“We have seen a welcome upturn in trade in the last 12 months thanks to the resumption of exports, both cull cows and bulls have returned to the food chain, and there were fewer beasts coming on to the market, however margins continue to remain very slim,” he said.

“Beef has followed the same trend as the main arable commodities which are forecast to continue to remain firm in the short to medium term due to global influences and the emerging demand for biofuel.

“Beef prices should follow suit in 2007 as the export trade begins to pick up, however the marketplace is really outwith farmers control. One thing we are attempting, and that is improve everything we’re doing at a technical level; we’re focusing on the golden triangle - genetics, management and nutrition.”

Christopher Askwith with his brother Graham farms 425 acres based at Middle Mown Meadow, Crook.

Former dairy producers, the Askwiths decided to introduce a beef enterprise post FMD and nowadays finish an annual 500 head of store cattle on a relatively low input least cost system. Continental cross steers are taken through to 650kgs within 12 months, and heifers, 550kg to 580kg within nine to 10 months.

Source: Stackyard