An outstanding line up of cattle, trade stands and seminar speakers for The National Beef Association’s one day exhibition showcase taking place in Cumbria on Saturday, 27th April.
22nd February 2024
An outstanding line up of cattle, trade stands and seminar speakers for The National Beef Association’s one day exhibition showcase taking place in Cumbria on Saturday, 27th April.
Beef breeders, farmers, and businesses involved in the industry are expected to gather from all over the UK to celebrate the best of beef cattle breeding, and to share ideas and innovations that will help take Britain’s world class beef industry forward into the future.
With thousands expected to attend this free event, the 2024 NBA Beef Expo will take place at North West Auctions, J36, Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, near Kendal, during British Beef Week, on Saturday 27th April 2024.
Hosted by the National Beef Association (NBA), this is the UK’s only event dedicated to the British beef industry and provides an important opportunity for farmers to access expert knowledge and advice.
Beef Expo’s highly competitive show classes will once again showcase some of the UK’s best bloodlines, and a panel of leading experts will address the most important issues facing the industry in the extensive seminar programme. The event, which will support and celebrate the work and commitment of our British Beef producers, has been scheduled to tie in with Great British Beef Week 2024.
Commenting ahead of this year’s event, NBA Chief Executive, Neil Shand, said:
“The beef trade is strong at the moment and the interest in our event this year has been massive - we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to NWA, J36 on the 27th April.
“We have some fantastic seminars lined up, with the full details being released shortly, but what I will say is the seminars will be focusing on farming and finance; retailers and suckler profitability.”
The farming and finance seminar will be represented by the key farming figures of the three main political parties, which will be a great opportunity for people to ask open questions to leading politicians. The ‘Retailer’ seminar gives people the chance to ask questions to the key players within the food supply chain, and AHDB will hold their seminar around suckler profitability. This is just what our industry needs; answers to some of challenges the beef producer currently face, and all our seminars will give people just that.”
As part of Beef Expo, the NBA will be revealing the findings from the ‘State of the Industry Survey’ which was run in conjunction with the Farmers Weekly and supported by Dunbia, Herdwatch and KW Feeds.
In the National Commercial Cattle Show, there will be region of 150 head of some of the UK’s best commercial cattle, presented for judging under the watchful eyes of Northamptonshire’s Frank Page and Lincolnshire’s Jonathan Lyon. Frank will judge the Native and Continental classes and the
Supreme Championships, while Jonathan will judge the Baby Beef classes, the Baby Championship and Young Handler classes.
Showcasing the best of beef livestock, their breeders and handlers, the 10 cattle classes are right at the heart of the event, and the overall winner will take home the Supreme Championship title.
To support and encourage the next generation of commercial breeders and farmers, this year, stars of the future aged between 14- 21 will take part in the Young Handlers classes.
Alongside the show of cattle, NBA Beef Expo will also welcome a line-up of breed society stands and trade exhibitors bringing the latest research developments, technology, and innovation. This gives beef farmers the chance to view demonstrations and discuss potential options and ideas to improve productivity and efficiency at home.
The 2024 NBA Beef Expo is supported by mainline sponsors North West Auctions, AHDB, Boehringer Ingelheim, British Wagyu Breeders Association and Warrendale Wagyu.
Concluding his statement, Neil expressed, "The NBA are absolutely delighted to be returning to Cumbria, and in addition to using this event to discuss how we will aim to ensure the industry is future fit, we promise it will also be a genuine celebration of the beef farming sector.
“I would especially like to reiterate that the tremendous support from North West Auctions, our numerous sponsors, the Committee, and our dedicated volunteers has been invaluable. Without them, this event wouldn't be possible."
