FARMER FOCUS: Ladies in Beef momentum builds
Our yearly TB test was clear and cows are now out on pasture that looks like it did in January. Silage supplies are running low and a supply of straw I hoped would last two years is nearly all gone.
I don’t remember a year that has challenged us as much – for some reason these challenges have resulted in more radio and television interviews than ever before.
I always try and stick to the positives – whingeing when surrounded by acres of land never sounds great – if we want to benefit our businesses, then we need to be encouraging shoppers to buy British.
Momentum is building for Great British Beef Week. Working with farming charity the RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) has been inspiring. To say it is a charity that punches above its weight doesn’t even begin to cover it – it has an exceptional team of people with a tireless commitment to raising money for farming families facing hardship.
This year Ladies in Beef is working with the RABI to organise Host-A-Roast events across the country. These have been kindly sponsored by ABP Food Group.
Retailers Waitrose, Asda and Tesco are also supporting Great British Beef Week at their own expense. There are many ways to get involved. Salisbury Market, which is my local auction mart, is holding a Great British Beef Week sale on St George’s Day.
We’re encouraging the community to come and see the market at work and enjoy a two-for-one roast beef meal. For further information visit www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk
Minette Batters farms 120ha on a tenant farm on the Longford Estate in south Wiltshire. The enterprise consists of 100 continental-bred suckler cows and a catering business. Minette is also the founder of Ladies in Beef
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