Understanding Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) – Free workshops

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), in conjunction with SAC Consulting, a division of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), is offering commercial beef farmers the opportunity to attend free workshops on Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).

The three workshops, being held in Peterhead on 12th January, Lanark on 27th January and Dumfries on 28th January, are being led by SAC Consulting’s beef specialist team and will help producers gain a better understanding of EBVs and how to select bulls for specific purposes on the farm. Potential buyers will also benefit from the day as there will be a session on understanding health cards and an opportunity to work with catalogue figures in preparation for the imminent bull sales.

EBVs provide information on which bulls will breed calves that will maximise returns for the store producer and finisher.

The performance information is available to allow bulls to be chosen for their ability to produce good milky replacement heifers, judge which bulls are best to be used with heifers to avoid calving difficulties and see which bulls are the best to use for beef production.

Douglas Bell, QMS Head of Industry Development, said the workshops will offer a valuable opportunity for cattle farmers to get to grips with EBVs and how they can benefit their businesses.

“Previous workshops have proved extremely popular and we look forward to more farmers leaving next month’s events with an improved understanding of performance recording and why they should use it as an essential decision making tool when buying a breeding bull.”

Gavin Hill, SAC Beef Specialist said: “The workshops will allow active participation and so help farmers in attendance gain a better understanding and ability to use EBVs.

“I would urge any farmer thinking of buying a breeding bull, whether it be for maternal or terminal use, to contact the relevant SAC office and book a place at these workshops.”

The details of the three workshops are:

Tuesday 12th January 2016 - Saplinbrae Hotel, Mintlaw, Peterhead, AB42 4LP. To book place please contact: SAC Consulting Turriff, t: 01888 563333 e: FBSTurriff@sac.co.uk

Wednesday 27th January 2016 - Lanark Agricultural Centre, Muirglen, Hyndford Road, Lanark, ML11 9AX. To book place please contact: SAC Consulting Lanark, t: 01555 662562, e: FBSLanark@sac.co.uk

Thursday 28th January 2016 - Woodlands House Hotel, New Bridge, Dumfries, DG2 0HZ. To book place please contact: SAC Consulting Dumfries, t: 01387 261172 e: FBSDumfries@sac.co.uk

Time: 11am to 3.30pm. Attendance at these workshops is free and lunch is provided.