Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) developed and launched at this year’s online AgriScot event, the practical Meat the Grade virtual tool, that will highlight key factors which need to be considered by farmers to ensure that livestock meet target carcass specifications required by processors and consumers.
Beth Alexander, QMS Cattle and Sheep Specialist, said that the tool will provide producers with the skills and knowledge to maximize their returns and minimize the risk of condemnations and carcass downgrades.
“The Meat the Grade tool will demonstrate how the EUROP grading system works as well as providing valuable market driven insights to stock selection, carcass specification and grading techniques to ensure that livestock meet target carcass specifications required by processors and therefore maximize the best price for farmers.
”Developed to complement the successful face-to-face Meat the Market events held earlier in the year; Meat the Grade will allow farmers to access the same information from the comfort of the farm office 24/7.
The tool will also give producers an opportunity to learn more about the whole supply chain, the hygiene requirements, and insight into the products consumers want to buy.
Approximately 40% of lambs and 20-30% of cattle failed to meet market specifications in 2018, with overfat and overweight being two of the most common reasons for ‘out of spec’ carcasses. Livestock farmers will now have access to a free online tool which will help them to boost their bottom line by improving livestock selection and management for slaughter.
