BEEF producers will have to continually look at management systems and how they need to adapt to suit changing market criteria if they are to ensure future financial stability.

And, with calls from abattoirs for reduced carcase weights, adaptations need to be implemented at the start of the production cycle and with suckled calf producers.

That was just one of the messages from the Whitebred Shorthorn Society's recent open day at Kinnell Estate, Killin, and Tullich Farm, Glenlochay, where attendees were shown Whitebred Shorthorn-sired calves from Welsh Black females and Blue-Grey bulling heifers and females with calves at foot.

“We always believed that weight paid, but the industry has changed and a 300kg-350kg carcase will pay the same as a 400kg-450kg carcase when you take in the penalty deductions,” said SAC beef specialist, Gavin Hill.

“It’s a case of changing your management system. Finishers are now looking for store cattle at 12 to 14 months of age so they can finish them earlier, therefore, suckled calf producers need to make sure the finishers are getting the right article.

“There’s also been a huge shift in the type of cows we’re working with these days but we must make sure the calf is suited the the market place, whatever that market may be," added Mr Hill.

Backing up these statements, Scotbeef procurement manager, Bill MacKinnon, highlighted the fact optimum cattle weights have gone full circle in his time at Scotbeef, with abattoirs now actively looking for lighter types.

“We’re now back where we started with regards to weight – as when I first started at Scotbeef, we were after a 270kg-370kg carcase.

"After BSE, foot-and-mouth, 'horsegate', etc, there was too much emphasis on growth, so I’m very happy with cattle at lighter weights,” pointed out Mr MacKinnon.

Pedigree Whitebred Shorthorn breeder, Adrian Wheelwright, who owns the Longley herd, which is based near Kinross, pointed out that the Whitebred is one of the few breeds that hasn’t changed in size over the years but has instead stayed within a constant weight range.

It should, therefore, be eligible for Morrisons Beef Shorthorn scheme, he argued.

But Gavin Hill warned: “If you go down the route of aiming for a premium, you need to make sure you hit that specification and grade as it is a huge waste of time and resources if you don’t.”