BEEF Expo, one of the UK's key annual events bringing together the best of British pedigree and commercial cattle, opens its gates to the public on Thursday, May 18, at NAEC Stoneleigh, with another cracking programme of events.

A nucleus for knowledge sharing and networking, the event again features numerous displays and demonstrations of the latest industry trends and developments as well as nutrition and genetics.

This year’s Expo, is however more important than ever in that it will be one of the first events to be staged post Brexit, allowing farmers to see at first hand what technology will best help them take their business forward.

The event, which is hosted by the National Beef Association, has to date attracted no fewer than 120 trade stands and more than 20 beef breed stands.

A range of seminars and workshops held by various industry professionals, will also be staged.

Chris Mallon, chief executive of the NBA commented: “Plans for NBA Beef Expo 2017 are certainly in full swing and we are looking forward to welcoming farmers and exhibitors to the event.

“Following the UK’s Brexit decision this year, this will be a key focus as we offer support and help British producers who may have concerns surrounding this.

“British beef is the best in the world with our farmers producing high-welfare, high quality meat, that is fully traceable, the National Beef Association is constantly working hard to engage with farmers and producers to drive the industry forward. NBA Beef Expo provides an excellent platform for us to do just that.”

An added feature of the Expo is the Future Beef Farmer Challenge Competition, which was launched back in 2015 for beef farmers aged 36 and under.

Aimed at getting the younger generation more involved with important aspects of beef production, with questionnaires surrounding genetics, selection, health and nutrition. This year’s competition has numerous prizes up for grabs including a years free membership for the NBA, FarmSkills training vouchers, Great Yorkshire show tickets and AHDB Beef and Lamb and FarmSkills goody bags. The winning team will be awarded the NBA’s Duke of

Northumberland Trophy while the winner of the open class will receive the NBA Frank Momber Memorial Trophy.

Competitors will be judged on carcase selection and their knowledge of nutrition, genetics and health, visiting trade stands of industry experts to demonstrate their skills in each sector.

One of the star attractions at Beef Expo, is always the National Commercial Cattle Show, which this year, has more than 110 entries from farmers up and down the country all hoping for a share of the £5000 prize fund.

This year, Colin Phillips, The Batch, Sarnesfield, Weobley, Herefordshire, will be putting the native and continental calves through their paces and also selecting a supreme overall champion.

Mark Hallam, Meadowhurst, Wetton, Derbyshire, will be selecting the winners in the baby beef classes, to include judging the baby championship and the young handlers competition.

Seminar timetable

9.30 Organics (1hr)

Chairman: Peter Jones of Peter Jones Livestock and Organic Livestock Marketing Co-operative.

Speakers: Liz Bowles, head of farming at The Soil Association on ‘The Benefits of Beef Production on Organic Arable Farms,’

Matt Johnson, organic beef and sheep farmer and butcher on ‘Producing Organic Beef and Running a Butchers Shop,’

Tim Leigh, Organic Livestock Marketing Co-operative finished stock marketing manager on ‘Marketing Cattle to Maximise Returns’ and Wayne Copp, organic producer speaking on ‘Farming North Devon cattle.’

11.00 Health (1hr)

Speakers: Kath Alpin, Boehringer Ingelheim speaking on ‘Why tag dead calves?’ to include insights from the National BVD Survey 2017; Dr Frank Katzer, senior scientist at Moredun Foundation on ‘Cryptosporidium in Cattle’ and Steve Sheridan, Merial speaking on ‘Chronic Liver Fluke.’

12.30 Finisher Forum (1hr)

Speakers: Dr.Jamie-Leigh Douglas, technical support manager, AB Vista Nutrition on ‘Improving efficiencies to Champion Profitability;’ Bill Harper, trustee director of the NBA and chairman of the NBA TB Committee on ‘Policy changes for Finisher Units’ and Adam Quinney, chair of AHDB Beef and Lamb speaking on ‘Improving profitability of finisher systems.’

14.00 Cattle Breeding (45 mins)

Speakers: Mark Smith, Genus Beef Genetics on ‘The future of Beef Genetics’; Alison Glasgow, Limousin Cattle Society on ‘Limousin Breeding Improvement Adding Value for Commercial Producers.’

15.00 Integrated Beef Supply (1hr)

Speakers: Matt Nightingale, CEO of Meadow Quality; John Bell, CEO of Berryfields Farm and Berrystock Feeds and Dr Amiee Hafla, beef nutritionist, Agri-King.

Wednesday May 17

Farm tours: This year’s farm visits on Wednesday May, 17 include:

Upper Heyford, Northants – home of Roger Elliott and his son Tom, who will be showcasing their herd of 300 British Shorthorn, South Devon and cross bred cattle. They will be demonstrating how their system optimises forage from 1350 acres of majority rented pasture to produce quality native-bred stores and replacement heifers.

Visitors will also have the chance to view a selection of cattle and calves at grass before tucking into a hot beef lunch provided by the Elliott’s own butchers shop and deli.

Upper Coton Farms, Guilsborough – Mike, Jane and Charlie Wills of Upper Coton Farms, Guilsborough, Northants will be opening the gates to their immaculate finishing unit. A model arable and AFU, finishing 1300 head of high conformation Limousin-type stores on home mixed TMR rations.

All stores are bought from markets across the country and sold weekly though the market in Selby. Mike’s eye for quality cattle combined with Jane and Charlie’s attention to detail and numbers makes for a fantastic team producing consistent top quality cattle.

Finally, John Bell of Berryfields Farm and Berrystock Feeds, Daventry, will be promoting the benefits of an integrated beef supply chain. While walking around this impressive 2000 head finishing unit, visitors will be able to view a complete supply chain taking dairy bred calves supplied by Meadow Quality, feeding specialised UFAS accredited feeds produced by Berrystock feeds, to produce uniform finished cattle ready to be sold direct to Dunbia supplying both the Co-op and Llidl. A modern and efficient system which embraces cooperation to produce a uniform product to feed the masses.

Chris Mallon, Chief Executive of the NBA said “We are delighted to be able to provide such a variety of farms this year, giving a snapshot of the variety of systems which exist within our industry. We hope the tours act as a knowledge sharing exercise, allowing farmers to view new ideas in practise, some of which they can take home and apply within their own businesses. We would like to extend our thanks to the farm tour hosts for agreeing to allow the NBA access to their operations.”

Tickets for the farm tours are priced at £30 per person and include all transport and a hot beef lunch.

A combined ticket for the Farm Tours and 2017 NBA Beef Expo for NBA members is £35, and for non-NBA members is £40.

Bookings can be made online, under the visitor section, or by contacting the NBA Head Office on 01434 601005.