Quality Meat Scotland’s Building Better Beef and Lamb events are designed to help producers gain a deeper understanding of the supply chain and ensure they are producing top-quality livestock while securing the best returns. Beef and lamb producers attending these events will leave with essential insights and tools to enhance both profitability and product quality.
Packed with practical, actionable strategies, the events will help farmers optimise production systems and align their operations with the ever-changing demands of the market. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how their management practices influence the entire supply chain, empowering them to make informed and profitable decisions.
These workshops also offer a unique opportunity to connect with key players across Scotland’s livestock sector, with a special focus on the vital role of auction marts. The events will bring together auction mart staff, farmers, and other stakeholders to foster discussions and promote a greater understanding of how production practices impact market trends and demands. Attendees will also experience live examples of how management impacts carcass quality through an engaging butchery demonstration.
The 2020 Suckler Beef Climate Scheme Report emphasised the importance of livestock producers developing comprehensive breeding and marketing plans each season and reviewing performance annually. An effective farm business strategy, aligned with market demands, maximises the use of on-farm resources, including labour, and matches production systems to the most suitable target markets. This includes adopting efficient breeding, nutrition, and health planning, while focusing on market outlets that best suit the chosen production system.
Two events are being held, each focusing on a specific area of livestock production. The first event, focusing on beef, will take place at Dingwall Mart on Tuesday 25 February 2025. The second event, focusing on lamb, will be held at United Auctions Stirling on Monday 3 March.
Speakers at the Dingwall Mart event, focusing on beef, will include representatives from Dingwall & Highland Marts, Conan Vets, and Elaine Duguid, an award-winning beef finisher.
The Stirling event, focusing on lamb, will feature Richard Henderson from United Auctions, Clyde Vets, and Emily Grant, a Sheep Producer and Adviser.
Bruce McConachie, Head of Industry Development at Quality Meat Scotland, said: “Quality Meat Scotland is uniquely positioned to bring together key players in Scotland’s livestock supply chain. These events will provide producers with invaluable insights into how aligning production practices with market demands can boost both productivity and profitability. Auction marts are critical links in Scotland’s supply chain, offering in-depth insight into regional market dynamics. These events will highlight the importance of selling stock at the right time and place to meet buyer demands, ensuring you can maximise profitability for your business. I encourage all farmers to sign up for these sessions—this is your opportunity to acquire the strategies and knowledge needed to elevate your farm’s success.”
Luke Holmes of Dingwall & Highland Marts added: “Getting to know how decisions made on-farm affect how the animal sells is critical to building profitability throughout the supply chain. These workshops will be a great opportunity to gain perspective on how to breed, draw, and market stock for the benefit of everyone in the supply chain.”
Throughout the event, attendees will engage in focused breakout sessions covering a wide range of essential topics. These will include herd and flock planning, genetics and stock selection, efficiency and performance monitoring, health and welfare, nutrition, the finishing process, timing of sales, identifying buyers, and feedback and data capture. Each session is designed to provide farmers with actionable strategies to enhance their operations and stay ahead of market trends.
Register Now!
For Dingwall Mart: Register here
For Stirling: Register here
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