Hit spec – or else

Feb 21 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

WHEN sending cattle to slaughter, hit spec or it will hit you in the pocket, the English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex) has warned farmers.

To get the best return, animals must be properly finished and at the moment high prices are tempting producers to send under-finished animals.

A steer which is out of specification could be worth more than £100 less than one that meets spec. Not only do you lose out on carcase weight, but penalties could be imposed.

The amount lost will also far outweigh the costs of keeping the animal a bit longer to make sure it makes the grade.

Eblex chief executive Richard Ali said: “Trying to get animals to market that bit earlier to take advantage of higher prices could easily backfire and cost money.

“The best route has always been to make sure animals are properly finished and to the required spec – that is how to get the best price possible.”