Analysis praises quality of data in Scots beef efficiency scheme

Only a day after the Scottish Government’s Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) was the subject of considerable criticism at an industry event, an early analysis of information gathered under the scheme has commended the quality of the data supplied by participating farmers.

“It is worth noting that the excellent data that has been gathered so far will go a long way in helping to inform those that have continued in the scheme, and the Scottish herd in general going forwards,” the report stated.

Some of the statistics highlighted in the initial figures showed that more than 85 per cent of cows recorded under the scheme calved unaided, while 82 per cent of the 170,000 calves born were classified as “vigorous” or “very vigorous” at birth.

While more than 150 different reasons were given for the 29,000 stock disposals recorded last year, the most common were “old age” or “born dead”.

The major “involuntary” reasons for disposal included infertility (1,744 disposals), pneumonia (1,689 disposals) and scour (685 disposals).

“This data will help to reinforce what are some of the major health, welfare and fitness challenges that are facing the beef industry, and can be used to help farmers benchmark ‘conditions’ they see on their farm with the rest of the industry,” said a spokesperson.

But, she added, more than half of the disposal records were coded as “unknown”: “Farmers could get more value for this part of the scheme for health management if they can remember to code the most likely reason for culling.”