WHAT WILL the UK sheep industry look like in 10 years? And what sheep genetics will be to the fore in years to come?

These questions and more will be addressed this November, as the Sheep Breeders Round Table conference comes back as a face-to-face event, bringing together an audience of progressive farmers and breeders, academic researchers and specialist vets, all sharing their thoughts and ideas.

To be held from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th November 2022 at the Radisson Blu Hotel at East Midlands Airport, the Round Table's theme this year will be ‘UK sheep genetics delivering for the nation’, with sessions covering the following topics:

  • Systems and tools to drive the development of genetics for UK sheep farms;
  • The characteristics needed in sheep for the future;
  • Satisfying the consumer – factors influencing sheep meat quality;
  • Opportunities for the sheep sector – market place, genetics and support schemes;
  • Increasing the impact of existing breeding schemes;
  • Responsibility of breeding for better health;
  • What will the sheep industry look like in 10 years?.

On the Saturday afternoon, the conference will debate the motion ‘The use of advanced breeding techniques has positively benefited the British sheep industry over the past 35 years’.

Read more: Global demand for UK terminal sire and heritage sheep breeds

QMS head of industry development, Bruce McConachie, said: “I would encourage anyone with an interest in sheep production to come along to this convention that is truly at the fore of industry advancement.

“At what is such a pivotal time for the sector, having the opportunity to feed off and share ideas with industry experts and experienced breeders is so important, especially when it comes to thinking about your own business and creating long-term success.”

The SBRT's Friday session is being sponsored by CIEL – the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock.

Tickets and accommodation are on sale now via https://events.ahdb.org.uk/