The agriculture industry is continuing to examine how to maximise the potential for beef production from the dairy herd in Scotland.

Various stakeholders including NFU Scotland, the Scottish Dairy Hub and the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesales (SAMW), recently held a meeting to discuss the potential ways in which the beef sector can fully utilise the potential of the dairy industry.

All parties at the meeting agreed that with the UK being only 75% self-sufficient in beef, there are opportunities available for both imports as well as exports.

Commenting on the subject, NFU Scotland vice president Gary Mitchell said: “The key focus of this meeting was to assess the potential for increased production of quality beef from the dairy sector to complement beef from the suckler sector.

“There was agreement that dairy has the potential to provide significant numbers of beef bred animals for beef production if the breeding and systems on dairy farms can deliver the right product to rearers, finishers and processors, while meeting the needs of the final customers.”

Several ideas were identified that could help promote Scotland’s beef from the dairy herd including developing pilot schemes, developing calf rearing systems and assessing breeding.

Gary added: “The encouraging aspect of this meeting was the acceptance by all, including Scottish Government, that beef production is an iconic sector in Scotland, and that collaboration from all players could build on the important contribution made by beef from our dairy herd.”