30 month exemption

Kathy Millar · Post by **Kathy Millar** » Sun May 28, 2006 4:08 pm

Just read in the Stockman Grass Farmer that the White Close Hill Farm of Gilmonby, which supplies beef to the Rules restaurant, has been granted an exemption to the 30 month rule. They are now allowed to slaughter up to 42 months of age. I had no idea that exemptions were allowed. These are with Belted Galloways that are 100% grassfed. Is there much grain finishing of cattle in the UK? It is the norm here.

Kathy

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Mon May 29, 2006 7:45 pm

Hi Kathy,
I would imagine that grass finished beef in the UK is only a small amount of the total kill. Most animals here are dairy bred which makes them difficult to finish off of grass, also there a a lot of different finishing methods, from intensive 12 month bull beef to 36 month extensive using native breeds. When I have the oportunity I hope to be able to try different methods with my Dexters. from early finishing at 12 months to a more normal 24 months and a longer 36 months (if we are allowed). This will allow me to try beef from cattle of different ages and also if the early finishing is possible may allow me to carry more cows on the same amount of land, or if the 36 months works out tastier maybe a few less.

Kathy Millar · Post by **Kathy Millar** » Tue May 30, 2006 4:05 pm

Hi Martin,

Because of the high costs of slaughter, I'm going to take my steers to as big as I can. Unfortunately I have absolutely no eye for discerning when an animal is "finished" so I'll just have to muddle along as usual. :p

Kathy

Martin · Post by **Martin** » Tue May 30, 2006 5:08 pm

I'm sure there must be some publications giving some indication of levels of finish. If you get in touch with your version of our DEFRA I am sure they will be able to help. Judging when to kill can be difficult when you have no experience, if you have a local slaughter house try to go along and look at the before and after. It's the best way to learn.