New machines would significantly improve the accuracy of cattle grading in Irish factories, results from a Department of Agriculture trial have revealed.

A long-awaited report, seen by the Irish Farmers Journal, shows that using LED lighting and a digital camera improved the quality of image captured at grading.

The trial involved 2,100 carcases going through the grading process in both the old analogue grading machine and the newer LED and digital machine.

Sharper images

It found that the newer machine delivered sharper images that enable more precise grades to be allocated.

The new machine was 0.9% more accurate on conformation and 7.6% more accurate on fat scores for the 2,100 cattle.

Both the old and new machines are well above the required EU standard.

The improved accuracy will mean that some farmers will win and some farmers will lose.

Obsolete

The trial was prompted by the fact that the current grading machines are becoming obsolete, with parts no longer available, and new machines are required.

Factories also have the option of using licensed classification staff to carry out cattle grading, but they are unlikely to use it because machine grading is preferred.

The trial was carried out in Slaney Foods in Co Wexford between May 2018 and March 2019. As part of the recent Irish Beef Sector Agreement, it was agreed that farmers should have access to the images of their cattle if a grade or trim is in dispute.

These new higher-quality images will allow them to better scrutinise their own cattle and grades.

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