Calves

Forward Price Calf Rearing Contracts

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Aberdeen Angus calf rearing contracts

The Blade farming Aberdeen Angus calf contract is designed to give Dairy Farmers an opportunity to buy into a Forward price rearing contract for their Holstein Friesian cross Aberdeen Angus calves.

Calf Rearing Specification:

All calves must be sired by a Pedigree registered Aberdeen Angus bull
The calves must be between 10 and 28 days of age at the time of purchase
The weight range for calves will be 48 - 60 kgs
Calves must be healthy and fit to travel
Calves must be fed on their dam's colostrum for at least the first two days of their lives
All calves must be accompanied by a full passport carrying the name of their sire

There are considerable benefits for the Dairy farmer who is prepared to commit calves to the Blade Farming SW calf rearing contract:

Benefits include:

Gestation length reduced by up to 6 days when compared to some recognised beef breeds; Worth up to £21 per cow (GenusABS, 2007)
Considerable reduction in calving problems, again when compared to other recognised beef breeds; Worth up to £5 per cow (GenusABS, 2007)
Small thrifty calves with good growth potential
A secure outlet for calves all year round, backed up by a network of calf rearing units, and a rapidly developing scheme for Aberdeen Angus cattle
A contingency plan for TB restricted calves (subject to Defra movement regulations)

Better Beef Scheme

In response to our customers demand for an improvement in the eating quality and consistency of the beef that is available to the consumer, Blade SW working in partnership with Genus ABS has launched the 'Better Beef Scheme'. The aim of the scheme is to improve the performance of the calves available to Blade Calf Rearers and Contract Finishers, and as such improve the consistency and eating quality of the beef coming through the supply chain to the consumer.

The scheme will use carefully selected bulls and will focus on the Aberdeen Angus. Bulls have been selected by Genus for their improved performance and the 'tender gene' characteristics, which will enhance the eating quality of the meat produced.

Calves must be presented for sale on a full passport (CPP13), be aged between 10 and 24 days old and weigh at least 50 kgs. They will be graded on farm and collected by approved hauliers for delivery either to the collection centre or direct to the calf Rearer.

The Better Beef scheme offers the dairy farmer the following benefits:

A complete package for your cow breeding programme, from advice on sire selection to a secure market for your calves
The opportunity to supply the calves of the highest quality direct to the largest specialist beef finishing business in the UK
The highest quality genetics at a realistic price
Calves graded on farm
A forward contract price for your calves with prices set at the time of ordering the semen
An outlet for non-contract calves at a realistic market price also graded on farm and collected on a regular basis
Safe 14 day payment

Blade Farming is working with Arla Foods Milk Partnership, Genus, ABS, Southern Counties Fresh Foods, Tesco and McDonald's

A guaranteed market for calves is now available to members of the Arla Foods Milk Partnership, enabling members to establish either a forward price contract for their calves or by trading calves into the scheme on a weekly basis.

The better beef scheme has been developed to add value to dairy calves by improving genetics by working together as a true partnership.

A new technology has now offered the beef industry a gene marker test using DNA analysis. The test results can predict the tenderness of the meat and the size of some of the beef cuts.

"The Better Beef Scheme shows how everyone in the supply chain working closely together they can build a good working relationship that achieves a better quality and tastier product. This can only be better for consumers buying British beef in our stores but the scheme also shows how technology and working in partnership can achieve a better return for the producer."

Producer Club Manager
Tesco

If you're interested in receiving a competitive forward price contact for your Aberdeen Angus calves, call us on 0845 601 3281 or Contact Us using our enquiry form.

Blade Farming - Muchelney Road, Huish Episcopi, Langport, Somerset TA10 9HG
Tel: 0845 601 3281 | Fax: 01458 254 556