As part of their events partnership deal announced earlier this year with Dunbia, YFCU clubs from around the province will have the opportunity to experience the whole supply chain by way of live to dead tours hosted by the meat processor.
Lisbellaw Young Farmers were the first to experience a live to dead tour which was described as “hugely informative and insightful” by the group.
George Williamson (Dunbia Agriculture Manger) presented the growth history of Dunbia to the 25 young farmers, as well as the Hereford Beef Scheme and the benefits it has brought to Dunbia’s customer markets whilst improving farmers’ margins.
Virtual software was used by Emma Nelson (Agriculture Graduate) to illustrate the EUROP grid grading system which the young farmers put into practice later in the tour when they had to grade animals in the Lairage; Lisa Balfour and Williams Parkinson of Lisbellaw YFC judged all four animals to accurate weights and grades both winning tickets to Balmoral Show where they will enjoy hospitality with Dunbia.
On completion of the event George Williamson commented “it was fantastic to see such a good turnout of young farmers from the Lisbellaw YFC keen to see first-hand the whole supply chain and all that is involved in getting food from gate to plate. It is our intention that these young farmers become well educated in the entire production process so they can better understand costs of production and bring these learnings back to their farming enterprises, improving margins for them and all stakeholders in the complex chain.”
