4 August 2010

4 minute read

Europe

It was a massive breakthrough for the industry and demonstrates both the hard work that Meadow Quality has invested on behalf of its customers and the new, less restrictive approach that the Government is trying to adopt in rural legislation. Trading Standards, Animal Health and DEFRA have strongly supported the first collection of calves from TB2 restricted dairy units into the Meadow Quality Calf Collection Centre in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

The dedicated TB2 collection took place on Thursday 15th July and saw over 100 good quality calves forward from dairy producers in Wiltshire and the surrounding counties of Gloucestershire and Somerset. DEFRA licensed all calves into the calf collection centre with applications made for licences 10 working days prior to the collection date.

On arrival at the centre, the calves were subjected to a health check, weighing, grading and batching into uniform consignments to fit purchaser’s requirements.

All eligible buyers must be licensed as an “Approved Finishing Unit” (AFU) or an “Approved Quarantine Unit” (AQU) to qualify to purchase the calves from this specialised TB2 collection. The TB2 collection is planned to run every six weeks in addition to Meadow Quality’s weekly Tuesday calf collection which handles calves from holdings that are free from any TB restrictions.

Simon Fryar, Meadow Quality’s Commercial manager, said: “We have been moving 2500 calves annually, directly from our Dairy producers’ restricted holdings under licence into our dedicated TB Calf Rearing unit. This facility has provided dairy farmers with a much needed service, but it has been restrictive in its nature.

"In operating this new system, we are able to ensure a more transparent market value is created for the calves. The diverse customer base gives us the opportunity to market both dairy and beef cross calves and control the type and quality of the calves leaving the centre, sending purchasers the correct raw materials their business requires.

"The collection is conducted in a controlled environment where traceability and welfare is paramount”. Looking ahead, Mr Fryar added, “As the service builds momentum, we forecast in excess of 400 calves at a TB2 collection. This will provide our dairy producers with an opportunity to regularly reduce their stocking rates, improving farm welfare and overall herd health and reducing the associated costs with retaining extra calves longer than their management system dictates”.

Mr Fryar then adds a word of caution: “To ensure that the system is not a victim of its own success, we are aggressively looking for additional AFU/AQU approved purchasers and further TB rearing units to keep ahead of supply.

"The opportunities for these producers are significant as there is a very large pool of high quality calves that are in very short supply in the ‘normal’ market place and there may be further commercial beef finishing units that could consider gaining AFU or AQU approval. Meadow Quality will provide guidance and support for any producers considering this option and with their support; we can take positive steps to address the TB issue”.

Mr Fryar states that Meadow Quality was very pleased with the trial collection; the support from Dairy producers and in particular, the Animal Health Authorities was tremendous.

The launch of Meadow Quality’s dedicated TB collection has coincided with the Government forming a new TB South West Advisory Service which has been created to offer help and advice to holdings under restrictions and this will certainly add some further opportunities for them to discuss.

In summary, this new facility should offer:

Dairy Producers:

• Regular collection of calves whilst under TB2 restriction (DEFRA approval needed)
• Regular cash-flow for sales, with full credit security
• Improved Welfare as stocking densities reduced
• Reduced health issues
• Improved calf values received
• Meadow Quality assists in licence applications, reducing the hassle!

Beef Producers:

• Calves priced to allow for added costs due to restrictions.
• Regular supply of good quality calves, without having to take calves you don’t want.
• Level batches of calves for easier management.
• Uniform consignments of breeds, quality and sex.
• Self selection of calves if required.
• Meadow Quality applies for the movement licenses on the purchaser’s behalf .

TheCattleSite News Desk