Farming in Northern Ireland in 2009 is no longer an enterprise related solely to economics, politics and weather conditions of the Island of Ireland. A global drive for free markets means Northern Ireland farmers must compete with the best worldwide in terms of product production efficiency, environmental impact, and food taste to ensure their products receive shelf space in a highly competitive food industry.

The beef industry within Northern Ireland has seen a significant reduction numerically since subsidies were deregulated. This industry has become much more focussed on quality and performance in terms of daily growth rates, product quality and costs of production. The need for improvement in product consistency from a retailer perspective was very evident in a report by the Red Meat Taskforce. The aim for Thompsons is to deliver feeding systems which embrace these needs of beef farmers.

Thompsons range of beef feeds are based on technical research to meet all on-farm situations.

On other farms where native beef breeds are used and where niche market outlets are being catered for, a more steady growth rate is necessary under less intensive production systems.

In order to maximise the benefits of a stronger beef market, analysis of gross margin data indicates that the single most important factor affecting profitability with suckler cows is the ability to produce a strong, healthy suckled calf per cow per year.

Thompsons pedigree range is a highly palatable, balanced coarse mix containing flaked cereals, linseed, peas and beans, incorporating a specialised mineral and vitamin package for high performance cattle - the natural choice for progressive pedigree breeders.