St Merryn reacts to farmer concern with U-turn over grading

Meat processor St Merryn Food Group has rowed back on some changes to its grading specifications after suppliers raised concerns that they would be significantly out of pocket.  

All cattle that weigh 400.1-420kg deadweight will incur a 5p/kg penalty for being outside the desired weight range, as planned, but will now receive a 10p/kg premium if they are sired by a beef bull.

This premium will be backdated to 4 January, when the changes to grading specifications came into effect. Cattle that are heavier than 420kg will not receive the beef-bred premium.

See also: St Merryn criticised for changing cattle spec at short notice

2 Sisters, which owns St Merryn Food Group, told Farmers Weekly the revised change to the beef premium was permanent, but that the other changes to cattle grading introduced on 4 January would still stand.

Changes are a result of farmer comments, says processor

A spokesman from 2 Sisters, said: “This revision was in response to producer comments about how much less financial return there was for cattle weighing just over 400kg compared to cattle weighing just under 400kg.

“This point was accepted and the revision made. We do listen to the concerns our producers raise and where we can, we will make amendments to maintain  sustainable working relationships.”

In December, the NFU criticised St Merryn for failing to provide sufficient detail of changes to its cattle grading specifications until just two weeks before they came into effect.

2 Sisters is signed up to the voluntary beef processor code, in which signatories commit to giving at least 12 weeks’ notice of any changes to terms and conditions.

Producers were first told in October to expect changes, but no details were given until Friday 18 December.  

Amended changes show better communication, says NFU

“It’s good to see that 2 Sisters have responded to concerns from producers,” said John Royle, chief livestock advisor at the NFU.

See also: Major abattoirs explain not signing up to beef voluntary code

However, he said it was “slightly disappointing that not all of farmer’s concerns have been addressed,” but that he “wholeheartedly” applauded St Merryn in showing that this was “a two-way street.”

“Improved communications for all parts of the chain is essential for better returns for everyone.

“The processor code is a first step in this for many, and I hope that in 2016 we will see renewed interest from the meat industry in improving transparency in the trade.”

The new specifications were due to take effect from 4 January, bringing them more in line with other beef processors.