Farmer Profile: Paul Westaway

A simple system, an understanding and committed processor and a drive for low cost production – that’s the secret to a profitable beef enterprise, according to Paul Westaway

Finishing Aberdeen-Angus cross heifers to 18-19 months old to a tight carcass specification on a forage based system might sound like a challenge, but for Paul and Kirsty Westaway it’s the only profitable method that works.

On moving to Grange Farm, Dymock, north Gloucester in 2006, it was decided that alongside Paul’s full-time job working for Genus Breeding, the couple would establish Melview Farming – a beef finishing enterprise, finishing native cross calves on contract for Blade South West.

Kirsty & Paul Westaway

The 100-acre farm is an ex dairy county council holding in desperate need of some attention. “With potential to rear beef calves from 12 weeks of age and some financial backing from Gloucester County council, in nice months Kirsty and I managed to transform cattle housing, reseed land and establish a strong relationship with a nutritionist and processor.”

Currently Paul and Kirsty rear about 125 head of cattle through Blade Farming for the Tesco finest range, alongside a small herd of pedigree Aberdeen-Angus. “We started by rearing native crosses with a mix between Angus and Hereford, but have now streamlined to just Angus with the use of better genetics through Genus Breeding,” explains Paul.

“We’ve pushed hard to improve genetics with this year seeing batches of 40 calves or more sired by one bull – Lorabar Mighty Prince. This has made the comparison process of assessing weight gain and carcass grades more efficient, as well as helping to produce a consistent product for the processor.” Such genetics will see a higher 400 day weight, therefore, a shorter finishing period helping to save the Westaways up to £50 a head.

And because Paul continues to work for Genus, Kirsty does most of the work on the farm, so an easy to manage, stress free system is the key. “The Angus heifers fit well with the system and have the right temperament which suits our young family.”

Working alongside Blade means a strict protocol is in place to minimise health problems such as pneumonia during the rearing phase. “Calves arrive from dedicated rearers with a record of vaccinations and drug treatments, so we know exactly what else is needed throughout the period.”

Aberdeen-Angus/Holstein

To meet the requirements of the Tesco finest brand, our system has to work on a six-month grazing and six-month concentrate diet. We also combine that with a high maize silage diet to improve growth rates and maximise meat quality and flavour,” explains Kirsty.

The Blade contract operates on a forward price basis, but a vital element of that is knowing your production costs.

The Tesco finest brand is going from strength to strength with beef from Melview Farming now stocked in stores across the east of England. “We’re pleased with how the system is working, particularly with the emphasis on better genetics to enhance meat eating quality,” says Paul.

“The Aberdeen-Angus/Holstein mix is working well for us and can for many other contract rearers. The meat is of high quality, the carcass easily hits specification and on the right diet can make significant margins,” he adds.