MORRISONS needs more Beef Shorthorn sired cattle for its Traditional Beef Scheme.

The supermarket - which pays a 30p/kg premium for the beef - has seen its weekly kill of native bred cattle increase to more than 400 head since it relaunched its prepack format in June.

Caroline Thompson, from Morrisons, said: "Beef Shorthorn is numerically Britain’s fastest growing native breed, it currently makes up almost 40 per cent of our traditional breeds weekly throughput and so far we are really pleased with its’ offer. Last year over 98 per cent of the Beef Shorthorn sired beef supplied to the scheme was within our spec and received a 30p/kg premium.

"Our ultimate goal is for Beef Shorthorn to make up 100 per cent of our Traditional Beef weekly kill, however in order to do so, we need to expand numbers considerably; ideally we would like a dedicated supply chain featuring farmers who are willing to commit their entire crop of surplus Beef Shorthorn sired cattle to specific finishers."

Frank Milnes, from the Beef Shorthorn Society, said: “Morrisons Traditional Beef Scheme launched exactly three years ago has introduced a very welcome boost for the breed by helping to increase the value of Beef Shorthorn bred steers which were previously regarded as a by-product. That trend is reflected in calf registrations - up 41 per cent since 2011.

“The additional steers now coming in to the system are commanding significant premiums in the ring from finishers confident they have the genetic potential to meet the spec and ultimately meet with Morrisons growing demand. It’s now over to suckler producers who recognise Beef Shorthorn as the functional suckler cow to respond to that interest.”