26/02/08
Driving down costs, improving performance and adding value
to modern suckler beef enterprises will be discussed at a workshop
reviewing the Northwest Stabiliser Project’s success to
date at Low Foulshaw Farm, Levens, Kendal, on Wednesday 5 March.
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In addition, newly appointed Barclays Bank head of agriculture,
Pat Tomlinson will provide a financial overview of UK beef production
and offer some pointers for its future success.
Back in 2006, the region’s farmers were offered the opportunity
to join the Northwest Stabiliser Project, a three year £375k
Northwest Food Alliance (NWFA) awarded initiative funded by the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA). Three years on, the Stabiliser
Cattle Company’s Richard Fuller will be discussing the project’s
achievements to date, how it has met the required stringent targets
and the benefits it is delivering.
Host farmers, Richard and Charles Geldard who manage one of the project’s
nucleus herds, will explain how the Stabiliser, noted for its fertility,
is helping to improve performance within the family’s suckler
herd. Calving interval (CI) has been reduced from 18 to 14 weeks
and is on track to achieving the herd’s three months CI target.
In addition, the Stabiliser’s ease of calving ease has been
notable.
Northwest Stabiliser Project co-ordinator, Lowri Williams comments: “The
initiative, which has a projected return of £10.8m to the industry
over 10 years, was designed to enable all interested farmers located
within the region to introduce composite breeding strategies as a
catalyst to improve the efficiency and quality of beef production
and subsequently enhance the competitiveness of their suckler herds.” She
adds: “Support for the project has been unprecedented from
north west suckler producers who are already finding the Stabiliser
is meeting with expectations and helping them to save labour and
other input costs as well as improve overall herd out put and returns.”
Great Support for the Northwest Stabiliser Project
Perth Charolais Peak at 14,000gns
Lloyds
TSB Agriculture Confirmed as Major Sponsor of Beef Expo 2008
Aberdeen-Angus Junior Showmanship Competition
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