
16 Dec 2024
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Foyle Food Group
04 Dec 2024
Jim Jensen, from Boulder, Wyoming in the USA was invited as a guest speaker at the ‘Sustainable Beef Production through Animal Science’ BSAS conference held in Belfast, Northern Ireland. An annual event that brings together professionals, researchers and farmers to discuss advancements in animal science and sustainable farming.
Jim Jensen is a respected fifth-generation rancher, graduate from the University of Wyoming and owner of Lucky 7 Ranch, known for his commitment to sustainable cattle farming and creating superior cattle genetics. Jensen is farming 2,500 cattle in challenging conditions with paddocks reaching up to 38,000 acres and above 10,000 feet in elevation on short grassland of the Rocky Mountains. With cattle moving over vast distances, they must have good mobility and structural soundness. Jensen focuses on longevity and feed efficiency within his herd, with trials finding bulls consuming 38.6% less than that of competitors and heifers maintaining body weight with 54% less feed than industry standards.
Lucky 7 ranch test the bulls for feed efficiency using a ‘GrowSafe’ system and PAP test at high elevation which predicts the liklehood of an animal developing a disease related to lower oxygen levels.
Jim and his wife, Jamie, were hosted by Foyle Food Group prior to the conference, during which they visited a number of top pedigree Angus herds in Scotland and England as part of their trip to Northern Ireland. Among them were Highland Wagyu (HW) and Netherton Angus, Auchterarder, the Rawburn Angus herd, Kelso and the Aln Angus herd, Alnwick, Northumberland
In addition, the couple were given an insight into Foyle Omagh Site, from lairage through to further processing and Foyle Ingredients. The visit extended to Foyle’s Farms of Excellence with key industry stakeholders attending and Jensen giving an insight into his life and ranch back in Wyoming. Foyle’s Agricultural and Continuous Improvement Managers discussed how the Group mitigate and tackle sustainability challenges, using innovation to improve efficiency and perfromance throughout the supply chain.
Rebecca Rainey, formerly of Foyle Food Group spoke alongside Jensen at the BSAS conference on the results of multiple brush experiments at the Group’s Farms of Excellence. Results proved that installing electric brushes in pens can improve daily liveweight gain (DLWGs) by 10% (0.21kg/day) and greatly improve animal behaviour.
Later in the year, representatives from Foyle visited Lucky 7 Ranch in Boulder. The team gained a deeper understanding into how feed-efficient genetics make a difference from seed stock to the rancher and ultimately to the feedlot. For more information visit, Welcome to Lucky 7 Angus.
Foyle’s recent knowledge exchange with Jim Jensen at Lucky 7 Ranch was a valuable opportunity for industry collaboration with a different perspective from over seas. Jensen brought a wealth of expertise to the discussion, particularly on efficient cattle farming and premium beef production. His strategies align with Foyle’s commitment to quality and sustainability and this partnership highlights the mutual benefit of connecting producers who share values to drive excellence in the industry.
16 Dec 2024
16 Dec 2024
16 Dec 2024
Visit our Agricultural Requirements page for useful downloads including:
FCI England, FCI Northern Ireland, FCI Republic of Ireland, HP-CIA & High Genetic Sires Recommended List