SCOTTISH red meat and dairy interests have committed to work together to maximise the potential for beef production from Scotland's dairy herd.

NFU Scotland facilitated a recent meeting to consider how the beef sector can fully utilise the potential of the dairy sector, involving contributions from Scottish Government officials, the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board; Quality Meat Scotland, the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society, the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, beef processors Scotbeef and ABP, the Scottish Dairy Hub and SRUC.

The key message to emerge was that all are committed to working together to increase the quality and quantity of cattle from both the dairy and beef herds that are being presented for processing in Scotland.

Beef production and processing in Scotland currently faces challenges including, first and foremost, levels of profitability that are, at best, marginal, which has prompted a decline in overall beef production and processing capacity and risks to the sector's critical mass.

All parties agreed that, with the UK only 75% self-sufficient in beef, the opportunities were there for both import substitution as well as increasing exports. That was feasible given the strength of the Scottish brand, backed by the work and reputation of farmers, processors and QMS.

Speaking after the meeting, NFUS vice president Gary Mitchell said: “The key focus of this meeting was to assess the potential for increased production of quality beef from the dairy sector to complement beef from the suckler sector.

“There was agreement that dairy has the potential to provide significant numbers of beef-bred animals for beef production if the breeding and systems on dairy farms can deliver the right product to rearers, finishers, and processors, while meeting the needs of the final customers," reported Mr Mitchell.

“The group agreed there is merit in exploring existing supply chain initiatives; assessing the potential in Scotland to develop pilot schemes; assessing breeding, feeding and management systems; considering the potential to develop calf rearing systems with professional expertise and initiatives to streamline efficiency and collaboration."