Beef processor welcomes BDG group

Opportunities to improve farm profitability through better beef supply chain linkages. This was the key topic for discussion at a recent Business Development group (BDG) meeting hosted by ABP food group at their beef processing plant in Newry.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Feb 2017, 07:09 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:01 BST
Beef Finisher Business Development group members with Roger Sheahan, General Manager ABP Newry and Arthur Callaghan, NI Blade farming co-ordinator ABP following their recent group meeting.Beef Finisher Business Development group members with Roger Sheahan, General Manager ABP Newry and Arthur Callaghan, NI Blade farming co-ordinator ABP following their recent group meeting.
Beef Finisher Business Development group members with Roger Sheahan, General Manager ABP Newry and Arthur Callaghan, NI Blade farming co-ordinator ABP following their recent group meeting.

During the visit the group were able to hear about current and future beef markets and the importance of a consistent supply of in spec beef cattle that can maximise the return to farmers.

As a practical demonstration the group were able to grade live cattle and see how the carcase grades matched their predictions for weight, carcase conformation and fat class.

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Liam McCarthy, supply chain manager ABP, outlined that for cattle to maximise their value they have to be under 30 months of age for steers and heifers, farm quality assured, carcase weight between 270kg and 400kg and have a maximum of four moves. This was further reinforced as the group toured the retail packing department and were shown beef cuts from large carcases over 400 kg which weren’t suitable for premium supermarket pre-packs.

Following the tour of the beef processing and retail production lines, Arthur Callaghan, NI Blade farming co-ordinator ABP, gave an outline of the Blade farming scheme and highlighted opportunities for beef finishers to link with Blade calf rearing units.

The success and efficiencies of the farmers in the Northern Ireland Suckler Beef Programme was also discussed and it was highlighted that the linkages between farmers, ABP, CAFRE and the Irish Farmers Journal was helping to promote a system of profitable beef production.

The group visit to ABP reinforced the importance of good communication between farmers and processors to ensure the supply of animals that meet market demands and also highlighted that there are opportunities for farmers to get involved with schemes such as the Blade farming scheme to add new enterprises or scale to their existing businesses.

Related topics:Newry