Significant volumes getting through to the processors Aberdeen based Grampian Country Food Group led the slaughtering industry back into action under the government's special licensing scheme for livestock movement, reopening its Buckie pig killing line on Sunday. By midweek the MLC estimated about 60 plants were operating, among them major facilities including Anglo Beef Processors Perth and the biggest UK single site abattoir, the Midland Meat Packers slaughterhouse at Crick, Northants. MLC economist Duncan Sinclair predicted "significant" volumes of home-produced beef, lamb and pork would have reached the main further processors and retail outlets well before the end of the week, a view shared by leading industry executives. Some beef, notably steaks, would be delayed by the need for maturing, but mince and braising cuts should be available quickly, along with lamb and pork. However, ABP md Richard Cracknell and MMP chief executive Rob Mears cautioned against expecting an early return to normal, both emphasising the transport licensing scheme involved complex documentation and vehicle disinfection. Mears, whose plant began killing at only half its daily capacity of 400 cattle, pointed out another problem was a Meat Hygiene Service rule meaning reject stock would be destroyed without compensation: "Under these circumstances, producers will need to be very careful indeed in their consigning." {{M/E MEAT }}