New 'farm-to-plate' scheme

Premium supply contracts and competitive prices are being offered to dairy farmers, calf rearers and beef finishers under a new "farm-to-plate" scheme being launched in the region.

Berrys have been asked by Blade Farming to bring their fully integrated farming operation, now proven in the South West, into the West Midlands and North West.

Calf collection, calf rearing and beef finishing operations are now available in these two important livestock regions; bringing the benefit of competitive prices, reliable contracts, and guaranteed no live exports - vital for dairy farmers signing up to the lucrative Tesco milk supply contracts.

"Blade Farming is a new approach to rearing beef animals, aiming to capture and apply best practice to produce high-quality products, profitably and competitively," explained Simon Latter, business consultant with Berrys.

"Farmers in the Blade system are focused on a quality end product and receive guaranteed prices for their animals. The fully-integrated approach means that blood-lines, nutrition, health and welfare, performance, carcass consistency and eating quality are optimised throughout the production process.

"Everyone in the supply chain has an interest in ensuring consumer satisfaction and consumption of British Beef."

"We will take all calves at our collection centres and guarantee that they won't be exported, offering a solution for dairy farmers supplying Tesco on the new premium price contract based on welfare and food safety," said Mr Latter.

Selected calves will be reared under contract to Blade and will then enter one of the various finishing schemes that are specifically designed to deliver value and consistency. Blade aim to finish cattle within tight weight bands, in batches of 40 head, in order to minimise costs and maximise throughput. Welfare standards are high and the Blade precision approach to farming is based on information, analysis, established best practice and close controls.

A bonus is paid for Aberdeen Angus calves, which can be entered into Blade's premium Aberdeen Angus Scheme, developed to fill the growing demand for beef from traditional native breeds.

"The Blade principles are proven successful on farm and can be modified to work with most farming systems, including organic," said Simon.

"We can offer competitive contracts for calf rearing and beef finishing so contact me on 01743 271697 or Alan Bason on 01606 49200 for more information," Simon added.