NEW opportunities for selling Shorthorn beef will be discussed at a meeting at Scotch Corner Hotel at the end of the month.

Murray Hardy from Scotbeef will tell the North of England Beef Shorthorn Club how Scotbeef is procuring Shorthorn beef for Marks & Spencer north of the border and how English Shorthorn breeders can learn from the experience and tap into the market.

Fraser Hugill, club chairman, said the meeting was open to all farmers whether they had pure or cross bred Beef Shorthorns.

"Following the success of our annual market for Beef Shorthorn females, developing a market for the beef is the next logical step," he said.

David Hollingworth, club secretary, said the meeting also hoped to look at opportunities for finishing Shorthorn cattle, which was a particular issue for many upland store producers.

The meeting is on Monday, April 29, at 7pm.

More more information is available from Mr Hugill on 01642 778238 or Mr Hollingworth on 01642 778284