Meat the Market help for farmers
Sheep farmers wishing to increase their profits have been invited to a free meeting at meat processors Scotbeef, Bridge of Allan, on January 10.
It is one of a series of ‘Meat the Market’ events organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
The focus will be on lamb selection, advice will be given on the target carcass specifications required by processors and how ‘spec’ may differ based on customer requirements. Carcass grading and presentation will also be covered to help farmers maximise their returns and minimise the risk of condemnations and carcass downgrades.
Farmers attending will have the opportunity to assess lambs before and after slaughter to see exactly how the grading process works.
They will also learn about the factors that need to be considered when selecting livestock for slaughter, including assessment of the dock, loin and rib as well as handling sheep carefully to reduce damage both to carcass and wool.
Key speakers at the event will be George Allan, and Adrian Crowe from Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Ltd, a subsidiary of Hallmark Meat Hygiene Ltd, the only independent provider of abattoir authentication and classification services to the British processing industry.
Mr Allan said: “This workshop should prove invaluable for sheep farmers and help them improve how they select their prime lambs for slaughter in the future, in order to give them the best financial return.”
“Being able to follow lambs through on the same day and compare their own assessments of the live animal and the processed carcass will give those who attend an excellent insight into the whole process and should help them when selecting prime lambs on the farm,” added Mr Crowe.
The workshop will also give the producers an opportunity to learn more about the whole supply chain, the differences between different types of sheep and the hygiene requirements at both farm and abattoir.
“Farmers are rightly focused on driving down costs of production to improve their profitability,” said Dr Heather McCalman, knowledge transfer specialist at QMS, who is organising these meetings.
“Feedback from the abattoir can be very valuable and help improve on farm management in order to meet the market requirements.”
Scotbeef head of procurement Bill Mackinnon said: “It is really important for farmers to understand where their end market is, so we hope this meeting will help them learn more about the whole supply chain and help them boost their income by selecting prime lambs that meet current market spec.”
Places will be strictly limited so early booking is recommended. Those wishing to attend these events must be over 18 and provide photo identification.
To book and for further information contact Heather McCalman on 07766 330 911 or email info@qmscotland. co.uk.