Marketing Cattle is a Key Decision for the Future
5th May 2023
A total of 381 calves born in the spring of 2022 have been sold in early 2023 leaving approximately a further 40 to sell. An average price of £1050 per animal generated £401,000 income for the farm.
The majority were sold through the market and 60 sold privately - the key question for the business is how to maximise sale price through marketing.
Should Dalswinton be developing partnerships with the objective of creating a premium or is the best strategy to sell through market. The third option is to change the business by developing a finishing side.
As the consumer is more aware of the credentials of the food they eat we need to ensure Dalswinton becomes recognised for the quality product it produces which is becoming an increasingly important requirement. Achieving this is one of the keys to producing a successful business in the future.
Dalswinton Facts
- The herd is 550 suckler cows
- The breeds consist of Blue Greys, Luings, and Shorthorn. They are then crossed with an Aberdeen-Angus. The terminal sire is a Charolais.
- Stores are sold at 10 to 12 months old at an average weight of 400kg
Each week on the lead up to Scotland’s Beef Event at Dalswinton, Peter will put together a headline of information with a different subject area about the herd. The publication schedule is as follows:
1 Introduction to Dalswinton
2 Production of beef at Dalswinton
3 Marketing of beef at Dalswinton
4 Controlling cost at Dalswinton
5 Cropping at Dalswinton
6 Carbon and Biodiversity position at Dalswinton
7 Financial support at Dalswinton
8 Application of modern technology options at Dalswinton
9 The future at Dalswinton
If you are interested in finding out more about the Dalswinton Estate beef enterprise and the future of Scottish beef production, head along to Scotland’s Beef Event at Dalswinton Estate, Dumfriesshire, on Tuesday, 6 June. Tickets are now available to purchase and don’t forget to take advantage of the Early Bird discount.
