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Jilly and her husband Edwin are quality beef producers, farming over 500 acres in the Exe Valley, seven miles north of Exeter. Based in the flood plains of the Exe and Culm, lush green river meadow covers large areas of the farm. These meadows have defined their system of suckled beef production using the native South Devon and continental Blonde to produce high quality beef in the most natural way, happy and contented. They are also introducing Angus breeding into the South Devon x Blonde Commercial herd.
They have around 250 head of cattle and run a closed herd system, breeding their own replacement stock and running stock bulls with good growth rates, extra length through the rib and width on the loin. Although Jilly and Edwin farm in a conventional way, they try to do this with balance and harmony for the wildlife and landscape in a Countryside Stewardship agreement on parts of the farm to increase the populations of cirl bunting, grey legged partridge and sky lark. Jilly is a co founder of Ladies in Beef, for more information visit www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk.
This is an archive of Jilly's articles.
For her latest news, see her most recent article.
June 2011
Bank Holiday Rain and Mobile Moments!
Well with a May bank holiday, it could only possibly rain - nearly half an inch in the gauge and timed perfectly to boost grass regrowth on the forage ground.
Our silage is in - the mound is not much more than last year but the quality should be better with a dose of Humistart early in the season - so we await silage analysis with anticipation!
Our forage ground is four miles away with seven contracted tractors and trailers picking up and 50 acres in the pit in four hours. But not without the odd mishap, with an overhead cable being caught by the wagon of one of the younger lads despite all the signs, bollards and hanging warning signs. Fortunately nobody was hurt.
True to fashion, best beloved can never be contacted in moments of need or crisis. Communication has never been one of his strengths - and the mobile phone can ring and vibrate even his pocket and he still doesn't register it's for him! This can be mightily exasperating, especially with a heifer calving. But all was well come the finish even when the heifer jumped up with calf hanging out the back!
Last year our senior stock bull was out of action most of the summer and our junior Blonde bull Dynasty had to be used with the main herd, leaving the 18 month Angus bull Finn stepping up as sweeper to our heifers. In truth he didn't have much to do and we'd forgotten all about what might be, until a very black head emerged from the Blonde heifer and we realised we had a our first and only Angus cross for this year! What a zinging chap he is - lots of shape and a very trendy graphite to his mother's pure white!
We've called him 'Freddie' after Fred Trott our neighbour who came to help when Ed had another one of those mobile moments! I've now changed the ring tone - William Tell overture - and made him sing it back to me - here's hoping but I'm not holding my breath!
May 2011
Early Success
Our first ever Great British Beef Week took place at the end of April from St George’s Day. A huge thank you to Mole Valley Farmers for supporting in all its branches as well as in two SCATs stores in Dorchester and Bridgend.
We have over 25 Ladies in Beef joining the campaign to promote Red Tractor Assured British Beef, with our first lady butcher farmer about to be signed up! The Royal Wedding was a superb national celebration. There will be many positive spin off’s for British beef, the hero brand, as we develop a year long programme of activity.
The much needed rise in beef prices has brought a bounce to the live and deadweight markets, crossing the magic £3 base price in the South West this week. The increase has been as welcome as the thunderstorms and heavy showers over the weekend.
Whether the price will drop back in June and July remains to be seen. I am not so sure, as the latest forecast on UK beef production indicates a further fall during 2011 and possibly 2012 – due to the reduction in male calf registrations and high feed costs for the dairy beef sector. Fewer slaughterings combined with lower carcase weights are projected to result in beef and veal production falling by 3% during 2011 to 884,000 tonnes, a further decline of 1% in 2012.
The need for strong positive communication with our consumers is absolutely essential to stimulate demand and encourage brand loyalty to British beef. Which is what Ladies in Beef is all about. If you want to find out more visit www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk
Meanwhile, back on the farm, we’re up to date on the field work and only the last 15 or so stragglers to calve out of a 100. We’ve had a much better calving season this year – with calf mortality down significantly – due to the feeding regime for the in-calvers through the need to conserve silage stocks and use more of our home produced straw. Credit due to Lachie Maclachlan, Mole Valley Farmer’s beef specialist and his advice on diets. It’s made a big difference.
Hopefully we shall see an improvement in the quantity and quality of the silage crop this year following free soil testing from EBLEX and a dose of Humistart soil conditioner from Mole Valley Farmers Forage Services, along with right fert application. The grass has definitely bulked up but needs more rain - fortunately this off ground never dries out as it’s in the flood plain but an expensive forage with a 4 mile each way haul for silage wagons. I am determined to improve our grass output this year one way or another!
Ladies In Beef
April 2011
What a busy month in March! Minette Batters and I had a great launch of Ladies in Beef and the Great British Beef Week, which I am especially grateful to Mole Valley Farmers for supporting in the newsletter and in branch.
Ladies in Beef is a new organisation of female beef farmers who care passionately about British beef and 15 of our 30 plus (and growing!) regional champions came to London to support the launch.
The group has been formed to help promote and drive awareness of the quality and versatility of British beef to consumers using a country-wide network of dynamic lady beef ‘champions’. All the ladies are British beef farmers and proud of it!
Our guest of honour was Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, who officially launched LIBs and the Great British Beef Week (23 – 30 April 2011). The annual event has been timed to take place around St George’s Day - and with the Royal Wedding also taking place on 29 April this year, the Week is perfectly timed to create positive PR about British beef.
A number of multiple retailers including Mole Valley Farmers have pledged their support for Ladies in Beef and Great British Beef Week. Independent butchers throughout the country have also been sent a special commemorative poster to help drive sales during the Week.
Minette and I genuinely believe lady beef farmers have a real appeal for the mainstream media which is why we put this group together. We hope to be able to generate positive publicity for British beef, especially in relation to its quality, versatility and as part of a balanced diet, its excellent nutritional and health benefits. We would also like to raise awareness of the Red Tractor quality assurance logo and help consumers better understand the guarantee of provenance and traceability it represents.
If you would like to be part of Ladies in Beef, or would like posters, or can help in some other way please email me at jilly@ladiesinbeef.org.uk.
www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk
Challenges Facing Beef Producers
March 2011
Escalating feed, fertiliser and fuel costs, coupled with fragile consumer demand, mean that prices are far from stable and seriously adrift of where they need to be for suckler beef producers and finishers.
Ignoring the financial figures that reveal the true reality of cost of production, able to carry on through the Single Farm Payment, we run our enterprises on a mixture of emotion and hope.
Eventually it will all come right, we assure ourselves. After all, something has to eat the grass and the cattle grazing the spring pastures, particularly cows with calves at foot, are a glorious sight. But as one processor reminds me, sentimentality in business won’t pay the bills.
We were on a modest wave of optimism last year, with a Government which recognised the importance of farming and food production, a willingness to tackle the TB disease reservoir in badgers, an increase in global population and Westernised diets all pointing to a better future for beef production. But then the inputs started to rise dramatically, the economy weakened and the decision on badger management consultation was delayed until later in the year. Unfortunately we are now at a tipping point.
On paper, more sheep or growing wheat looks a better prospect. But rearing cattle on the grass of the hills and lowland pastures is what we do – we’re good at it. In the South West we have the earliest and longest growing season, giving us a competitive advantage over other regions and a story to tell. We produce quality cattle and with better consistency now. Importantly we have younger beef producers coming into the industry with a shared passion for sucklers.
The market will ultimately improve given the high production costs of dairy beef, which will reduce retail supply, as well as reduced availability of imported beef from Ireland. Retailers will seek increased security of supply and the quality and consistency of stock will be important.
Meanwhile, what can individual beef producers do in the next six months of market volatility?
- Take advantage of all the free advice you can
- Be flexible and open to making system changes, especially those that improve finished quality and consistency
- Get the most out the grass - analyse the soil and the silage
- Counter disease with a plan and increased bio-security
- Reduce calf mortality through better breeding and tailor feeding in-calf cows
- Reassess input costs and consider co-operative, collaborative or member based companies to benefit from combined buying power – join Mole Valley Farmers!
- Keep pushing for an improved price from the abattoir and processor
- Sell live weight through the livestock markets to increase competition
- If you have the opportunity, engage with the retailers and share your passion with consumers
- Above all, speak up and fight for our industry
You can also get behind the Great British Beef Week from 23 April (St George’s Day) to 30 April (including the Royal Wedding on 29 April). Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Asda have all signed up to promote the week as well as independent butchers and Mole Valley Farmers will also be supporting. For more information visit www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk.
November, December 2010, January and February 2011
We regret that Jilly has not been able to write this month. Look out for her next installment soon.
Great British Beef Week 2011
October 2010
Sometimes continuing challenges in the suckler beef sector can be the springboard to powerful new initiatives turning frustration into positive output!
A new campaign has been launched by a group of passionate, determined women called ‘Ladies in Beef’ to create a ‘Great British Beef’ week next year.
Our aim is to provide the British beef industry with its own national promotion week from Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd April 2011, culminating in a beef celebration on St George’s Day when traditionally beef has always been eaten.
Our goal is the promotion of British Red Tractor Beef as part of a nutritious healthy diet, by raising the profile of British beef, increasing sales by stimulating consumer demand and thereby improving profitability for the beef producer.
I am one of the co-founders of Ladies in Beef along with campaigner and beef farmer Minette Batters Wiltshire NFU County Chair. Together we are spearheading the initiative supported by EBLEX which has the backing of Adam Henson, BBC Countryfile presenter. We’re really fortunate to have his support as Countryfile is prime time viewing for 6 million consumers every week!
This will be an industry led promotion from the grass roots up. Agriculture Minister Jim Paice has also given his endorsement with pledged interest from M&S, Sainsbury’s, Mole Valley Farmers, British Food Fortnight, NFU, National Beef Association South West, Romford Meats Group, Blade Farming, Q Guild of Butchers, Livestock Traders Association, Livestock Auctioneers Association and Worshipful Company of Butchers.
A steering group is being formed and we are keen to hear from other ladies (and lads) in the beef sector who can help at grassroots level, bring useful contacts and influence. Contact Minette Batters Ladies in Beef 07771880049 barford100@tiscali.co.uk.
Volatility of the Marketplace Impacting on Beef Sector
September 2010
The beef industry is facing a challenging autumn winter. Reduced forage stocks, a fall in base price, increased dairy bull beef cattle and speculative trading creating a roller coaster grain and protein price, means assessing the market for the next 6 months is proving a tough call.
Volatility is one of the most damaging influences in the market place in the short term and a knee jerk reaction can often be the wrong decision for the long term. But hold firm and stick to the business plan because it will come right. An uplift in beef prices is predicted for early 2011 with increased global demand from Asian markets and reduced breeding herds in the EU.
Which is why Beef South West at Exeter Livestock Centre, organised by the National Beef Association South West, on Wednesday 29th September, would be a day well spent. It’s shaping up really well, with the move from Hatherleigh to Exeter proving popular with industry players who have stepped up to support this event and take part.
Special guest, farmer and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, will be sharing the highs and lows of his own beef farming experience including TB. Meanwhile, there’s £4000 in prize money to be won in the showing classes including Primestock, Young Farmer and Young Show Handler of the Year classes, a Knowledge & Technology transfer feature with a forage and suckler and dairy beef focus, Butchery & Cookery Theatre, 23 different breeds and an excellent Farm Walk the day before; not forgetting Dr Basil Lowman, Miriam Parker, Lachie McClachlan and others giving heaps of practical advice as well as the chance to take part in the Great Debate on cloning.
Please come and support this event and spread the word to younger beef producers (ie anyone under the age of 40!) to come along - or take part. It’s going to be a great day out and really worthwhile for planning ahead or just enjoying the whole beef industry – visit www.beefsouthwest.co.uk for more information.
Finally, a disaster in the watering can department has proved a conservation blessing. I am now the proud parent of a small covey of partridges soon to be released - and fretting about the buzzards and the badgers for their survival. We are in Countryside Stewardship and a target farm for the endangered grey partridge which has suffered a 23% decline in population numbers nationally.
We are trying our best to increase breeding pairs on our lowland beef and arable farm despite the odds, through various conservation measures, but predators and wet springs and summers have not helped the success rate.
In late spring this year, a pair regularly scurried in and out of the garden. In hindsight this was a reconnaissance mission to find a safe breeding spot which just happened to be underneath a climbing rose right next to the porch at the front of the house, with a nerine plant creating a hidden sanctuary. There unbeknown the hen laid her 15 eggs - sitting tight while son George mowed the lawns within a yard of her nest.
Unfortunately one evening during June, I watered the rose and soaked the hen and the eggs with a full watering can. Distressed, she flew away, did not return and we were left with consequences. Thankfully Jean Smith, a farmer’s wife in the Exe Vallley, who has raised many hundreds of turkeys and ornamental ducks, took over late at night and 9 partridge chicks emerged and returned to the farm and the safety of the garden, a few weeks later.
Now 2 months on they are most fascinating creatures to watch, with beautiful grey and light brown plumage and engaging metallic clicking and calls to each other. I am training them to forage for seeds and insects in preparation for the release but remain anxious for their future. On the upside, statistically more of the chicks have survived through this unexpected rescue and hopefully we will see more breeding pairs return to the sanctuary of the garden. The odds are against but perhaps nature might be on our side this time.
A dose of Jimmy Doherty and Adam Henson to win public support
August 2010
The outcome of the legal challenge by the Badger Trust in Wales is hugely disappointing and demoralising for the large dairy and beef producers under TB restriction. But industry commentators point to a technical win only for the Trust. I feel confident the Welsh Assembly will regroup and their comprehensive eradication policy will prevail, although it will take time.
The science supports the badger and wildlife management pilot in South Wales for without it the 9 point eradication plan will never succeed with perpetual recycling of disease in the hot spot areas, just like the South West. At the very least it enables England, DEFRA and the coalition Government to get every potential legal loophole buttoned down, to press the button, hopefully this autumn with no further prevarication.
Equally we need DEFRA funding to scientifically trial the countryman approach to deal with diseased badgers and setts, so long term and sustainable solutions can be secured for the industry and above all the tax payer. The costs are crippling.
Last month we also put ourselves in the firing line with the transmission of the BBC programme Jimmy’s Private Life of Cows on July 7th at 8 pm, peak viewing on BBC2 with quite a few football enthusiasts switching over after the World Cup semi final. (My apologies for the confusion in transmission date but we were caught on the hop too anticipating an autumn showing).
We have been overwhelmed by the many enthusiastic and positive emails and letters from city dwellers, vegetarians and cow fans from all corners of the country. The programme struck a chord with the public and there is a much more affectionate attitude to cattle than I think we realise in the industry. The challenge is how to harness this further in TB communication to counterbalance the pro badger lobbyists who believe they have the moral high ground in terms of species preservation at all cost. Not so. Of course, we took a risk to increase understanding and cow appeal, but the general public who know very little about farming are having their appetite whetted by such an able ambassador as Jimmy Doherty. Meanwhile, Edwin is still pining for the evil Lichen.
Speaking of ambassadors, another farmer Adam Henson of BBC Countryfile and BBC Lambing Live fame will be our special guest at Beef South West 2010 at Exeter Livestock Centre on Wednesday 29th September 9 - 5 pm. He’s experienced the grim reality of TB and the impact on the farm business, so no-one more appropriate to take part in this exciting one day event.
It’s shaping up to be a very full and varied programme of beef features including the very latest knowledge and technology, grass and forage, butchery and cookery demo’s, cattle handling and of course the many showing classes with around £4000 in prize money including South West Yearling Bull of the Year and Young Showman of the Year. There are 23 breed societies taking part so far, more than the National Beef Expo! Do come along, better still come and take part – it’s going to be a great day out with a big focus on young beef and dairy beef producers - the life blood of the industry. More details on www.beefsouthwest.co.uk.
STOP PRESS!
The Private Life of Cows, 7 July 2010, BBC 2 at 8pm
Apologies again – BBC have confirmed that Private Life of Cows will now be transmitted tomorrow on BBC 2 Wed 7th July at 8 pm.
The programme sets out to prove cows are highly intelligent, make lifelong friends, can be hard wired to fear and flight zones but deserve affection and respect. At least we hope this will be the outcome, with some positive pr to counter public perception and lack of understanding. Some cows are more special than others, with Poplin, Privet and Violet top of the tree, as the experiments reveal the star performers, the tear and tantrums and a death wish for my husband’s favourite, but thoroughly evil cow, Lichen.
Inevitably we’ve put ourselves in the firing line but hope Private Life will provide a much deeper and affectionate insight. Most of all we hope people will see how much farmers care for their cattle and how beautiful, beguiling and intelligent cows really are. You cannot help but fall in love!
Horn Rather than Corn
July 2010
First of all I owe readers an apology. The BBC 2 programme Secret Life of Cows did not broadcast in April as originally planned, due to two reasons – the General Election but also the overwhelming popularity of the BBC series Lambing Live.
Programme controllers felt viewers might overdose on another livestock related series (personally not so sure – I think farming is on a roll). So Jimmy Doherty’s Secret Life of Farm Animals is likely to run in the autumn. It was filmed in October 2009 so probably more appropriate and could time nicely with Government plans on TB eradication and give beef producers a positive platform to counter the badger lobby groups.
I’m partly relieved in the delay as my dear Dad, John Carter, who started our Blonde herd would have raised an eyebrow and delivered a cryptic one liner at the scientific experiments conducted by Jimmy on cow intelligence and lasting friendships. Sadly he passed away in early May which is why I have not been able to provide a column the past 2 months. He touched many lives and our heartfelt thanks for all the support, condolences, letters and cards.
Husband Ed and I have been to all the South West county shows this year where the cattle have been truly magnificent. Most encouraging, despite a drop in beef price, there is generally a more optimistic mood in the beef sector. Major retailers, abattoirs and processors are signalling the need for better connection with beef producers, and getting really involved with Beef South West at Exeter Livestock Centre on September 29th. Good news – it will be a great event.
Much as I applaud improving retailer interest, producer sweeteners such as free Wagu semen or flashy laptops are just distractions from the real issue. The price has got to improve to keep us producing! Moreover, it’s just not good enough stocking around 70% British beef, with Irish making up the rest on Asda and Sainsbury’s shelves. Tesco has fallen to around 84%. Meanwhile Morrisons, Coop, Waitrose and M & S are 100% British. So there’s still a lot of room for improvement.
Finally on a lighter note, son George, studying agriculture at Reading University, has started to see the light. The future is beef he declares after a visit to Cereals last week – sweet music to the ear! I feared he might get rid of the cows. So perhaps it’s better to be in horn than corn for the moment!
May & June 2010
We regret that, due to circumstances beyond her control, Jilly is unavailable until mid-June.
Secret Life of Cows
April 2010
On a light hearted note this month, a television programme will be screened in April on national television which we hope will change a few public perceptions of cows and farmers alike.
Last October we took part in a BBC scientific documentary called the Secret Life of Cows, filming for 10 days with Jimmy Doherty (Jimmy’s Farming Heroes, Jimmy’s Food Factory) on our farm in the Exe Valley. There are a further two programmes on chickens and pigs, both filmed in Devon too.
The programme sets out to prove cows are highly intelligent, make lifelong friends, can be hard wired to fear and flight zones but deserve affection and respect. At least we hope this will be the outcome, with some positive pr to counter public perception and lack of understanding.
People generally don’t know much about cows, their characteristics, what makes them tick or behave quite the way they do with dogs for example. Importantly we hope it will be a small step in winning hearts and minds in the relentless battle against btb, balancing the argument in favour of cows and the cruel slaughter of thousands of cattle each year.
All our breeding stock have names, with a closed herd of Blondes and South Devon’s going back generation after generation, enjoying 5 star pampering and a simply lovely life here on the river meadows of the Exe and Culm.
Some cows are more special than others, with Poplin, Privet and Violet top of the tree, as the experiments reveal the star performers, the tear and tantrums and a death wish for my husband’s favourite, but thoroughly evil cow, Lichen.
Inevitably we’ve put ourselves in the firing line but hope Secret Life will provide a much deeper and affectionate insight. Most of all we hope people will see how much farmers care for their cattle and how beautiful, beguiling and intelligent cows really are. You cannot help but fall in love.
BBC2 Jimmy’s Secret Life of Cows April 2010.
Getting a Grip
March 2010
By the time this is published, Jim Fitzpatrick, Minister for Food, Farming & the Environment and MP for the London borough of Poplar & Canning Town, will have visited the Devon badger vaccine trial project near Tiverton.
Mr Fitzpatrick has some pretty hefty responsibilities not least animal welfare, animal health and bovine tb programme. (A former firefighter, his listed political interests include antipoverty, regeneration, anti racism and fire.
It is a positive signal however that he is visiting the county, getting on farm and talking to vets and farmers. Any city based MP cooped up in Westminster gets a much better understanding of the issues by seeing farming and rural issues first hand - not least hearing that 150,000 cattle have been slaughtered in the South West since 1997 and still rising.
But I suspect this is more a pr opportunity, warm words to reassure the farming industry and the animal lobby groups, validating pre-election Government policy, rather than seriously examine whether this trial will actually work or best use of tax payer’s money in the fight to eradicate btb from badgers and cattle. Vaccination does however have a role in protecting healthy badgers creating a fire break between heavily infected and clean areas.
You have to remember both these trial sites are located in btb hotspots with a high percentage of infected badgers, spreading infection in mucous, urine and faeces onto grazing pastures, fence lines, woodland and hedgerows, sometimes through direct contact with livestock, thereby perpetuating the recycling of disease.
Vaccinating an already infected badger gives no protective benefit to the badger itself or immediate contribution to the escalating problem of meaningful eradication. It may be infection neutral but it is stressful for an animal to be caught in a cage, turned upside down and suspended on its head for a few minutes, while a sharp needle is shoved in its rear end before marked and released. Not all the badgers in these trial areas will be caught.
But we should be asking what happens to the seriously sick badgers, trapped in this experiment, the super-excretors in the later, most infectious cycle of disease – wasted with visible lesions, long clawed and putting dairy and beef farms at high risk? Are they too jabbed and released? Commonsense suggests they should be humanely put down (and this might now be the case), examined before incineration to assess tb strain and geographic area source, helping to plot the spread of disease and increase knowledge.
Meanwhile, the licensed handlers become practised at caging and handling angry badgers, farmers more aware of badger setts, badger movements and farm bio-security. Four more tools in the tool box to get a grip on this cruel disease.
The Tiverton trial is a building block and will help progress the science based VLA 9 project and other complementary control methods that need pilot funding, so they can all make a difference in the long battle against btb.
Reasons to be cheerful!
February 2010
Well it’s official then – farmers need to produce more food. We are now in political favour!
Forgive me for a cynical swipe but I can’t help feeling it’s a bit rich for this shambolic administration to declare that farmers must ‘rise to the challenge of producing as much food as possible’ - and here’s the catch – ‘as long as it meets demand and recognises the need to protect and enhance natural resources’.
So reading between the lines, our food producing skills could just as easily be switched off again should we squander our environment.
While a small part of me applauds the bravery of the DEFRA U turn, coming to the same commonsense conclusion of the great British public, it is actually concerned consumers and an impending election which is driving political policy.
The public are backing home produced produce with their purse and generally sympathetic to the farming sector and the many challenges we face.
Perhaps New Year glad tidings will come in three’s.
For swiftly on the heels of the battle cry to produce more food, came the announcement of a supermarket ombudsman to keep a check on supermarket sharp practice. The detail is a little thin but the howls of protest from the retail giants who continue to post record profits and increased margins are heart warming. Justice at last!
For on the horizon is a glimmer of hope and potentially the third good news.
Wales are leading the way in btb eradication and pressing ahead within existing legislation, with an intensive area action programme of badger management to stop the endless recycling of disease from badgers to cattle. The limited cull will go ahead despite the judicial review lodge by the Badger Trust as the relevant legislation is already in place.
In 2010 we hope for the same radical and necessary action, to halt the crippling 10 mile a year spread of this cruel disease, to achieve healthy badgers and healthy cattle.
Fingers crossed for some more ministerial and DEFRA driven commonsense and courage!
2010 Will Be The Year of Change
January 2010
With the New Year approaching, time for some forward thinking and how the South West beef industry might fare in the next 12 months.
Without a doubt, the prospects for the suckler and dairy beef sectors are more promising in the short and longer term. A combination of continuing consumer demand, competition for quality cattle, cheaper wheat and a weak pound keeping imports out but generating some export trade, has brought a sustained increase to farm gate prices.
Although the majority of suckler beef producers are still not achieving a margin above the cost of production, the sector is stable and beef producers are generally more positive. Some are investing in new buildings and increasing numbers.
We have good reason for optimism and price improvement for another year at least, as supplies remain tight, the weak pound continues and consumers back British or local.
2010 will not be challenge free but there will be change on four key issues.
- The spiralling cost of bTB cannot be justified or sustained and there will be radical action to eradicate the disease, including the need for consistent and clear communication to maintain public support
- Margin for all in the supply chain, including supermarket and processor sharp practice will hopefully start to be tackled by a powerful ombudsman, to protect long term UK food security particularly in the dairy sector
- Increasing consumer and political demand for honest food labelling will step up the pressure on retail, food service and public procurement for proper transparency
- To counter the climate change ‘blame bandwagon’, as an industry we will need to robustly promote the health and environmental benefits of grass based beef production, the carbon lockup in grassland and moorland as well as the practical measures already taken to reduce methane emissions by 17% since 1990 and further action we will take in the future
Finally an event to look forward to and put in the diary. Beef South West 2010 returns to the region on 29th September. Organised by the National Beef Association South West, this one day biannual show will take place for the first time at Exeter Livestock Centre.
Not only will the event showcase the very best in suckler and dairy beef production across the region, young beef producers, the very lifeblood and future of our industry, will be a major focus of the show. For more information contact Lisa Vanstone, Beef South West 2010 on 01392 278801.
Challenging the Environmaniacs!
November 2009
The environmental impact of the beef industry has generated a war of words. Until recently the lobby groups have dominated the debate but now leading beef producing countries are starting to hit back.
Furious beef farmers in Australia are calling activists who make false claims about the cattle industry’s environmental credentials, ‘environmaniacs’. They are frustrated at the misinformation being provided to school children on water use and methane emissions, to encourage them to become vegetarians.
Consumers are being routinely misled by exaggerated claims from groups ideologically opposed to the farming of animals. It’s not just consumers who are confused, farmers are too.
Consider the assertion of one of the UK’s leading supermarket who claim to be producing the lowest carbon footprint beef in the industry. They have developed a range of beef with a carbon footprint over a third lower than the standard 24-month suckler beef.
The scheme uses redundant dairy bulls, reared until slaughter between 9 and 11 months, then sold as low-carbon beef. Technically classified as a by-product of milk production, the CO2 emitted by the calf is offset against the existing dairy farming process. Because the animal is slaughtered so young it emits less CO2 during its lifetime than cattle reared up to 30 months of age.
Yet pasture based production systems, the traditional methods of prime suckler beef, are sustainable, efficient in resource use and good for the environment.
The argument beef cattle are bad for the environment is wrong. Over 60% of British agricultural land is grassland and much of it, particularly the hills and uplands, is totally unsuitable for other crops.
Semi-natural pasture and improved grasslands play a vital role in locking up carbon dioxide and reducing the flow of rain into water courses.
True there are efficiencies that can be made to reduce environmental impact, through improvements in fertility, mortality, forage crops, manure use and rations that reduce methane and ammonia emissions.
Yet without suckler beef cattle, dairy cows and sheep, the landscape would change beyond recognition. Those ‘environmaniacs’ who simplistically manipulate science to promote their own agenda, must be challenged.
Disease Cost Could Reach £1 Billion
October 2009
Reality is dawning. The current English btb policy cannot continue. It’s not working, the disease is out of control and the financials are frightening.
Fast forward 5 years to 2015, the DEFRA cost of dealing with tb could climb to £1 billion. No wonder there’s a seismic shift within opposition parties and civil servants that the whole charade is unjustifiable, economically wasteful and totally unsustainable.
Currently the Government cost in England and Wales (excluding industry costs for testing and consequential losses) is approximately £100 million this year. Given over 50% herd re-infection and new areas of outbreak, disease cost could easily double to £200 million in just 2 years time.
Badger vaccination will have very little impact for 5 years or more. In the hot spot areas, none at all, as it is too late. The only benefit will be the training of local teams to deal with caged badgers and the inevitable cull. Multiply this with record cattle slaughtering, up by 42% in 2008 over 2007, and you have costs that cannot possibly be contained and will only accelerate.
Hilary Benn’s political cop out in pursuit of a vaccination policy to preserve electorate votes has brought grim consequences. With painful financial pressure on public services, Treasury top ups are highly unlikely. DEFRA will have to fund tb costs from existing budgets – or by farmers.
The long awaited recommendations from the TB Eradication Group this autumn is unlikely to bring much change from current policy, other than to help farmers trade more easily within tb restricted units, a beginning a least. The group’s remit was tightly controlled from the start with Benn’s immoveable decision to vaccinate rather than eradicate.
So could soaring cost be the catalyst for change? We’re all in this together - DEFRA, farmers, smallholders, vets, wildlife groups, tax payers and politicians, to achieve healthy cattle and healthy badgers. We know it cannot go on. With the country and public bruised and battered from recession, current policy protecting infected badgers, no matter what the cost, is over.
Words and photographs by Jilly Greed
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