Project to increase sales of mutton and support hill farming in the north-east
Published in regional and national press
A north-east rural business consultant who is investigating the potential for increasing sales of regionally-branded mutton is looking for producers who can supply up to 100 hill-breed wether shearlings. Some of the animals will be used to provide meat to feed guests at a series of promotional events over the coming months.
Nick White, of WKD Consulting says mutton is a very under-rated meat, and that raising its profile could lead to improved profitability on hill farms.
"Mutton is very versatile, and animals slaughtered at 18 months to two years old don’t have to be cooked slowly for the meat to be tender," says Mr White. "It can be marinated and boned out into steaks, which are then crisped up under the grill.
"Hill farms are struggling at the moment, and if we can generate sales of mutton by bringing the supply chain closer together, it could prove more profitable to produce than lamb. The sheep can be marketed from October until April, which leads nicely into the spring lamb market, giving farmers another product to sell."
Mr White, who is based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, anticipates paying £30-£40 per head for the hill breed wether shearlings. They will be finished outdoors on forage rape and cereals.
"At this stage, I am looking for wethers only, because the quality of the meat from females may be different, and we are trying to find out more about how to achieve a consistent product that is attractive to the catering market, as well as to the public," he adds.
The first supply chain meeting is being held on November 6 at the Jesmond Dene Hotel near Newcastle, with a consumer tasting event planned for the end of January. Anyone wishing to register an interest in the project or attend the first free event (places are limited) should contact Nick White on 01748 831910 or e-mail info@ruralbusinessconsulting.co.uk
WKD Consulting and Agri-Connect are two businesses run by Nick White and (Miss) Sue Kelly.
WKD Consulting Ltd offers a comprehensive range of consultancy and regeneration services to both private and public sector clients, ranging from primary agricultural businesses, rural SMEs (small to medium enterprises) through to regional and national agencies.
Services include:
- Feasibility studies
- Evaluating opportunities
- Planning and project management
- Implementation and delivery
- Grant and funding searches
- Writing business plans, grant applications and funding bids
- Experience in delivering publicly funded programmes for Local Authorities
- Government Departments and Regional Development Agencies
Agri-Connect Ltd offers a comprehensive package of support to agriculture and food chain businesses, groups and individuals. Agri-Connect provides the following services:
- Connecting primary producers to new markets and new opportunities
- Providing management and development capacity for collaborative projects
- Helping SMEs achieve entry into supply chains beyond their current capacity
- Overcoming barriers and obstacles within supply chains
- Providing solutions to trading
Nick White, of WKD Consulting says mutton is a very under-rated meat, and that raising its profile could lead to improved profitability on hill farms.
"Mutton is very versatile, and animals slaughtered at 18 months to two years old don’t have to be cooked slowly for the meat to be tender," says Mr White. "It can be marinated and boned out into steaks, which are then crisped up under the grill.
"Hill farms are struggling at the moment, and if we can generate sales of mutton by bringing the supply chain closer together, it could prove more profitable to produce than lamb. The sheep can be marketed from October until April, which leads nicely into the spring lamb market, giving farmers another product to sell."
Mr White, who is based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, anticipates paying £30-£40 per head for the hill breed wether shearlings. They will be finished outdoors on forage rape and cereals.
"At this stage, I am looking for wethers only, because the quality of the meat from females may be different, and we are trying to find out more about how to achieve a consistent product that is attractive to the catering market, as well as to the public," he adds.
The first supply chain meeting is being held on November 6 at the Jesmond Dene Hotel near Newcastle, with a consumer tasting event planned for the end of January. Anyone wishing to register an interest in the project or attend the first free event (places are limited) should contact Nick White on 01748 831910 or e-mail info@ruralbusinessconsulting.co.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS
WKD Consulting and Agri-Connect are two businesses run by Nick White and (Miss) Sue Kelly.
WKD Consulting Ltd offers a comprehensive range of consultancy and regeneration services to both private and public sector clients, ranging from primary agricultural businesses, rural SMEs (small to medium enterprises) through to regional and national agencies.
Services include:
- Feasibility studies
- Evaluating opportunities
- Planning and project management
- Implementation and delivery
- Grant and funding searches
- Writing business plans, grant applications and funding bids
- Experience in delivering publicly funded programmes for Local Authorities
- Government Departments and Regional Development Agencies
Agri-Connect Ltd offers a comprehensive package of support to agriculture and food chain businesses, groups and individuals. Agri-Connect provides the following services:
- Connecting primary producers to new markets and new opportunities
- Providing management and development capacity for collaborative projects
- Helping SMEs achieve entry into supply chains beyond their current capacity
- Overcoming barriers and obstacles within supply chains
- Providing solutions to trading