grass fed could be the way forward

[SteveM]

farmers guardian report suggests that grass fed traditional beef could be the way forward

http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/bus ... General%5D

[Broomcroft]

Well what do you know, customer want marbling, I'd never have guessed . Apparently it tastes better, well I never, you learn something every day! The fact it's been top dog and best price (and in the grading system officially) for donkeys years in the US, has (maybe) finally crossed the pond in a very slow boat. Who said what happens in the US happens here 20 years later? I thought that was old hat, but maybe not!

[Rob R]

Well, I didn't see that coming

[wagra dexters]

The fish are biting!!

[ann]

Clive I'm a bit worried about all the dog and donkey in your post, are they grass fed too

[Broomcroft]

[Rob R]

Not according to this guy...

[Broomcroft]

I think that's where we'll end up Rob, completely the opposite of where we would like to be. I was told by someone that there is semen from one or just a few incredibly fast growing super-bulls (Charolais, not sure?) being used. The calves can go to slaughter at 10 months, weighing 300kg deadweight or so, and they won't have reached that weight on grass . I may have the facts wrong but that's the general gist. Don't know whether anyone else has heard this one?

Personally, and unfortunately, I think that's where the future of farming lies. Mass production, advanced genetics, get the animal off the farm as quick as possible like we do with lambs. Taking animals over the winter more than once will become a thing of the past or just for a niche, expensive market.

Mind you, it's still better than the next stage beyond that one, the manufacture of meat without animals. i.e. grow it in a factory.

[Rob R]

He seems to be saying that housing is the mostly costly part, which is true, but a good mixed farm would make use of cattle buildings in the winter. I don't agree with him on the labour front, as it's much easier when the end of winter comes and we can turn them out. My dad used to use the cattle building for tipping corn up in while the beast went into the milking cows winter accomodation and they were out at grass. The other option is to keep them outside and not have a shed.

I see a divergence, with grass feeding and feedlot feeding, not unlike the US. I know which one I'll be eating!