BEEF prices have held up “better than expected”, delegates were told at an AHDB Beef and Lamb levypayers’ meeting near Saltburn recently.

“Improving Beef Performance” saw delegates given an update on meeting specification targets and hear how the stabiliser suckler herd was managed at the host farm.

Steve Dunkley of AHDB said that the good news about beef prices in recent months was despite overall production showing an increase of just over four per cent.

The anticipated higher number of cull cows on the market, owing to dairy farmers giving up production, had influenced returns, but the effect had not been as significant as earlier forecasts.

Price volatility had been one of the greatest challenges for beef producers over the past three years, he said.

“Our beef price is among the highest in the world,” said Mr Dunkley. “But, countries like Uruguay and Brazil are very competitive on a global basis, owing to their high production volumes and lower cost base.

“Producers in England have to focus on good quality and consistency. Retailers are demanding smaller sirloins that can be cut in steaks that fit neatly into packaging, for example.

“This could offer a potential opportunity to increase margins, by sending animals for slaughter earlier and taking advantage of greater feed efficiency at younger ages.”

Mr Dunkley admitted that tackling carcase variability was not an easy task, given the many different breeds and production systems.

However, only 50 per cent of animals presented at slaughter met target specifications and there was considerable room for improvement.

There was no market for over-fat cattle and every extra day that an animal stayed on the farm incurred costs, in terms of feed, accommodation and labour. Failure to hit specification and subsequent payment deductions could quickly erode profitability.

He said: “Abattoirs are also reporting other rejection losses in cattle, such as liver fluke, bruising and abscesses, but these can be minimised by using clean needles for injections and choosing injection sites with care.

“Handling systems should have smooth walls and non-slip floors and ramps should be on a gradual incline. Another issue is dark cutting meat, which is generally the result of handling stress that has occurred in the 24-48 hours before slaughter, particularly in bulls.

“Avoid overcrowding during transport and separate horned cattle from non-horned. It is also important to ensure that cattle are clean on arrival, because extreme cases may lead to rejection – a clean hide is worth more than a dirty one, which also carries the risk of carcase contamination.”