As we see more young bulls heading to slaughter over the coming months, now is the time to have a proper discussion in the beef sector about the place for young bulls. They have the potential to play a greater role as economics push farmers towards greater efficiency. While this is nothing new, the pace of change is picking up as the CAP safety net starts to unravel.

For many beef farms that can produce homegrown cereals, bull beef is the best way to get the most kilos per hectare for the least input. But like calving heifers down at two years of age, it takes increased attention to detail and there are smaller margins for error or poor luck. For the majority of Scotland’s landmass it wouldn’t be appropriate. However, if subsidy support is cut further many low ground farms may need to look at bull beef to cover costs.

Two years on from the SAMW call to reduce bull numbers they have and unsurprisingly as a result, have seen a stronger bull price. Figures from Iain MacDonald at QMS shows that based on a typical slaughter age the average revenue per month of life is £62 for a steer, £56 for a heifer and £86 for a young bull. You could argue that farmers need a difference of over 30p/kg to offset the inefficiencies for steers. You can read more on pages 12-13 in this week’s paper.

Bulls don’t fit neatly into our Scotch brand or retail specs which most often only call for steers and heifers. However, the returns for bull beef systems are often higher, and if that keeps the bank manager happy then that’s more important than any feelgood factor.

If we are to maximise efficiency some farms may need to look at bull beef. However, the market is finely balanced and an oversupply could see prices tumble, farmers need to speak to their processor before deciding to not cut male calves. There needs to be a proper discussion across the beef sector on the role of bull beef. Currently, farmers are getting mixed signals.

On the one hand they are to drive efficiency and profit while on the other they are to fit into a brand image and retailer specification. Too often, we forget that successful farmers firstly hit the right spec with their cattle then produce as many as possible for as cheaply as possible.

Incompetent bureaucrats or an EU conspiracy

The extended wait to get relaxation on the three-crop rule means that very few if any farmers will be able to take advantage of the change. While southern Ireland seemed to get its extension within days, the UK had to wait weeks before getting the all-clear.

The excuses give lead to two different worrying conclusions. If you ask the Commission why there was a delay they will explain that the request had insufficient evidence. The question has to ask if other countries can get a quick clearance why couldn’t we? An extra day or two perhaps, but not letting it run on for weeks.

The second potential reason is all together more sinister; the EU no longer takes the UK seriously. Did Brussels bureaucrats give our request far less urgency due to our imminent departure from the club? If true this would be a very worrying change of events, as we could have a few more years complying with EU rules while we go through Brexit and transition, where a strong working relationship will be vital.