A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage more farmers to produce Blue Grey cattle.
It follows rising demand and a tremendous response to a recent promotion of the quality of beef from Blue Grey steers.
The Blue Grey Cattle Group recently commissioned an independent costings study into the Blue Grey suckler by SAC.
The results showed they yielded a profit which was an impressive £260 per head higher than the national benchmark averages from QMS and Eblex for 2011.
The results were driven by the high fertility of the hybrid suckler, her easy and low-cost maintenance, along with the ability to cross with any continental breed sire and produce abundant milk to feed her larger cross continental progeny.
The group says the study and excellent stock on display at agricultural shows, has made many farmers stop and re-consider the Blue Grey.
A recent campaign encouraging consumers to seek out beef from Blue Grey steers also resulted in a large number of inquiries from consumers and butchers shops from across the UK.
Karen Telford, Blue Grey Cattle Group secretary, said: “We are looking for more farmers to start producing Blue Greys to help us meet the increased demand.”
The Galloway Society has confirmed that there are many new Galloway herds in England as a direct result of the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme payment to farmers to graze environmentally important land with native breeds of cattle.
“We really need a few of these farmers to buy a Whitebred Shorthorn bull and start producing Blue Greys,” said Tom Robinson, chairman of the Whitebred Shorthorn Association.
The Blue Grey Cattle Group expect demand will increase further if their recent application to Slow Foods for beef from Blue Grey steers is accepted.
“Obviously there is a lead time to produce heifers and bullocks, so we would be pleased to hear from interested farmers,” said Mr Robinson.
Whitebred Shorthorn bull
Promotion of the Blue Grey was funded by the Solway, Borders & Eden Leader Programme.
All parties recognise the cultural and economic significance of the long-standing Blue Grey and its parent breeds, the Galloway cow and the Whitebred Shorthorn bull.
For details, contact either Karen Telford at secretary@bluegreycattle.org.
uk or on 0131 4774363 or Tom Robinson on 01830 540481.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here