Producers Learn to Make More from Cattle
15 October 2009
Two recent events delivered by the C2 project in partnership with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), helped primary producers get a better understanding of how to maximise the value of their cattle.
250 producers attended an event at Attonburn Farm, near Kelso, at the end of August hosted by the Luing Cattle Society. As well as stock judging, a farm tour and talks about the breed, visitors were able to view two seam cutting butchery demonstrations delivered by Gordon Gibb from Polaris Training,
Says Kathy Peebles, QMS Livestock Development Manager: "Chefs are interested in being able to give diners new experiences and the Luing breed is an excellent example of a native stock which has an interesting story behind its development. Whilst the emphasis is often on breeding replacement females to maintain the Luing pedigree, males and those not suitable for breeding, have value in the food chain."
Luing producers were shown how large muscles can be broken down into smaller muscle cuts which allows the meat industry to add value and chefs to better utilise the product to create even cooking and a better consumer experience. This also reduces waste and improves the financial return to the industry.
In September, the North West Cattle Producers Association was given a seam butchery demonstration as part of a day-long event at Achnairn, Lairg. The cutting demonstration, which covered the same techniques as the Attonburn event, followed workshops on animal health, cattle type, nutrition and safeguarding the land.
Those attending also heard a discussion on livestock handling techniques which can improve carcase quality which, in turn, improves the financial return to the industry.
www.qmscotland.co.uk
