New training DVD improves stockjudging skills
YOUNG farmers can now perfect their stockjudging skills with help from a new Meat for the Market training DVD, funded by DEFRA for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).
The useful tool will mean young farmers can get to grips with the basics of stockjudging to develop their skills at home, on the farm and for YFC competitions.
The 20 minute film, produced by EBLEX, explains which parts of the animals are most important and how to judge them both alive and as carcasses. It also explains how to give reasons during judging, using both live and carcase examples.
The DVD will be available to members on the NFYFC website and EBLEX has funded the production of 1,500 copies of the DVD for NFYFC to distribute to counties for members who cannot access the online resource.
Good stock judging skills are increasingly important in livestock farming because of the constant pressure to match animals to market demands.
The DVD is just part of a range of materials and training that NFYFC and EBLEX are working on together. The two organisations have also produced a Guide to Stock Judging, which is available in print and on the NFYFC website, and they are currently running free Meat for the Market training, with a beef event taking place on 18 October in Chesterfield.
Helen Reeve, agriculture chairman, said: “The agriculture committee works with industry to ensure that our farming and competing members have up-to-date knowledge for the market they are producing or training for. Our competitions and training provide a good route for knowledge transfer and this is validated by backing from DEFRA. The working relationship with EBLEX is valued and of great benefit for YFC members and future farmers.”
Katie Brian, project manager, EBLEX said: “EBLEX has given our time to help produce this for the next generation of farmers because it is a core area, and selecting stock to meet market demand is very important. We felt it was important to produce some hard copies of the DVD for those members who have limited or no access to the internet. We hope the clubs and counties find it a useful learning tool for both current and new members over the coming years.”
Find out more at www.eblex.org.uk.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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