Beef

Research into the DNA of cows is being used to help produce better dairy and beef cattle, but it could also improve the health and lifespan of humans. Nick Drainey reports.

The University of Edinburgh Students Association is the latest body to join the anti-meat campaign following a bad-tempered meeting where agricultural students were denied a voice before being shown the door.

The reserve senior champion led the Limousin trade at 13,500gns, which finished with an average up 130 on the year at 4,730.34 for 59 animals sold, and a clearance rate of 81 per cent.

A packed ringside saw Aberdeen-Angus bulls sell to a high of 25,000gns, matching last year’s top call.

Beef Shorthorn bulls sold to a high of 20,000gns twice, with averages up 104 on the year for 53 bulls sold at 4,780, and a clearance rate of 61 per cent.

Cancer charity Macmillan has announced it will no longer ‘actively’ promote its Meat-Free March campaign, following backlash from farmers.

Methane produced by cows and other livestock does not contribute the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), according to an expert in air quality.

A British grain trader, who travelled to Australia to help with bushfire relief efforts, has praised the strong sense of community spirit in spite of the devastation.

Store cattle prices are strengthening, with numbers sold through auction markets lower than a year ago.

This year’s British Cattle Breeders Club Conference, held at Telford, focussed on succession as a way of building a sustainable future. Katie Jones and Hannah Noble report.