Winter Beef Management Event 2011

The Winter Beef Management Event for 2011 will take place on Thursday 6 October 2011 at Balbuthie Farm, Kilconquhar, near Leven in Fife. 

The theme for the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) activity is the links between genetics, management at finishing time and end product quality. A recent report revealed that too many beef producers are missing the optimal time to sell their cattle to Scottish abattoirs and, as a result, affecting quality and meat chain margins and efficiency. In many cases, producers are chasing weight but creating fat instead. 

The potential for beef cattle to put on weight without getting fat starts with their genetics. For those out-with the pedigree sector, Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) can seem complicated, but the aim of a series of practical demonstrations on the day, is to change that perception. The demonstrations will show how backfat scanning works, how the measurements are taken, what is included in the calculations – and what is not! Both Signet and Breedplan are involved, so all the major cattle breeds are covered. These demonstrations will take place in the New Shed (Location C) at 10.30, 12.15, and 14.15. 

Over at the QMS stand, there will be an opportunity for producers to get a better understanding of the additional work created for processors as a result of over-fat cattle, with two butchery demonstrations. For example, trimming fat from sirloins and fore-ribs from fatter animals can increase processing time by up to 24%. This demo will feature fore-ribs from cattle that are within the ideal specification compared to those that are over-weight and over-fat. The butchery demonstrations will be at 11.45; and 13.30. 

Aside from the practical demonstrations, the QMS stand will also feature the Integrated Measurement of Eating Quality Project. This is working towards accurately predicting carcase and eating quality at abattoir line speed and is now undergoing validation tests in Scotbeef. The QMS team will be on-hand to answer any questions about this exciting project and any other QMS activity, such as the latest Scotch Beef marketing. 

The event is free and runs from 10am until 6pm. Balbuthie Farm is situated 45 miles from Edinburgh and 12 miles south east of St Andrews. Further information is available from Wilma Wilson at Balbuthie Farm on 01333 730210 or from j.cameron@farming.co.uk.