Consistency and quality hallmark of M&S scheme
Consistency and quality hallmark of M&S scheme
Increased emphasis on quality assurance and traceability has seen all major multiples set up beef producer clubs. In the first of a new series, Jonathan Riley finds out whats required to sell into the Marks & Spencer scheme
CONSISTENT high meat eating quality backed up by frequent taste panel tests is the key to Marks & Spencers Select Scheme producer club.
Central to the Select Farms Scheme is extensive in-house taste panel testing which – using a detailed producer database – can be related back to the individual farm, says Marks & Spencers agricultural technologist, Megan Lewis.
Every producer when applying for approval submits information covering housing, breeds, feed use and stockmanship.
Increased emphasis on quality assurance and traceability has seen all major multiples set up beef producer clubs. In the first of a new series, Jonathan Riley finds out whats required to sell into the Marks & Spencer scheme
CONSISTENT high meat eating quality backed up by frequent taste panel tests is the key to Marks & Spencers Select Scheme producer club.
Central to the Select Farms Scheme is extensive in-house taste panel testing which – using a detailed producer database – can be related back to the individual farm, says Marks & Spencers agricultural technologist, Megan Lewis.
Every producer when applying for approval submits information covering housing, breeds, feed use and stockmanship.
Instead of adopting the housing and stockmanship requirements of other farm assurance schemes such as FABBL and RSPCA Freedom Foods, Marks & Spencer devised its own guidelines with advice from ADAS.
"Our guidelines are in excess of MAFFs codes of good practice with, for example, higher space allowances which vary according to different types of building design used. ADAS is also used to carry out random, pre-arranged checks," says Miss Lewis.
However, initial inspection of applicants is carried out by the farm assurance officer of the local abattoir approved to process meat for the scheme.
The officer checks details and may make recommendations when some areas need altering to fit the scheme protocol.
Information is then stored on a database and taste panel tests carried out to check meat quality and consistency.
"Taste tests have shown that higher fat levels produce the best flavour. So the requirements for the scheme are set higher than other producer club schemes to take animals with fat classes up to 4H.
"Results can then be used to compare beef produced under differing regimes and if necessary we can recommend changes to a ration or husbandry to further ensure that beef produced has a consistent eating quality," says Miss Lewis.
Every six months producers are asked to complete a feed declaration and details are entered on the database. Any changes that are made are then highlighted.
"When buying in feed, producers must have a breakdown of all ingredients to show that only approved ingredients are used.
"For example, this years winter rations should not include fishmeal, growth promoters or growth enhancers," explains Miss Lewis.
Greater consistency is achieved by sourcing all meat from steers only. However, the same processors approved by Marks & Spencer will take bull or heifer beef produced at the registered farm. But this meat will be ineligible for scheme premiums, adds Miss Lewis.
Stock manager at Grange Farm, Alwyn Ranby (left) says that few major management changes were needed to get steer calves from these Charolais cows on to Marks & Spencers Select Farms Scheme. Pictured with Mr Ranby are farm owner Stephen Parker and Megan Lewis of M&S.
CARCASS SPECIFICATION
Weight 270kg to 350kg
Fat class 3 to 4H
Conformation E,U,R
TARGET ANIMAL
Suckler bred
Steers only
Age 18-26 months
BREEDS ACCEPTED
Sire must be pure bred
Charolais
Simmental
Limousin
Angus sourced only from Scotland
Dam must be at least 50% beef breed
MEMBERS
1500 registered
500 fully approved
BANNED FEEDS
No fishmeal
No growth promoters
No growth enhancers
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
+5p/kg for steers achieving spec for traditional beef or Angus range
then +5p/kg/grade
Angus receive further premium
FARM ASSURANCE
ADAS devised space allowances
No other assurance scheme recognised.
AUDITS/INSPECTION
Initial inspection by processors
Random inspection by ADAS
TRACEABILITY
All animals back to farm of birth
Database of all scheme producers
Lost tag excludes animal from scheme