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Tesco’s Aberdeen Angus Scheme will continue to pay a maximum bonus of 30p/kg on eligible animals. However, there are some changes to the bonus payment structure, effective from 1 November 2020.
The most notable changes are on carcase weight and age at slaughter.
Animals with a carcase weight of 270kg to 290kg will be eligible for a 7p/kg bonus, as will those with a carcase weight from 361kg to 380kg.
Carcase weights between 291kg and 360kg are eligible for a 12p/kg bonus. Carcases below 270kg and exceeding 380kg do not qualify for a bonus.
This is a change from the current scheme, which paid the higher bonus on a weight range from 290kg to 350kg.
Slaughter age
Cattle slaughtered under 24 months of age will receive a 14p/kg bonus. Cattle exceeding 24 months of age will not receive any top-up payments.
The maximum age for animals to be eligible for any payments within the scheme is 26 months.
A 4p/kg bonus is now payable where antibiotic use is recorded and supplied on animals processed under the scheme. Therefore, to qualify for the full 30p/kg bonus, as well as this information on antibiotic use, cattle must be slaughtered under 24 months of age at a carcase weight range of 291kg to 360kg.
Other changes
In addition, the scheme now requires animals to have spent the final 90 days prior to slaughter on a farm quality assured unit, an increase from 60 days.
Cattle must be grazed for six months of the year and offered a diet with at least 50% forage for the remaining six months.
Finally, participants in the scheme must continue to supply forecasts on cattle numbers, which can be amended throughout the year.
Foyle
Steers and heifers supplied through the Foyle Food Group are eligible, with base price in the Tesco scheme matching the R4L price for steers and heifers in Britain.
Foyle has a long-standing partnership with Aberdeen Angus Quality Beef (AAQB) Ltd. which co-ordinates the Tesco scheme, and also has its own existing arrangement. It continues to pay 30p/kg above NI base price for Angus cattle at slaughter that are 240kg to 420kg, at least O-, fat class 3 and 4, and up to 30 months old.
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