The technology was rolled out at the family-owned meat processor’s Grade A Hortonwood facility in Telford to support its move to a 100% farmer-procured cattle model.
Up to 2,500 animals are handled at the site over a five-day week and the business purchases stock from more than 5,000 farmers.
Quicker payments
The software, developed by specialist provider Systems Integration (SI), enables advanced reporting and is integrated with the accounts department. More than 500 farmers had been paid within two days of processing since the technology was implemented, said the firm.
Other advantages of the abattoir management system included a faster identification, weighing and grading process, documentation of data in real-time for faster stock allocation, and data-led traceability, passport scanning and veterinary health information.
“Part of our promise to farmers is how we support them beyond prompt payment, sharing all the relevant information we collect to help them improve the health and grade of the animals they sell,” said livestock manager Hayley Draper.
In depth reports
“This is why we worked with SI to develop an inclusive animal by animal report that is sent to farmers. This includes details of grade and veterinary information that, in some cases, can be used to improve overall herd health and the grade achieved by different animals. Since implementing these reports many farmers have commented how much the information has helped them.”
Meanwhile, suppliers may be forced to wait even longer for payments from supermarkets in the wake of the Competition and Markets Authority’s rejection of the proposed Sainsbury’s/Asda merger, as delays continue to rise.