Representatives of the beef and lamb industry are being invited to share their thoughts on the future of carcase classification as part of a call for views by AHDB Beef & Lamb.
The EUROP grid, which is currently used for carcase classification under EU regulation, provides a common language for the exchange of price information across Europe and forms the basis of domestic cattle purchase pricing mechanisms. In recent years, the importance and relevance of the EUROP grid in communicating consumer and retailer demand has been challenged and some parts of the industry have expressed a desire to move rewards to meat quality and consumer-based outcomes.
Laura Ryan, AHDB Sector strategy Director for Beef & Lamb, said: "With Brexit right around the corner, this is the perfect time to have an industry-wide discussion to assess the appetite for change in carcase classification and the key industry needs.
"The beef and lamb sector has seen a number of changes in recent years and we want to make sure that, with a potential blank canvas in the pricing of cattle and sheep, that we help industry members have the opportunity to consider factors that are important to today's supply chains and consumers."
As part of the project, AHDB Beef & Lamb has also reviewed classification methods used globally in Australia, USA, Canada, South Africa, South America and Japan, and has been actively speaking to key stakeholders to get their views. Results will then be analysed in September and a consultation will be launched over the winter, should the industry strongly support that.
To be part of the discussion, interested parties should submit their views by Friday 8 September by email to carcase@ahdb.org.uk.
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 206 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 267.7p per kg and an average of 227.6p (-3.3p on the week), while 342 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 310.9p and levelled at 236.9p (+4.6p). Thirty-nine store, B&W bullocks sold to 192.6p and averaged 156.8p (-8.3p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 6 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 232p and an average of 198p, while 9 prime bullocks peaked at 217p and levelled at 201p.
In the rough ring 45 beef cows sold to 173p and averaged 128p, while 26 dairy cows peaked at 123p and levelled at 100p.
The firm also sold 1234 prime lambs to a top of £100 per head and 222p per kg to average 199p (+18p).
A good show of 482 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £157 for a Texel and average £82.62, while light ewes peaked at £68 for Cheviots and levelled at £36.90.
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