Why Aberdeen-Angus?
The Aberdeen-Angus breed is recognised throughout the world and is the only beef breed to have true “brand” characteristics.
In an era where easy management, economy of production and superior beef qualities have never been more important, the Aberdeen-Angus offers endless advantages for many livestock systems.
With support from retailers such as Waitrose and Marks and Spencer and food outlets such as Burger King, demand for Aberdeen-Angus is soaring, presenting commercial beef producers with a huge opportunity to produce a product which the market requires and is prepared to pay a premium for.
Here’s what industry representatives think about the Aberdeen-Angus breed and brand.
The processor –David Gunner, Dovecote Park
“Carcass balance is very important to us as we need to sell in to the best markets. Waitrose continually work with us to provide new and innovative products for its Aberdeen-Angus range. This work is reflected in the premium we can afford to pay back to our producers.”
The supermarket –Sir Stuart Rose, Marks and Spencer
“For Marks and Spencer it's all about quality and consistency and that’s what the Aberdeen-Angus represents.”
The food outlet –David Kisilevsky, Burger King
“You mention Angus and instantly there is a connection with quality. It has completely reframed how our customers perceive our brand. Without question the Angus burger has been the single most important and successful new product for Burger King in the UK in the last 10 years.”
The beef finisher – Robin Braes, Burnshott Farm
“For us the Aberdeen-Angus performs far better than the Continental breeds. They finish better and kill out at a 10-15% better return.”
Chief Executive – Ron McHattie, The Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society
“The society is a service business, pure and simple. We service the needs of our members and its important that we develop the society to deliver a wide range of services both at genetic level, a breed improvement level and on the IT front so that they can develop breeding programs with the help of the society to improve the efficiency of the production systems.”
The suckler producer –
Gary Gray,
Beckhithe Farm
“Beckhithe have a suckler herd of more than 1000 cows which are bred with pedigree Aberdeen Angus bulls, providing easier calving, quiet temperament and quality of beef for which the breed is renowned. Easy calving is paramount in our operation given the animals graze some 3500 acres and are only checked once a day.
The average finishing age for steer and heifer sales last year was just over 23 months with an average carcase size of 322kg. We supply Waitorse with a consistently high meat product, this breed suits that need perfectly.”
The pedigree breeder –
Russell Taylor,
Moncur Aberdeen-Angus
“It all hinges on quality at Moncur. We had Aberdeen-Angus cattle in the 60`s and have experimented with many pedigree breeds since including Charolais, Simmental, Lincoln Red, Gelbvieh, Romagnola, Chianina and a few others and have come the full circle to rely on the best with Aberdeen Angus.
Aberdeen-Angus cattle are so much easier to handle, to calve and have great longevity. They are cheaper to keep and can be finished off grass so there is more money at the end of the day, which is further bolstered by the added premium Aberdeen-Angus beef attracts because of its superior eating qualities.
The auctioneer –
David Leggat,
United Auctions
“There is something quite special about the Aberdeen-Angus, quite apart from their commercial attributes.”
