THE first calves from a supermarket’s discount bull semen offer have been born on a farm near York.
Tom and Mike Powley, of Green Hammerton, are now the proud owners of twin heifers and half a dozen other Sauvignon cross South Devon calves, which were all born during the second week of April.
Asda BeefLink farmers were first offered semen from Sauvignon, the world famous Limousin bull, in May last year.
Previously, his semen was only affordable for pedigree breeders, but Asda offered it with a 62.5 per cent discount.
Mike Powley, longstanding Asda beef supplier and the Farmers Weekly 2005 British Beef Farmer of the year, said: “We look forward to realising the genetic gains that Sauvignon will bring to our beef breeding herd, the discounted price being a sound investment for the future.”
Jim Viggars, senior meat buyer at Asda, said: “We are confident Sauvignon offspring will help our farmers provide us with the quality of cattle we need after allowing farmers such as Mike to obtain the Asda ‘extra special’ bonus.”
Sauvignon’s awards include European Limousin Male Champion at the 2007 Paris Show, European Limousin Carcass Champion and European Limousin Progeny Champion.
Semen from Sauvignon is still available at a discounted rate. Farmers should contact the ABP Livestock Department on 01217-172550 or email livestockadmin@ anglobeef.com
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