Processor’s beef plan offers south-west farmers 10p/kg premium

SOUTH-WEST beef farmers can now get up to 10p/kg premium for beasts finished under a new supply scheme with St Merryn Foods, Cornwall.
 
The Bonus Plus Beef Plan was launched today (Thursday) in conjunction with Beef Production Systems, and will offer farmers a dedicated supply chain.
 
Finishers will receive a minimum 5p/kg premium for cattle finished to the required specification, with the premium increasing during periods of low carcass prices.
 
Dairy calves will be supplied to finishers, along with production support like nutritional and health management advice from BPS.
 
“Benchmarking and production data will also be available to all producers as a key objective of this plan,” said David Evans of BPS.
 
“We believe that the eligible farmer will therefore improve the quality of the stock and hence their own profitability from the process.”
 
John Dracup, St Merryn procurement director, said the initiative would increase integration in the supply chain for beef from dairy herds.
 
“This plan will be of great benefit to dairy farmers who will have a guaranteed market for their calves.”