North Antrim Suckler Beef Business Development Group ‘Walk the Supply Chain’ at Dunbia
Date published:
The North Antrim Suckler Beef Business Development Group recently visited Dunbia, Dungannon where they were welcomed and introduced to the plant by Ross McCormick who outlined the structure of the company and gave a comprehensive overview of the numbers of animals through the abattoir on a weekly basis.
Next the group were given a detailed tour of the plant starting at the boning hall and working through each stage of the factory floor including the grading, dressing and inspection area and finishing at the lairage and kill line.
Throughout the tour the farmers were able to view and gain understanding of issues such as bruising caused by poor handling of animals and how to prevent damage to the carcase. In addition to this viewing carcasses in the chill room gave an insight into the type of carcase that is required to fulfill market specifications. The farmers were impressed by the efficiency of the process from start to finish.
The tour concluded with Emma Nelson providing information on the challenges that are faced by the industry at present and some of the new product innovations that are being considered for the future. It was also highlighted that animal welfare and food security was of key importance to the business. Lively debate with the group on the supermarket specifications required finished off an excellent visit. Rachel Megarrell thanked Dunbia staff, Ross McCormick, Eddie Boyd and Kenny Linton who were involved in the factory tour and Emma Nelson who facilitated the visit.
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