Calculator to transform marketing
A NEW and improved online calculator is set to transform the marketing of cattle in NSW and help producers maximise profits and better meet customer requirements.
Research leader, animal production, for NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Michael Beer, says BeefSpecs will help farmers target specific beef markets and get the most value out of their cattle operation.
"BeefSpecs is an online livestock model that predicts the future weight and fat levels in beef cattle," Mr Beer said.
"The tool allows farmers to make more informed management decisions and meet various customer specifications for weight, fat scores and other beef carcase requirements.
"The online calculator requires producers to input current live weight, rump fat depth, and frame score and provides an initial snapshot of growth and maturity parameters of cattle while on farm.
"Drawing on this analysis - and further information on animal sex, breed, hormonal growth treatment and growth rates - the calculator then estimates the beef carcase characteristics at point of sale.
"This allows producers to forward-plan and put in place strategies to ensure their cattle meet market requirements." Mr Beer said market compliance was a major issue and the failure of producers to meet customer requirements was costing the industry millions of dollars in lost profit each year.
"Some cattle fail to meet targets for carcase weights and fat specifications, at a cost of between $15 and $30 a head, depending on the target market," he said.
"BeefSpecs arms producers with the right information to reduce non compliance and maximise their profits come selling time." Visit beefspecs.agriculture.nsw.gov.au.
