Scots Beef Efficiency scheme could offer £32 a calf benefit
©John Eveson/FLPA/Imagebroker/Rex/Shutterstock Beef farmers across Scotland are being invited to keep a calving diary in preparation for the launch of the new Beef Efficiency scheme in 2016.
Under the programme, Scotland’s research in genomics will be used to improve the efficiency, sustainability and quality of the nation’s beef herd – helping to improve farm profits and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
More details of the scheme have been revealed today by rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead.
He said: “The new Beef Efficiency scheme is truly groundbreaking. It will bring cutting-edge genomic technology to the farm gate to improve the quality and efficiency of Scotland’s beef herd, maximising profits while at the same time reducing greenhouse gases.
See also: Scots beef industry regeneration plan revealed
What is the Beef Efficiency scheme?
The Beef Efficiency scheme is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme, which is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. It will be supported to the tune of £45m over three years.
Eligible breeders are being asked to gather and input information about their animals, including size and family lines, into a new national database using ScotEID, which will be assessed along with genomic data.
On the basis of this analysis, participating farmers will be required to identify three actions they will take to improve the management and selection of their herd.
Under the scheme farmers will receive financial support which is likely to be in the region of approximately £32 a calf.
“The scheme will launch in the spring of 2016, but we are sending beef farmers their diaries now so those thinking of applying for support can get a head start capturing data from the very beginning of the calving season.
“Participating breeders will then be asked to put that information into a new national database to be assessed alongside genomic data.
“This analysis can then be used by farmers to identify how best to improve the management and selection of their herd, which will bring benefits for both the environment and farm profits.”
Jim McLaren, chairman of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “The Beef Efficiency scheme is a fantastic opportunity for Scottish beef calf producers to take a thorough look at their current breeding policy and farming systems, with the benefit of about £30 a calf to assist with the process.
“It is vital that we as producers maximise our returns from the things that are within our control, such as the quality of our stock and the speed at which we can efficiently grow our animals, rather than becoming too depressed about things which we have no control over, such as the weather or the latest exchange rate.
“I urge producers to have a close look at the scheme and keep a record of the simple scheme requirements linked to the birth of each calf, ready to input to the system once it is open for business.”
Charlie Adam, NFU Scotland’s livestock committee chairman commented: “To remain the best beef producers in the world we all have to keep improving. Our competitors are looking at ways of getting better each and every day, and in Scotland we are no different.