Winner Northeast “N.V.K. Premium Beef”Thailand’s world-class quality marbled beef
N.V.K. Farm Products Co., Ltd.
Nakhon RatchasimaBrand : N.V.K. Beef
N.V.K. was set up in 1997 to serve as a general calf-fattening farm, but 10 years later, it began breeding Angus and Wagyu beef cattle certified by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry’s Department of Agriculture. The company received the GAP (good agricultural practices) certification in 2007 proving that the beef it produces is free from red-meat accelerators. Apart from farming cattle to sell to cooperatives and abattoirs, the company also expanded its business by selling breeding cattle to farmers and cuts of beef directly to consumers. This resulted in the launch of the N.V.K Beef butcher shop in 2021.
N.V.K’s innovations include the use of efficient breeding technology, such as smart farms, embryo transfer and artificial insemination to improve and develop cattle breeds that are productive and marketable. This also includes overseeing the production of feed for cattle and preventing contamination to maintain the same quality and taste in every cut of meat.
“We have transformed traditional cattle farming, from cattle ranches to pens built to match the size and age of the cow. With this type of farming, cattle are much easier to raise. This format requires less labor, with cows being fed nutritious food. It also reduces the amount of space used, ensuring that the cows are taken care of properly". “Raising cattle this way also reduces pollution, because we use eco-friendly probiotics in the cattle feed, which reduces the production of methane. We also apply techniques provided by Suranaree University of Technology’s Science Park to keep the cattle well-fed, healthy and stress-free. This is because we believe good beef comes from happy cows. If the cows are healthy, we can avoid antibiotics,” said Ms. Tanaporn Boonyarit, Managing Director of N.V.K. FARM PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
Another highlight of N.V.K. premium beef is its affordability. Beef fat is special as it contains Omega 9, which is an important nutrient, while the meat itself is tender with a strong flavor. N.V.K. beef has also developed a high BMS or beef marble score grade by limiting the fattening period so the fat can expand to tissue production and distribution. To achieve this high marble score, the cows are fed a protein and energy formula without requiring red-meat accelerators.
Looking at the current market in Thailand, there is a relatively high demand for beef and the production can be expanded considerably. According to the Beef Cattle Association of Thailand, the country had a trade deficit of 83 billion baht in 2020, while the demand for premium beef stood at 60,000 heads per year, far higher than the production capacity of just 28,000 to 30,000 heads annually. It is this high demand that encouraged N.V.K. to start producing premium beef.
The company’s goal at present is to expand its meat processing channels to boost product value, penetrate neighboring countries as well as extend the development of processed meat products into ready-to-eat meals. The meals in retort packaging will be available from mid-2023. The last step will be creating upstream, midstream and downstream beef cattle to generate income for Thai farmers and expand their production capacity.
“We now have four sales channels to reach customers. We have a butcher in downtown Korat, sell trimmings to restaurants in Korat, sell beef cuts to customers online and carcasses to interested butchers. In addition, we also sell meat to butchers and restaurants in provinces that are popular with foreign tourists like Phuket and Chiang Mai, etc.,” Tanaporn said.
The N.V.K. beef cattle farm covers 350 rai, with approximately 120 cattle raised downstream. The farm has allocated 250 rai of the land to grow grass and other raw materials to make TMR (total mixed ration) feed used to raise premium beef cattle that are unique to N.V.K.
The company also employs a large number of personnel who have the knowledge and understanding of raising cattle to produce premium quality beef for the domestic market. The company has also built a network with as many as seven community enterprises to help in the raising of cattle at all stages of production. The goal for 2023 is to look into expanding production capacity to at least 240 downstream cattle per year to support demand for N.V.K. Beef.
InnovationPremium beef with perfect marbling that is comparable to foreign breeds can now be produced by the “Lam Ta Khong Black Cattle”, a hybrid of three breeds: Thai Brahman, Wagyu and Angus. This new breed grows fast and is resistant to the local environment. In addition, the cattle are fed special food using local ingredients to accelerate growth and are raised in open, stress-free surroundings, which results in high-quality beef that is tender and has a unique aroma.
Growth- Expanding production capacity to have at least 240 heads of cattle downstream annually.
- Developing processed meat products into ready-to-eat meals packaged in retort pouches. These will hit the market by mid-2023.projects with more than 1,000 units.
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