St. Merryn Carcase Show - Bodmin

Date: Thursday, December 20, 2007

A total of 186 carcases were on show at the 18th Annual St Merryn Beef Carcase Show at Bodmin on December 5.

There was an excellent display of carcases, including some of the best cattle produced in the South West during 2007. The overall champion carcase was won by AE Hawkey of Wadebridge, Cornwall and the Producer of the Year award was won by WH Phillips and Son of Ivybridge, Devon.

There were representatives from Tesco present, including Matt Hood, Senior Red Meat Buyer, Richard Hood, Counters Buyer, Michelle Waterman, Agricultural Manager, Alice Pattinson, Producer Club Manager and Peter Broadbent, Technical Manager.

Matt Hood gave an overview of Tesco’s position in the red meat market, and noted that Tesco have invested heavily in the beef and lamb sector of its business during the past 12 months.

A great deal of work is being done by Tesco to improve the Finest Range, said Mr Hood, to develop a bespoke range for customers. Mr Hood explained that Tesco is are working hard to increase sales of the range with increased promotional activities and details on packs.

As well as viewing the quality carcases on display, producers were able to take part in a livestock welfare quiz ran by the MHS and also classify and grade 5 beef carcasses in the MLC competition.

“Carcase shows remain to be an important educational and social event for Producer Club members” said John Dracup, St Merryn Livestock Director, adding, “The number of producers present here today clearly demonstrates this.”

Mr Dracup, thanked all producers for their patience with restrictions and delays at the plant as a result of the FMD and Bluetongue outbreaks during the year.