The grass advantage changing the game for integrated beef

It’s no secret that feed bills are on the rise. But for Martyn Kent, farming in North Cornwall, it’s an expense that no longer dominates the balance sheet.

After returning from work abroad, Martyn had plans to stock his all-grassland farm with native breed cattle.

The free draining, loamy soil and 1021mm of average local rainfall provided good grass-growing potential, but improvements don’t always come cheap.

That’s where the Gamechanger scheme came in. It’s an industry leading integrated supply chain, providing farmers like Martyn with greater security and stability.

The programme embraces the very best Aberdeen Angus genetics, delivering premium British beef for Sainsbury’s supermarket shelves with a lower carbon footprint.

With Gamechanger supplying Martyn’s cattle on finance, capital could then be spent on maximising the gains available from finishing on grass – a surefire way to produce the highest quality beef the Gamechanger supply chain is becoming famous for.

The first cattle arrived in March 2020 and were soon out to grass.

The small amounts of concentrate fed early in the grazing period were quickly reduced, and Martyn has taken care to improve the quality of grazing available – rotating pasture and topping off fields to allow for fresh grazing, if all goes well, from March to the end of October.

Since turnout in April 2021, the cattle have been moved to fresh grazing on a regular basis; the steers have had 2 kg/d of the barley mix, with the heifers on no dry feed at all.

At slaughter, beginning in late June, the steers averaged 647 kg lwt and the heifers 602 kg lwt.

There’s little purchased feed coming on to the farm, so tightly controlled paddock grazing, and new grass and clover leys are in the works, as well as a new cattle shed. All thanks to support and finance from Gamechanger.

© Anglo Beef Processors Ltd

There’s a similar story to be told at Northcombe Farm, where Ben Moody farms 250 acres.

Nearly half of Ben’s land is classified as a Severely Disadvantaged Area (SDA), offering greater environmental challenges, so enhancing the natural benefits of grass is key to turning a profit.

Ben has committed to a 5-year mid-tier Countryside Stewardship Scheme, offering a range of options and capital to boost environmental benefits.

One of these options is grassland and grazing management, with the nitrogen fixation of 16 acres of herbal lay helping reduce the need for nitrogen fertilisers and minimising inputs.

Ben also utilises the dung from calf rearing to spread on grass and stubble, and their grass mix has been specifically designed for the lower temperatures found at the farm’s altitude 1000 feet above sea level.

With better grass and grazing comes reduced protein usage, higher productivity and greater efficiency. But for Ben, the impact on the natural environment is just as important.

The farm practices alternative hedge trimming to protect birds, and encourages local wildlife through a large beech avenue. Electricity bills have also been halved by the installation of solar panels.

It’s an approach to farming that’s totally in sync with the Gamechanger programme. Maximising quality and efficiency for farmers, whilst providing capital and support to grow their businesses.

But all backed by a wider commitment. To sustainable management of the natural environment. And to the happy, healthy animals that ensure Sainsbury’ customers find the highest quality British beef on their supermarket shelves.