Technical seminar speakers announced for NBA Beef Expo, taking place on 23^rd May in Cumbria

Beef producers will have access to the latest insights and advice on the challenges facing the industry, including the key topics of Health, Integrated Supply Chains and Future Proofing For Success, as experts from across the sector lead a strong line-up of technical seminars during next month’s National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo 2019.

Taking place on Thursday 23^rd May at North West Auctions’ J36 Rural Auction Centre in Crooklands, Cumbria, the extensive seminar programme will be complemented with two farm tours at Netherhall Farm near Kirby Lonsdale, and Kit Craig Farm in Selside, Kendal, respectively.

The technical seminar programme kicks of from 10.30am covering health related topics. Speakers include CEVA director Jim McKinstry BVMS DBR MRCVS, who will be looking at the benefits of EBV and synchronisation in the beef industry, while AHDB’s Derek Armstrong looks at responsible medicine use on beef farms. NBA Board Member and NBA TB Committee Chairman Bill Harper will also address the audience on latest TB updates and guidance, including the results achieved by farming groups reducing the level of TB in cattle and the need to be more aware of the role vaccination can play going forward.

From 11.30am, Integrated Supply Chains will be on the agenda, with speakers including Dr Stefano Vandoni, ruminant technical service manager with AB Vista, Ryan Law, agricultural research manager at Dunbia, and Ian Wheal, co-founder of data and trading app Breedr.

Finance and farm management will be discussed during presentations from Andrew Robinson, Partner and Head of Agriculture at accountants, business and financial advisers Armstrong Watson, and National Strategy Director for Barclays Agriculture, Oliver McEntyre.

Mr McEntyre will look at the right management styles for beef producer businesses, while Mr Robinson will cover a range of topics including cash flows and accounts, monitoring farm financial performance and agricultural tax updates.

In the afternoon, experts will be looking at the main challenges facing the industry. Clive Brown, Head of Knowledge Exchange, AHBD Beef & Lamb will be looking at consumer trends, while SAC’s Mike Coffey will discuss beef feed efficiency programmes. Claire Lewis, COO and co-founder of Breedr will look at carbon foot-printing.

There will be opportunities for further interaction in what is anticipated to be a lively Open Discussion session, entitled The Future of the Beef Industry. The session will be led by NFU National Livestock Board Chairman Richard Findlay, NBA Chief Executive Chris Mallon, NBA Chairman Andrew Laughton, John Geldard L & K Group Director, and Defra’s lead on livestock products, Robin Manning.

Chris Mallon, NBA chief executive and national director explains, “The NBA Beef Expo 2019 promises to provide the beef sector with the latest advice, guidance and support during what continues to be one of the most volatile and uncertain periods we have ever experienced.

“Alongside the event competitions and trade stands showcasing the best of the UK industry, there will be ample opportunity for visitors to hear and engage with industry experts during the technical seminar programme and the open discussion forum.”

NBA Beef Expo 2019 takes place on Thursday 23^rd May at North West Auctions’ J36 Rural Auction Centre in Crooklands, Cumbria. Seminar and tour programmes, schedules and visitor tickets are available by visiting www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beef-expo/.