Beef from the Dairy Herd

The interactive demonstration is hosted by Gavin Hill, Senior Beef Specialist at SAC Consulting and Arwel Owen , Beef Supply Chain Manager at Genus ABS which is sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), is always a popular and always well attended session at AgriScot.

The cattle will be handled in the ring by second-year students from SRUC Oatridge, who are working with the cattle at the campus in the lead up to the event to build their experience and confidence with livestock.

With a focus on practical advice, it addresses some of the key current talking points for beef farmers and prompts relevant discussion.

The cattle on the day will be British Blue steers and heifers from Dairy herds. They are at present at the forward store stage with the aim to finish them over the next few months.

Gavin and Arwel will discuss the current market for Beef from the Dairy, the specifications desire along with traits to consider for Dairy farms when choosing the sires. Another important areas to discuss include looking at reducing feed costs by working with the right genetics. Arwel will also highlight the work currently being undertaken looking at identifying breeding lines that will reduce emissions.

The audience will vote on the Voting Pad app to gauge current thinking in the industry and prompt discussion points as well as to bring in some fun competition.

The beef demonstration will take place in the main ring 11.30-12.00 on 19^th November.