Shorthorn demand is up
Shorthorn demand is up
By Wendy OwenNorth-east correspondent
BEEF farmers in the north who can supply Shorthorn-sired cattle to meet an expanding retailer market are being offered a 5p/kg premium above the average market price.
Meat packer, Scotbeef, wants more cattle of 250-380kg deadweight to build its Marks & Spencer supply contract.
Livestock procurement officer Murray Hardy says: "We are already selling 10-15 Shorthorn cattle a week, which are marketed as speciality beef in some of Marks & Spencers top stores around the country.
"Ideally, we want to build numbers so we can provide a continuous supply between September and November every year."
Seasonal supply
Mr Hardy acknowledges that seasonal supply may mean farmers will lose out on cattle claims. He says he hopes the premium price being offered will help to make up for any losses and says once Scotbeef has a steady throughput of animals, price/kg may rise even further.
However, at this stage he cannot promise that Shorthorn producers will achieve the high returns the company is currently paying for Aberdeen Angus beef.
"We have already built up a good demand for Aberdeen Angus beef. The company is selling about 400 Angus steers a week and we are paying a premium of 15-20p/kg above average market price.
"But it will take time to get the Shorthorn scheme running and Marks & Spencer has to have the confidence that it will get a continuous supply of high quality beef throughout the autumn."
Assurance scheme
Farmers who think they cansupply the Scotbeef contract must join the companys Select Farm assurance scheme, which includes feeding GM-free foods. Only steers and heifers are required and animals must achieve grades of O+4L and above. *