3D “virtual beast” which allows farmers to see the difference in how an animal will look as you switch between different grades.

QMS says many farmers will select stock based on what they weigh and, although they may receive good conformation grades, many will find they are not achieving the correct fat class.

See also: Video: Guide to selecting lambs for slaughter and minimising losses.

Beth Alexander, QMS cattle and sheep specialist, said: “Only 72.7% of the steers and 60.9% of lambs processed by Scottish price reporting abattoirs in 2020 met specification.

“When we’re talking about specification, for lamb we are talking about an E-, U-, or R-grade for conformation, a 2 and 3L for fat and up to 21kg deadweight, with a large number of processors not paying for any weight past 21kg.

“For cattle, again an E-, U-, or R-grade for conformation and a 2, 3 and 4L for fat. Many processors are inflicting penalties for carcasses over 420kg deadweight, though some have reduced this to 400kg. It depends how, when and where you are marketing your livestock.”

The Meat the Grade tool is available on the QMS website.