National Beef Association

Beef chief urges Aberdeenshire farmers to keep more cows to avoid imports - Press and Journal

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:43 +0100

Scotland’s beef chief has warned that 79,000 suckler cows are needed by 2030 to avoid the country losing its market share to imported beef. National Beef Association (NBA) and Scottish Beef Association (SBA) chief executive Neil Shand said if beef producers can keep a couple more cows and retain a few extra heifers it will avoid losing its critical mass. Almost 120 beef farmers and industry stakeholders turned out to discuss the future of the Scottish suckle...

Over 100 people attended the meeting at Thainstone - Scottish Farmer

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 15:13 +0100

Over 100 people attended the meeting at Thainstone Over 100 beef producers, policymakers and industry leaders gathered at Thainstone on Thursday, February 19, as the Scottish Beef Association (SBA) stepped up its Keeping Cows in the Community campaign, warning that Scotland risks losing critical mass in its beef sector unless support is better targeted at active producers. Chaired by SBA and National Beef Association chief executive Neil Shand, the open mee...

Keeping Cows in the Community: SBA Announces Open Farmer Meeting at Thainstone

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:13 +0100

The Scottish Beef Association (SBA) will host an open farmer meeting at Thainstone on Thursday 19 February, bringing producers together at a critical moment for Scotland’s livestock sector. The event forms part of the SBA’s Keeping Cows in the Community campaign, which champions the protection of livestock numbers, fair support for active beef producers, and continued resistance to proposed changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Business Property Relief (BPR). ...

NBA Manifesto Puts Food Production & Fairness First

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:12 +0100

The organisation representing the British beef industry, the National Beef Association, has published its manifesto of lobbying priorities for the new post-election Government. As the voice of thousands of beef farmers, meat producers and the 26 beef cattle Breed Societies that have helped make this fundamental sector of the UK agricultural industry the envy of the world, the NBA will continue to campaign for fair treatment in every aspect of Government polic...

Ladies of British Beef Celebrated at NBA Beef Expo

Thu, 02 May 2024 15:23 +0100

Cumbria played host to one of the one of the most important gatherings for the UK’s beef industry, which saw support and commitment to British Beef Farmers from Government Ministers, and two Limousin X Heifers scooping the top accolades in the National Commercial Cattle Show. The National Beef Association’s 2024 Beef Expo took place on Saturday, 27th April, at North West Auctions near Kendal. The event brought together the very best in British cattle in the ...

NBA Appoints Brilliant Young Ambassador to Champion the Future of the UK Beef Industry

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:47 +0100

The National Beef Association is delighted to confirm the appointment of Annabelle Howell as the first Young Ambassador for the only organisation representing the interests of British beef farmers. Born and brought up in a livestock farming family and passionately committed to the industry from a very early age, 22-year-old Annabelle joins the NBA both as an inspiration to the next generation of beef farmers, and as an important part of the Association’s Mana...

NBA and the SBA condemn Finance Minister announcement

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 12:26 +0100

The National Beef Association and the Scottish Beef Association have condemned the Scottish Finance Minister announcement that a further £27 million will to be deducted from the agricultural budget. In a joint statement, the National Beef Association’s CEO, Neil Shand, and the Scottish Beef Association chair, Paul Ross slammed this announcement, and shared their disbelief at Cabinet Secretary, Mairi Gougeon’s, announcements at Agriscot. Commenting, Neil Shan...

Sustainable Farming Incentive Information Leaflet

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:37 +0100

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Neil Shand has his say on the future of agriculture - Press Release in the Press & Journal

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 14:44 +0100

I was fortunate enough to be invited to the QMS stand at the Royal Highland Show to hear Mairi Gougeon - Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and the Islands - make her much anticipated announcements on the continuation of the beef calf Scheme. We had more or less a full house of the most efficient beef producers in Scotland with processors and retailers both very well represented. It is difficult to imagine a better audience - you’d think it woul...

NBA Beef Expo Returns to Cumbria

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 13:13 +0100

The National Beef Association’s highly successful Beef Expo event is heading to the Northwest in 2024 for a one day exhibition showcase of the British Beef Industry. A year to the date in advance, The National Beef Association (NBA) is delighted to announce that their next Beef Expo event will take place at North West Auctions, J36, Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, near Kendal, during British Beef Week, on Saturday 27th April 2024. Beef breeders, farmers,...

WEBINAR 9TH FEBRUARY 2023, 5.30PM - 6.30PM

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:01 +0100

Martin Jenkins from AHWP joins us to discuss: The Annual Health and Welfare Review that will soon be opening up for more farmers to register their interest It will give cattle keepers funding for a 2-3 hour review with a vet of their choice, plus pay for BVD testing It is designed with farmers and vets, so it’s straightforward and flexible At this stage it will be open to cattle keepers with more than 10 cattle (as well as sheep and pig keepers) For now t...

Season's Greetings from the NBA

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:28 +0100

Thank you for your continued support of the NBA during 2022 - It's very much appreciated. The NBA office will close at 5pm on the 21st December and re-open at 9am on Wednesday 4th January. ...

SOUTHWEST SUSTAINABLE FARMING EVENT LAUNCHED

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 11:48 +0100

A new one-day technical and demonstration event in the Southwest will provide grassland farmers with the opportunity to explore how regenerative farming techniques can exploit the advantages of grassland farming to develop systems that are fit for the future and truly sustainable. Grazewell takes place on Thursday 22nd September 2022 at Higher Thornton Farm, Kenn, Exeter EX6 7XH, from 9am -5pm by kind permission of host farmers Chris and Sarah Berry. ...

EFRA Committee ELM report - MPs urge Government to assess risks of phasing out farm payments

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 10:36 +0100

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Full switchover to ScotEID for all Scottish cattle

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:05 +0100

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Mitchells and Butlers response to our letter querying their choice of beef sourcing

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 12:58 +0100

We are pleased to report we have received a reply from Mitchells and Butlers in response to our letter querying their choice of beef sourcing. In our opinion, it’s a fairly defensive reply which regrettably doesn’t answer some of our concerns, in particular the environmental issues we raised. Mr Urban appears to indicate that they will continue to source their beef from wherever they want, a statement which is perhaps out of touch with public opinion. It is w...

National Beef Association (NBA) questions Miller & Carter’s ‘crass’ promotion of Australian steak

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:19 +0100

Miller and Carter are a well-known restaurant, with branches throughout the country. They style themselves as 'steak experts', and this week have released a social media advert promoting Australian steak as a premium product. We have written to Phil Urban, CEO of the Mitchells and Butlers group, who also number Harvester and Toby Carvery - and many other well know high street eateries - in their portfolio. We have expressed concern about the timing of the adv...

Defra Food and Farming Sectors and Trade Division Stakeholder Engagement

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:32 +0100

On the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) pilot standards, and the proposed SFI payment and compliance monitoring processes. ...

Marketing & Export Opportunities for UK Beef - Webinar POSTPONED DUE TO HAY MAKING - NEW DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 10:47 +0100

This month AHDB has teamed up with the National Beef Association to update beef farmers and breed societies on the work AHDB is delivering for them and the beef sector. In particular, the webinar will focus on the latest consumer focussed marketing campaign; We Eat Balanced. The campaign is all about driving a positive rethink when it comes to including red meat and dairy products as part of a balanced diet and it provides reassurance around the health benefit...

Usable Document for responding to the DEFRA Consultation on Direct Payments to farmers: Lump sum exit scheme and delinked payments in England

Wed, 26 May 2021 13:12 +0100

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UK FARMING ROUNDTABLE STATEMENT ON THE UK’S FREE TRADE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS

Mon, 24 May 2021 13:11 +0100

In light of recent updates from the government with respect to trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, and given the particular sensitivities relating to agriculture within those negotiations, the UK Farming Roundtable met this morning to discuss the latest developments and outlook for UK trade and agriculture. Members of the Roundtable reiterated their support for the UK government’s stated objective to secure broad liberalisation of tariffs throu...

Beef webinar series 2021: Solutions to deliver sustainable beef production

Mon, 17 May 2021 13:04 +0100

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), Northern Ireland Meat Export Association (NIMEA), National Beef Association (NBA) and Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) have joined forces to deliver a series of beef webinars with a focus on sustainable beef farming for the future. The four webinars are specifically tailored for farmers and will focus on solutions that can be e...

CHECS rolls out new membership to tackle bovine TB

Wed, 12 May 2021 10:10 +0100

CHECS is rolling out a new UK-wide TB Entry Level Membership over the coming months, focusing on biosecurity ‘basics’ to help farmers reduce the risk of TB breakdowns in their herds. Bovine TB has a devastating impact on farmers and their cattle. It is the UK’s most challenging animal health and welfare issue, costing farms around £18,600 per breakdown and in some cases more. “Farmers often think that TB is uncontrollable, but biosecurity is a key tool in tac...

NBA Magazine - Spring 2021

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:17 +0100

Read the latest NBA Magazine here. ...

Letter to Tim Davie regarding Blue Peter

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:06 +0100

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Useable Document for Responding to Consultation on Improvements to animal welfare in transport

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 12:11 +0100

Useable Document for Responding to Consultation on Improvements to Animal Welfare in Transport. Please download and use this document for any responses. ...

NBA dismiss ‘lip-service’ response as more misleading labelling found at Booker store

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:03 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) has once again written to wholesaler Booker to question its response to earlier correspondence relating to some of the procedures and processes discovered in some of its outlets, including the re-labelling of Uruguayan beef, and unclear details on freezing and shelf life. In an earlier letter, dated 1st September 2020, Interim NBA chief executive Neil Shand had asked the Tesco-owned wholesaler to explain why the original so...

NBA questions wholesaler over re-labelling of Uruguayan beef

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 17:02 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) has written to wholesaler Booker to question some of the procedures and processes discovered in some of its outlets, including the re-labelling of Uruguayan beef, and unclear details on freezing and shelf life. In the letter dated 1st September 2020, Interim NBA chief executive Neil Shand has asked the Tesco-owned wholesaler to explain why the original source label for imported Uruguayan beef had been intentionally over-la...

Supermarket Review - Week 1 Asda

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 13:05 +0100

Supermarkets are often labelled the bad boys of the food industry, but as a nation we would be pretty hungry without them. The UK is around 70% self-sufficient in beef, and 80% of this UK-produced beef is retailed through their outlets. It is therefore in the industry’s best interests to work alongside the supermarkets, discovering what works best for both parties, and trying to change the things that don’t. As we move inexorably towards Brexit and the new tr...

Government missing opportunity to support food producers

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 13:49 +0100

National Beef Association (NBA) sends open letter to Rishi Sunak MP In an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, the National Beef Association (NBA) has praised the new ‘Eat out to help out’ initiative, but feels that an opportunity has been missed to help UK food producers. The letter, sent to Mr Sunak’s office on Monday 13th July by NBA Interim CEO Mr Neil Shand on behalf of NBA members, welcomes the government’s announc...

Government must focus on future food security, warns NBA

Thu, 21 May 2020 12:21 +0100

National Beef Association (NBA) sends open letter to George Eustice MP In an open letter to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, The Rt Hon George Eustice MP, the National Beef Association (NBA) has called on government to take food security seriously, and has asked for the fast-tracking of an objective study, after amendments to the Agriculture Bill to protect UK standards were not adopted, during its third reading. The letter, se...

NBA bolsters Board with two major additions

Thu, 14 May 2020 10:05 +0100

In current times, it is prudent to acknowledge the importance of environmental change, and the National Beef Association (NBA) recognises the key role the beef industry must play. It is the NBA’s duty to ensure that its knowledge is current, and to strive to keep the industry as environmentally conscious as possible. With this in mind, the Association is delighted to announce the addition of Jude Capper to the NBA Board. Jude L. Capper, PhD ARAgS, an independ...

NBA Weekly Briefing

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 10:37 +0100

The country is now a calendar month into lockdown, and life in its adjusted form continues. Anti-social has gone from being something undesirable to something approaching normal and just nipping to the supermarket is frowned upon. Numbers have played a huge part in tracking the path of the virus in the last few weeks, and as the significant numbers appear to have, if not improved, then at least stabilised in recent days, optimism is beginning to grow. The ligh...

Letters sent to ASDA and Sainsbury's over Polish mince concerns

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:36 +0100

The NBA have written to Asda CEO Roger Burnley and Sainsbury's CEO Mike Coupe raising concerns over imported Polish mince. Please read our full letter below. Dear Mr Coupe, Firstly, may we congratulate your organisation and its staff for your part in feeding our country during these unprecedented times. The food supply chain has been thrown into turmoil, and the problems you are facing with both supply and demand and logistics at this time are ones t...

Key Workers Essential Travel Template

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 12:21 +0100

There have been reports of workers in the food supply chain (including feed) being stopped by police when travelling for work purposes. Employers are advised to issue a letter to all staff members for any essential travel they make. This should be on official, company-headed paper, certifying that the named individual who holds the letter is deemed a key worker in the agricultural and food/feed supply chain. Staff should carry the letter with them at all time...

NBA Letter sent to Rt Hon George Eustice urging Government to prioritise agriculture and food security

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 09:20 +0100

The NBA this week have written to George Eustice urging government to prioritise agriculture and food security. Read the full letter below. ...

The NBA launches online trading for members who are unable to attend mart sales

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:28 +0100

The NBA are supporting auction marts being open for farmers to continue to do business during these difficult times. We would advise our members to take necessary advised precautions when attending mart sales. We do however understand that for some of our members, attending marts is no longer an option and therefore, given further restrictions now in place by the Government, the NBA will now host an online trading area for our members. We understand it is ...

NBA Policy - Covid-19

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:46 +0100

In line with Government guidance, our administration staff are working in isolation. Phone lines and email communications should remain unaffected. We are here to support the beef industry in any crisis. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance. Tel: 01434 601005 Email: info@nationalbeefassociation.com ...

Government must prioritise Agriculture and Food Production

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 14:11 +0100

Not since the end of the Second World War, and the rationing period that followed it, has British agriculture been more important than it is about to be in the coming months. Traditionally, the British public in general is well-known for being a resilient population, but there are few who are more robust or tough than the British farmer. Whatever the weather, animals are fed, watered, housed and cared for, crops are sown, and the countryside and its wildlife i...

NBA announce farm tours as part of Beef Expo 2020

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 14:59 +0100

Two informative and educational farm tours have been confirmed in the Darlington area for Wednesday 27th May, ahead of the NBA Beef Expo 2020 taking place the following day, Thursday 28th May at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart’s (DFAM) new state-of-the-art Humbleton Park Auction Centre. NBA Beef Expo is the largest technical beef event in the UK, and the farm tours are an important element showcasing the innovative thinking behind some of the country’s progre...

National Beef Association responds to Energy Systems Catapult Report

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 09:49 +0100

Earlier this week, the National Beef Association was contacted by the BBC to provide a comment on the recent report, and were quoted in the following online article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-51804212 Our full statement can be seen below. Many studies have centred on the negative impact of cows, but few raise positive comment on their essential part of life in this country, not only to those that gain their living from farming, but to th...

UK beef production standards should be recognised at the point of sale, urges NBA

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 15:01 +0100

Traceability and nutritional values must be clear to consumers The high beef production standards demonstrated by UK producers must be recognised, maintained and matched by any imported beef products, demands the National Beef Association (NBA), in the wake of concerning developments since the start of the year. Following the reintroduction of the Agriculture Bill into Parliament in January, amidst calls to recognise the need to encourage the production of f...

Joint Letter Sent to PM

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 11:29 +0100

Please see below letter sent to Boris Johnson regarding trade deals post Brexit. ...

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION APPOINT NEW CHAIRMAN OF NBA SOUTH WEST COMMITTEE

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:38 +0100

The National Beef Association is pleased to announce Robert Venner, managing partner at Sedgemoor Auction Centre, as the new chairman of the NBA South West Committee. Mr Venner was appointed to the role following a committee meeting on Monday 13th January 2020. The NBA South West Committee is a proactive body representing the interest of beef producer members throughout the region. It makes up one of the six key regional bodies under the National Beef Associa...

The National Beef Association (NBA) criticises the extreme and unrealistic views in George Monbiot’s ‘Apocalypse Cow’.

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 19:05 +0100

The programme, which aired on Channel 4 on Wednesday 8th January, showed George Monbiot’s aims to eradicate farming, replacing grass and arable land with trees and rewilding the UK countryside. It provided no opportunity for the British beef industry to defend and promote the benefits of beef production to balance the discussion. The NBA stands by its point that beef farming is one of the most sustainable methods of food production, producing a high quality...

Letter of complaint to BBC following unclear message in global beef production documentary

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 16:27 +0100

This afternoon (26.11.19), the National Beef Association has sent a letter to Ms Charlotte Moore and Mr Tom McDonald, who commissioned the documentary ‘Meat: A Threat to our Planet?’, which was aired on BBC One yesterday evening (25.11.19). To our industry, the programme quite clearly demonstrated exactly why we should buy British, as we are aware of how different UK livestock production systems are to those elsewhere in the world. However, we feel that this...

National Beef Association hopes BBC programme will demonstrate the differences between global beef production systems

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:10 +0100

This evening, at 21:00, the BBC is broadcasting a documentary entitled ‘Meat: A Threat To Our Planet?’, which is supposedly aiming to raise awareness of the environmental issues associated with global food production and how we can continue to eat meat, without harming the planet, according to the BBC Media Centre. The programme will focus on North American farming methods, not those followed in the UK, which the National Beef Association (NBA) is eager to hi...

National Beef Association highlights harsh realities for British beef producers in EFRA committee inquiry

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 17:35 +0100

NBA Chief Executive Chris Mallon spoke on behalf of British beef producers at the House of Commons this week in an inquiry into the beef prices ‘crisis’. He challenged processers and industry regulators, saying more needs to be done to protect the future of British Beef farming, or it will “literally disappear.” Also present at the meeting was NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts, Tom Kirwan, managing director of ABP Beef (UK) and Nick Allen, Chief Executive of...

Livestock Information Programme Update

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 10:25 +0100

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has, on the 1st October 2019, created a new company called Livestock Information Limited (LI Ltd) to manage the design and implementation of the Livestock Information Service. Defra has given LI Ltd the mandate to design and implement the new multispecies Livestock Information Service. As part of this mandate, Defra has agreed to fully fund the statutory service in a way that provides flexibility for ...

Beef Expo 2020 Preview

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 10:40 +0100

NBA BEEF EXPO 2020 TO BE HELD AT BRAND NEW HUMBLETON PARK AUCTION CENTRE, DARLINGTON, 28TH MAY 2020 Largest technical beef event in the UK to be staged at grand opening of Darlington Farmers Auction Market’s new state-of-the-art centre The 2020 NBA Beef Expo will be held at the grand opening of Darlington Farmers Auction Mart’s (DFAM) new Humbleton Park Auction Centre on Thursday 28th May 2020. Bringing together the very best in British commercial and pedig...

OPEN DAY AND FARM WALK TO GIVE INSIGHT INTO MAXIMISING BEEF MARGINS AND PRODUCTION RESILIENCE

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 14:26 +0100

Beef producers will have access to the latest insights into maximising beef margins by investing in production systems based around genetics, health and nutrition, during an open day and farm walk at Williamwood Farm, Warsop Vale NG20 8XR on Monday 23rd September. Visitors will be invited to tour Ian Willison’s Simmental x British Blue suckler herd near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, and discover how his Autumn-based production system is increasing returns by re...

Article 24 of WTO - Briefing Note

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 13:15 +0100

“Article 24 of the World Trade Organisation treaty allows us to continue to trade with Europe on zero tariffs while we negotiate a free trade arrangement.” Statements like this keep being said in the media, however, trade law experts have repeatedly and authoritatively dismissed the view that the relevant rule – General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) Article XXIV – offers an easy solution to UK trade with the EU in the case of ‘no-deal’. No-deal means...

Time for accuracy on environmental sustainability of beef production in UK, urges National Beef Association

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 09:50 +0100

Mistruths and scaremongering giving public a blinkered view Fake news and misinterpretations of the truth are giving the British public a false and damaging view of the beef industry within the UK, risking the future of a sector leading the way globally in environmentally sensitive beef production. This is the damning verdict of the National Beef Association (NBA), the representative voice for British beef farmers, as it demands accurate and transparent repo...

NBA CALLS FOR REDEFINITION OF AGE WHEN ‘BEEF IS BEEF’

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:10 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) is calling for updated regulatory definitions to reflect the improvements in production systems and genetics, in a move that will raise the profitability of the UK beef sector by millions of pounds, while also delivering environmental benefits. Often accused of not competing well with the efficiency of the poultry and pork industries, with genetics often blamed, the NBA highlights an outdated age definition that sets the be...

Beef producers hit with £68m drop in cattle value

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 09:37 +0100

This equates to the value of 70,000 store cattle within that period. And while last year was not a record for the beef industry, prices were stronger than 2019, and competition for cattle was vigorous. The National Beef Association (NBA) said the figures show that the UK beef industry's survival is 'under threat'. One member of the group, speaking this week of his own experience of the trade, stated that his commercial cattle are back over £160 per head, an...

Help Us Help The Industry!

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 17:48 +0100

We are urging all of our members to have their say and write to their local MP about the drastic decline in beef prices. It is crucial, with the industry being where it is that we make our voices heard to the powers that be and come together to make a stand. As a lobbying organisation we are working hard to bring the true state of affairs to the attention of politicians and have been meeting with various different committees and your support would be appreci...

Beef trade victim of Brexit planning and cheap imports, warns NBA

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 14:53 +0100

In a stark warning to the UK Government, the National Beef Association (NBA) has raised concerns for the entire future of British beef production, unless support is forthcoming against the threat of cheap imports and the potential of damaged trade relations. While the retail price for beef remains strong and steady, with only rump showing a slight reduction per kilo, finished cattle are losing value week after week. Chris Mallon, chief executive of the NBA s...

Landscapes without Livestock Report

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 10:44 +0100

Livestock bring many benefits to their respective environments and the positives about livestock production should not be ignored. To help illustrate this, AHDB Beef & Lamb commissioned an independent report ‘Landscapes without Livestock’ which examines the potential impact on some of England’s most cherished landscapes if beef cattle herds and sheep flocks declined or disappeared as a result of the industry becoming unsustainable.The report has been compiled ...

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY DURING BIGGEST EVER NBA BEEF EXPO

Tue, 28 May 2019 13:06 +0100

Record numbers of exhibitors and competition entrants, and over 4000 visitors headed to J36 Rural Auction Centre, Cumbria on 23rd May to celebrate the strength and resilience of the British beef industry, at the National Beef Association (NBA)’s Beef Expo 2019. The industry sent a strong message out on environmental sustainability, the need to change and evolve to consumer demands, with a focus on quality and provenance. Over 140 trade stands and breed societ...

National Beef Expo to address key issues facing the industry

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 10:45 +0100

Technical seminar speakers announced for NBA Beef Expo, taking place on 23rd 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 ...

Huge support for cattle competitions at Beef Expo 2019

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 13:38 +0100

Organisers of the beef industry showcase, the National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo 2019, taking place in Cumbria on 23rd May, have announced huge support for its two key competitions, as entries start to draw to a close. The NBA Commercial Cattle Show and the South Devon Herd Book Society Performance Championships have both attracted encouraging entry numbers, as the national event for the beef sector, Beef Expo 2019, this year takes place at North West ...

Low prices threatening future of NI beef sector, warn industry body

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 08:35 +0100

Latest DAERA figures are showing a 30-year low of suckler cows in Northern Ireland, and this trend will escalate until farmers receive a fair price, according to the National Beef Association’s (NBA) NI board representative, Ernie Ritchie. “Costs have continued to rise, and this is raising serious questions of the industry,” says Mr Ritchie. “NI beef was quoted at 334p per kilo in the last week, and this in itself is down some 30p in the last few months,” he ...

NO Deal Brexit Reckless in the Extreme

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 20:53 +0100

Fairness for Farmers in Europe have issued the following press release of their agreed statement on the strong possibility of the UK leaving the EU without a deal. This statement has been delivered to Michael Gove MP, Andrea Leadsom MP, Theresa May PM, Neil Parish MP, Sir Vince Cable MP, Sir Kier Starmer MP and Anna Soubry MP with copies sent to the Irish Government, the Isle of Man Government, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government, EU Commission Pres...

NBA Board back extended transition period not Back stop

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 18:26 +0100

The NBA board met on Tuesday the 4th of December in Northern Ireland, after a very successful farm walk on the Monday evening held at David and Ken Martins Farm in Newcastle, County Down. This was the first NBA board meeting held in Northern Ireland, fitting at such an uncertain political time. One of the main topics of discussion was, of course, the current Brexit deal presented by Theresa May, which is currently being debated in Parliament. The NBA board ...

NBA showcase award winning Killerton herd at Farm walk

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 13:23 +0100

The NBA South West have today announced they will be hosting an autumn farm walk at Patrick and Sheila Greed’s 700 acre, Columbjohn Farm, Exeter to view their award winning Killerton herd of Limousin cattle. The farm walk, which will be held on the Wednesday 10th of October, will give farmers the chance to view this exceptional example of a commercially run pedigree herd of cattle. Patrick prides himself on producing modern well fleshed bulls that are suit...

Midlands Farm Walk - a great success!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:55 +0100

Over 60 farmers gathered at College Farm in Oxfordshire on Wednesday to view the exceptional Dorcas herd of Charolais. George Morris and family gave an fantastic tour of their immaculate farm, taking tractor and trailer rides through fields holding large groups of even cows with calves at foot. George explained their focus on maternal traits producing cattle with good milk, longevity and calving ease which could be seen from the quality of stock. The farm tou...

Bluetongue virus detected and dealt with in two imported cattle

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 14:46 +0100

The UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant for bluetongue virus after the disease was successfully picked up in two cattle imported from France through our routine post-import testing regime. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Pirbright Institute identified the disease in the animals when they were brought to North Yorkshire in England from an assembly centre in Central France, where bluetongue continues to sl...

NBA NI join Greenmount bursary scheme

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 10:47 +0100

On Friday 14th August NI NBA Chairman Stephen Heenan attended the Greenmount bursary fair along with Rosie McGowan. It is the first year that the NBA have decided to support the bursary scheme, offering £1000 to an individual studying in their first year of either foundation or degree level agriculture to assist them in funding their academic studies. The essay question posed by the NI NBA Committee asked this years cohort to “Discuss the factors affecting th...

Save the date: NBA Midlands farm walk to renowned Dorcas Charolais herd

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:04 +0100

The NBA Midlands Committee are delighted to invite farmers to attend an Autumn farm walk and at College Farm, Thame, on Wednesday 19 th September. College Farm is home to the renowned, 300 strong Dorcas Charolais herd and an exceptional example of a pedigree herd run on a profitable commercial basis. The Morris family; John, Rosemary, their son George and his wife Claire farm the 500-acre farm set in the rolling hills of Aylesbury Vale in Buckinghamshire. Th...

Beef Expo 2019 Venue Announced

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 10:52 +0100

We are delighted to officially announce that Beef Expo 2019 will be held on Thursday 23rd May at North West Auctions, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Kendal. Plans are already underway, and we are looking forward to hosting the event at such exceptional modern facilities. The site boasts a huge exhibition hall and fantastic conferencing suite located in an area renowned for producing quality store cattle. We would like to thank John Geldard for kindly offering the...

INDUSTRY EXPERTS AT BEEF EXPO FARM WALKS

Fri, 11 May 2018 15:13 +0100

The NBA have this week announced the series of insightful workshops that will be running as part of their Beef Industry Farm Tours across Shropshire and the Welsh Borders on Thursday the 24th May. An impressive range of industry experts are lined up to deliver short talks on topics from calf rearing to beef finishing systems and advances in all aspects of production from health to genetics. Partridge Farm, Bishops Castle James Evans will showcase his 300 hea...

Beef Expo 2018 Farm Tours - F D Cornes & Son, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury.

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 14:11 +0100

The third farm tour will take visitors to Frank and Jonathan Cornes farm, at Bayston Hill just outside Shrewsbury. Here, he and his family finish approx. 1800 stores, bought in from local markets and fed on home grown fodder beet, grain and grass silage as well as ad lib straw. The ration, fed ad lib in hoppers also contains live yeast to prevent acidosis and a 38% protein pellet. They aim to finish cattle within 3 to 4 months, killing out as R4L/-U4L at appr...

Beef Expo 2018 Farm Tours - James Evans, Partridge Farm, Linley, Bishops Castle

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:18 +0100

James Evans’ Partridge Farm situated in Linley, near Bishops Castle spans just over 800 hectares (2,000 acres) and is home to his 300 Stabiliser suckler cows and 1,000 Lleyn ewes. The sucklers are split into two units, a 180-cow spring-calving herd (Partridge Farm) and a 120-cow autumn-calving herd (Walcot Farm) both producing quality maternal high health status breeding stock and bulls finished in a semi intensive system. In 2007, James who farms in partners...

Beef Expo 2018 Farm Tours - Marc Jones, Trefnant Hall, Welshpool

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 11:30 +0100

The next farm walk will visit Marc Jones, a farmer who has turned the family's 500 acre tenanted farm from a standard mixed farm reliant on subsidies to a modern profitable system which can survive without them. Trefnant Hall farm is a 500-acre tenanted farm situated on the Powis Estate which is run by Marc Jones in partnership with his parents David and Jane. Prior to 2009 the farm lambed 1200 Welsh Mules inside in February and kept 120 Limousin cross suckle...

NBA (NI) announces three-day Beef Expo tour themed ‘Beef Up Our Future’!

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 11:34 +0100

The National Beef Association (NI) has today launched the details of its annual three-day road trip to the NBA Beef Expo. Hosted in Shropshire this year the tour will run from Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th May and will include two days of farm tours visiting four exceptional farms across Shropshire and the welsh borders, two nights’ accommodation, the Beef Expo Industry Dinner, entry to the prestigious Beef Expo held at Shrewsbury Auction Mart and all transpor...

Government fails to protect Food chain from power of Big Business

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 13:36 +0100

The NBA were disappointed on hearing the Governments decision this morning not to extend the remit of the Grocery Code Adjudicator (GCA) into UK law. Had it been extended it would have protected the primary producer, instead the Government has decided to maintain the status quo and protect large retailers. Chris Mallon CEO of the National Beef Association (NBA) commenting on the decision said “Understandably large retailers opposed the move to protect prima...

Two exceptional farm walks for NBA Midlands Committee

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 11:39 +0100

Join the NBA Midlands committee for two fantastic farm walks this February as they host two knowledge sharing, networking events in Northamptonshire. Open to all with an interest in the beef industry this series of FREE events have something for everyone. The first of the two farm walks will focus on pre and post calving health management. Sponsored by Calfmatters from Boehringer Ingleheim and Caltech Crystalyx the walk will take place on Thursday the 8th Feb...

SBA hosts farm tour at state of the art finishing unit

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 15:47 +0100

The SBA have announced their first Farm Tour of the year will be at Jim, Stuart & Michael Walker’s Knockenjig farm at Sanquar, Dumfries & Galloway. Kindly sponsored by Calf matters from Boehringer and Caltech Crystalyx, the meetings will focus on optimising health and nutrition of cattle around calving and maximising neonatal health and viability. The Walkers first came to Sanquar in 1921 taking a farm tenancy at Drumbuie and from then on they have grown the...

Tesco claims Christmas success whilst sacrificing British produce

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 09:54 +0100

Tesco is making headlines with leading sales over Christmas and New Year for the first time in 5 years, however, their commitment to British beef over the same period also deserves headlines. The National Beef Association (NBA) was contacted by consumers in the South West after the New Year complaining about the lack of British beef available on shelves during the festive period. Further complaints have now come forward from other areas of England expressing ...

National Beef Association delighted that Gove is to stay in place

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 12:56 +0100

Chris Mallon, CEO of the National Beef Association (NBA), has welcomed the news that Michael Gove is to stay in place as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. “It is good news that we have seen continuity at Defra with Michael Gove remaining as the Secretary of State. It was a surprise when he was brought back into the inner sanctum last year and the NBA was glad to see Defra given to such a heavy hitter with Brexit influence. “In thi...

Tesco’s South West aisles bare of British beef - NBA challenges sourcing strategy

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 12:04 +0100

Tesco’s South West aisles bare of British beef - NBA challenges sourcing strategy Christmas and New Year are peak times for the sale of quality cuts of beef, an important time for processors and farmer alike. Aisles full of locally supplied roasts are the expectation, however supermarket ‘giant’ Tesco failed to meet consumers demands for British beef in their South West stores. Imports are vital to balance shortages in supply, however, with sufficient supply...

NBA Beef Expo to return to the Welsh Borders

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:08 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) has today announced that their renowned Beef Expo event will be heading to the Welsh Borders for this year’s celebration of British Beef. The beef industry spectacular will take place on Friday the 25th of May 2018, kindly hosted by Halls Shrewsbury Livestock Auction Market. This key industry event which celebrates the British Beef industry and all who work within it, will once again be displaying the very best of British p...

NI NBA Committee Invite Farmers to Attend an Autumn Farm Walk

Wed, 04 Oct 2017 12:40 +0100

THE NI NBA committee have arranged an autumn meeting which gives local Beef Farmers the chance to visit the commercial and pedigree suckler herd of Stephen Heenan, previous Vice Chairman of the NBA Board, at his farm in Clough, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Stephen runs 70 commercial breeding females as well as 12 pedigree Charolais cows on his farm in Clough, Downpatrick. The farm is mainly grass/silage based, growing 15 acres of arable to supplement feed. ...

Andrew Laughton opens the gates to his immaculate Beef Finishing Unit for NBA open farm walk and meeting.

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 12:27 +0100

The NBA have announced that they will be visiting Southfield Farm, Andrew Laughton’s impressive finishing unit in Louth on Wednesday the 20th September as part of their roadshow of farm tours which will be held up and down the country with mainline sponsor AB Vista . Andrew Laughton will be opening the gates to his remarkable beef unit giving visitors the opportunity to view one of the largest beef finishing units in the country. His system is simple, utili...

NBA Invite farmers to attend an open farm walk and meeting kindly hosted at Angrove Farm in Wiltshire

Fri, 11 Aug 2017 12:44 +0100

The NBA have announced that they will be visiting Angrove Farm in Wiltshire on Wednesday the 13th September as part of their roadshow of farm tours which will be held up and down the country with mainline sponsor AB Vista. Nigel Parfitt will be opening the gates for visit Angrove Farm, a 350 acre Approved Finishing Unit (AFU) with grazing set in the heart of Wiltshire. Nigel runs a low input system, finishing both native cattle and steers from the dairy indus...

NBA Invite farmers to attend an open farm walk and meeting at Great Chesters Farm, Northumberland

Fri, 28 Jul 2017 14:06 +0100

The NBA will be visiting Great Chesters farm in Northumberland on Wednesday the 23rd August as part of their roadshow of farm tours which will be held up and down the country this August and September. The evening will begin at 6.30pm with a tour of Great Chesters Farm, farmed by Willie Woodman. A fantastic example of a traditional mixed farm spanning 2000 acres of countryside. Willie, his wife Christine and son Martin farm in two blocks, 30 miles apart m...

Eric Reid opens the gates to his immaculate Beef Finishing Unit for NBA NI open farm walk and meeting.

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 13:37 +0100

The NBA have announced that they will be visiting Eric Reid’s state of the art finishing unit in County Armagh on Wednesday the 16th August as part of their roadshow of farm tours which will be held up and down the country this August and September. The evening meeting will commence at 6.30pm and give visitors a chance to view a cutting-edge beef finishing unit. Eric’s beef fattening programme is a grass and silage based system, with the addition of some cere...

NBA Beef Event to return to Northern Ireland next Spring

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 12:20 +0100

After a successful event at the Beef Expo in May the National Beef Association (NBA) have announced that they will be holding two Beef Expos in 2018 with the return of the NI Beef Event. This week the NBA announced the return of the prestigious NI Beef event at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart, County Tyrone in Spring 2018. The event is to be held on Monday the 26th of February 2018. The event will be a celebration of the best of the Northern Irish Beef Industry with...

Are our consumers our greatest allies when it comes to Welfare and Hormones?

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 10:36 +0100

When questions were asked if we as an industry would like hormones to be reintroduced into British Beef production the NBA strongly opposed the notion. Our reasoning being hormone free beef is a valuable point of difference in the international marketplace, that the health consequences for consumers was not fully understood and there would be significant health and safety issues for farming practitioners managing hormone treated stock and pedestrians visiting ...

The National Beef Association welcomes Michael Gove MP, Defra Secretary of State

Fri, 16 Jun 2017 10:33 +0100

The National Beef Association, (NBA) would like to congratulate Michael Gove, MP on his appointment as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on behalf of their members. Chris Mallon, Chief Executive of the NBA stated, “I look forward to working closely with Michael Gove to ensure the best possible decisions are made for the British Beef Industry and that these decisions are future proofed to protect the industry. It is positive step tha...

Monty Reigns Supreme at Beef Expo 17

Fri, 26 May 2017 16:02 +0100

The prestigious annual Beef Event, the Beef Expo, took place last week at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. Organised by the National Beef Association this event showcased everything truly British about the UK's beef sector, bringing together the very best in British commercial and pedigree cattle, equipment, knowledge-sharing, and show classes for everyone involved in the industry. Attended by approximately 4000 visitors, including an 86 strong bus trip fr...

Fully integrated Beef supply chain showcased at NBA Beef Expo farm tours

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:55 +0100

John Bell, owner of Berrystock Feeds and Berryfields Farm is preparing to welcome 250 farmers to his farm as part of this year’s National Beef Association’s Beef Expo farm tours. The farm and feed plant located near Daventry is one of three farm visits planned for the prestigious NBA Beef Expo farm tours held on Wednesday 17th May and will be showcasing the benefits of a fully integrated beef supply chain. John is a great advocate of co-operation and has been ...

Model finishing unit host farm tour at NBA Beef Expo

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:53 +0100

Mike, Jane and Charlie Wills are the second of three farms lined up to host the National Beef Association’s Beef Expo farm tours on the 17th May. Upper Coton, their model farm in Guilsborough at the heart of the Midlands spans over 700 acres of arable land and is home to their impressive Approved Finishing Unit which finishes 1,300 cattle per year. Farm tour visitors are invited to look round their unit which holds approximately 620-800 Limousin type cattle at...

‘The sky’s the limit’ for NBA Beef Expo Farm Tour host

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:51 +0100

Roger and Tom Elliott are set to open the gates, of one of their farms located at Upper Heyford, to visitors as part of this years National Beef Association’s Beef Expo farm tour’s on the 17th May 2017. The father/son partnership has grown from small beginnings into a business that is profitable, sustainable and is continuing to expand with very little subsidy support. The mixed enterprise covers 1350 acres of majority rented parkland and pasture, and after sp...

Deadline for the National Commercial Cattle Show entries draws near

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:43 +0100

Plans for this year’s flagship beef event, National Beef Association’s Beef Expo 2017, are in full swing and entries for the National Commercial Cattle Show (NCCS) are arriving thick and fast. There are a total of 11 cattle classes in the competition, with four championships and a supreme championship, and include classes for Native, Continental, British Blue and Limousin-sired steers and heifers. Also part of the schedule are Baby steer and heifer classes, as...

NBA Beef Expo to host South Devon Performance Championships

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 15:41 +0100

The National Beef Association are pleased to announce that they will be hosting the South Devons’ Performance Championships alongside their National Commercial Cattle Show on the 18th May 2017 at NAEC Stoneleigh. The Performance Championships will judge cattle based on both performance figures and inspection with entries from herds that are Breedplan performance recorded. Performance figures for bulls are accumulated in the ‘Quality Beef Index’ which includes...

NBA Beef Expo are set to host the Future Beef Farmer Challenge Competition

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 12:46 +0100

For the third year, the National Beef Association will be hosting the Future Beef Farmer Challenge Competition in conjunction with AHDB at the NBA Beef Expo in Stoneleigh on the 18th May 2017. The competition is 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 hosts and sponsors for the relevant sections of the completion are F...

NBA (NI) invites farmers to Open Meeting at AFBI Research Farm

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 11:52 +0100

The NBA (NI) have announced an OPEN farmers meeting to be held on Monday the 10th April at 8.00pm, kindly hosted by AFBI at their Hillsborough research farm. The meeting will include an update on recent NBA work and two fantastic guest speakers; Dr. Francis Lively of AFBI presenting on ‘Current and future research within the beef sector’ and a representative from Boehringer Ingelheim speaking on ‘Effective BVD eradication’ including their Bovela vaccine. The m...

NBA (NI) announces three-day tour of the Best of British Beef

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:00 +0100

The National Beef Association (NI) has today launched the details of its annual three-day road trip to the NBA Beef Expo. This year the event will be hosted by the NBA at the NAEC, Stoneleigh Park on the18th May 2017. The tour will run from Tuesday 16th to Thursday 18th May and will include two days of farm tours visiting four exceptional farms across the Midlands and Wales, two nights’ accommodation, a ticket to the prestigious Beef Expo Industry Dinner, entr...

NBA Farm Tours: Three model farms showcasing the Best of British beef production

Fri, 10 Mar 2017 14:20 +0100

The National Beef Association have today announced the farms that will be hosting their prestigious Beef Expo farm tours on the 17th May. They include a diverse selection of beef farms all championing efficiencies in their relative sectors and showcasing the very best of British beef production. Roger Elliott and his son Tom will be showcasing their herd of 300 British Shorthorn, South Devon and cross bred cattle, demonstrating how their system optimises fora...

NBA Announce National Commercial Cattle Show classes at Beef Expo

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:14 +0100

Plans for this year’s flagship beef event, National Beef Association’s Beef Expo 2017, are in full swing and today it has been announced that there will be a total of 11 cattle classes, with four championships and a supreme championship, at the National Commercial Cattle Show (NCCS). Taking place in the heart of the Midlands, and agricultural excellence, at NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on Thursday 18th May 2017, NBA Beef Expo brings together the very ...

Grazing AFUs granted a 24 month extension after NBA campaign

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:16 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) TB Committee has today announced a further success of their campaign to extend the notice period of Grazing Approved Finishing Units (AFUs) in cull areas. The NBA committee has worked hard on behalf of all AFU owners, especially those who operate grazing AFUs, whose futures were in jeopardy due to proposed changes to TB cattle controls. After reviewing the latest evidence provided by the NBA TB committee Defra has granted a...

NBA welcomes a new generation of beef farmers

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 15:02 +0100

The National Beef Association has announced its new campaign to embrace a new generation of beef farmers. The Campaign kicks off with the launch of their young member’s discount, allowing those with an interest in the beef industry aged 16-25 to become a member for just £40 (standard membership is £75). Speaking about the new memberships, Rosie McGowan, Development Manager of the NBA said: “We are delighted to encourage a new generation of farmers to become m...

NBA Launch Series of Regional Open Meetings

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:58 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) has launched a series of free Regional Open Meetings which are open to anyone with an interest in the beef industry. The inaugural NBA Northern Open Meeting will be held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, at 7:00 pm on Tuesday 7th February. An identical event will be held the following evening, Wednesday 8thFebruary, at Church Lawford Village Hall, Warwickshire. The NBA will welcome guest speaker, Steven Sandison, from Orkney, w...

Harper Adams Graduate Appointed As NBA Development Manager

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 11:09 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rosie McGowan as Development Manager. Two key elements of this newly created role will be to increase the organisation’s membership and further develop the regional groups. Rosie joins the NBA, following her recent graduation from Harper Adams University with a first-class BSc degree in Agriculture with Animal Science. Rosie’s passion for beef production began through running a he...

Beef farmers call for extension on government 'Approved Finishing Units' proposal

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 15:34 +0100

With changes to Approved Finishing Units (AFUs) in the pipeline, the National Beef Association (NBA) is calling for a four year extension before any phasing out occurs which could cause 'serious welfare and cash-flow problems' for farmers. AFUs were introduced to provide a route for rearing, fattening or finishing cattle from TB restricted and un-restricted farms. These must be applied for and approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). AFUs fall ...

Opportunities for Trade Exhibitors at Key Beef Industry Event

Fri, 02 Dec 2016 14:50 +0100

NBA Beef Expo is a true celebration of the strength of the great British Beef Industry and has now become one of the UK’s key annual events held on behalf of the industry, bringing together the very best British pedigree and commercial cattle. Hosted by the National Beef Association (NBA), the 2017 event will take place at the NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire on Thursday 18th May. Returning to the Midlands for the first time in many years, the 2017 NBA Beef Expo...

Leading voice of West's beef farmers returns to NBA

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 11:03 +0100

Beef farmer Bill Harper has returned to the National Beef Association's (NBA) board, with an aim to put the spotlight on commercial, political and health issues during his tenure. Mr Harper, who farms 530 acres with 200 suckler cows and 250 breeding ewes in Devon, is a former chairman of the South West Beef Council and served on the NBA Board in 2005. He chaired the TB committee and as a member of Defra's TB Eradication Advisory Group, and was responsible fo...

Delightful Day for Daisy in Derbyshire

Tue, 24 May 2016 15:51 +0100

Derbyshire Hosts a True Celebration of British Beef at the 2016 NBA Expo with Daisy Duke a Limousin Cross Heifer scooping Supreme Champion Held at the Bakewell Agricultural Centre, and hosted by the National Beef Association (NBA), Beef Expo 2016 attracted in the region of 8,000 visitors for what had been hailed as a “Celebration of British Beef”. This, the British beef industry’s major annual event, highlighted the diversity of British beef to consumers, a...

NBA Corporate Leaflet

Thu, 19 May 2016 11:24 +0100

On the event of their annual showcase, NBA beef Expo being held on Friday 20th May in Bakewell, The National Beef Assocation (NBA) has outlined its key objectives with the production of a new corporate leaflet. Representing the entire British Beef industry, at the highest levels, this charitable organisation is an important representative body which is integral to the beef industry’s long-term future sustainability. As the only dedicated ‘Voice’ for British Be...

NBA Beef Expo attracts visitors from across Europe

Thu, 12 May 2016 15:29 +0100

The very best of British beef breeding comes together for top industry event Next week some of the very best beef cattle in the UK, thousands of British Beef Farmers and an inward trade missions with delegates from across Europe will descend on Bakewell for the British Beef industry’s major event of the year NBA Beef Expo 2016. With over, 20 Breed Societies and in the region of 120 commercial and educational trade stands, this annual showcase organised by...

Key Industry Issues to be tackled at NBA’s Beef Expo Seminars

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 17:07 +0100

TB, B.V.D. and organic production topics at Beef Expo Seminars NBA Beef Expo will take place at The Agricultural Business Centre, home of Bakewell Mart on Friday 20th May. Alongside a spectacular display of livestock and demonstrations, NBA will be hosting a range of seminars held by various industry professionals. Kicking off the morning will be an hour long seminar on TB issues with Defra vets, titled ‘UK Government Strategy to Eradicate TB in England’. C...

Learn the Story of British Beef and how to use it

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 11:47 +0100

National Beef Association introduces major consumer showcase to Beef Expo 2016 British beef is the best in the world, with farmers producing high-welfare, high-quality meat that is fully traceable. But as consumers, we’re not making the most of this fantastic food. Shoppers tend to stick to what they know, and in the UK, mince is the most popular cut of beef. Figures show that in 2014, we bought 141.9 thousand tonnes of minced beef in the UK – more than t...

Future Beef Farmer Challenge for Forward Thinking Producers

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 11:36 +0100

NBA Beef Expo sees the return of the popular Future Beef Farmer Challenge “Agriculture is becoming an increasingly hi-tech industry with the use of ‘precision farming.’ It is important for beef producers in the UK to remain ahead of the competition in order for their beef industry to remain competitive across not only Europe, but the world.” This is the message from Harper Adams University (HAU) Beef Cattle Specialist and NBA Board member Simon Marsh. In ...

Finished Clean Beef Prices at 5 year Low

Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:58 +0100

This is the 3rd spring in a row that we have had a double digit drop in CLEAN beef prices over the trade in late November. Once again, following the trend of the last three years, there has been no attempt to allow the normal rules of supply and demand to operate by our major retailers. They have simply stood their ground giving a poor deal to both consumers and beef producers while they line their pockets. Every little helps, so they say. Over the last 4 mo...

British Beef Prices have Dropped to a 5 Year Low

Tue, 05 Apr 2016 10:07 +0100

Here the National Beef Association take a look at the situation and the producers relationship with the retailers Beef prices have now dropped to a five year low and yet the retail price has remained relatively static with a 1-2% increase. Here Chris Mallon, Chief Executive of the National Beef Association (NBA), commenting said: “I keep getting told there is a lack of retail demand and because of that the processors have to reduce the price the farmer get...

Beef price and animal health topics to feature at April NBA events

Fri, 18 Mar 2016 12:47 +0100

Merial Animal Health is partnering with the National Beef Association (NBA) to support beef producer events in Hexham and Welshpool during early April. These events will focus on engaging with farmers to discuss how they can tackle problems and find out how they can take advantage of current trends in the industry to improve their own businesses. Chris Mallon says: “As the voice of the beef industry, the NBA has regional committees covering every part of the ...

NBA Beef Expo 2016 to host Future Beef Farmer Challenge

Fri, 11 Mar 2016 16:19 +0100

Forward thinking beef farmers invited to take part in team and individual contest at industry showcase event For the second year a unique contest is being held to test the skills, knowledge and abilities of teams and individual young beef farmers at this year’s National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo. This inaugural competition, The Future Beef Farmer Challenge, was launched in 2015 and was the first of its kind in the UK and this year the NBA are encourag...

National Beef Association hits the road with spring marts tour

Tue, 01 Mar 2016 10:56 +0100

Beef farmers invited to roadshow events to discuss industry issues and trends The National Beef Association (NBA) is heading out on a spring tour of marts across England to meet producers at store cattle and suckled calf sales. The NBA Roadshow will be visiting six livestock markets between March and May, in a show of support for the important role marts play in the industry and to meet farmers to discuss current issues in the beef sector. Representatives f...

Organisation is Key to Spring Calving Success

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 17:40 +0100

“Now that the beginning of the year is well and truly behind us, thoughts should start to turn to spring calving. Time spent planning now will be time well spent to ensure problems are minimised,” says Keith Cutler, Veterinary Surgeon at Endell Veterinary Group and a member of the National Beef Association’s (NBA) Animal Health Committee. Here, on behalf of the NBA, Keith discusses further that organisation is the key to calving success. The aim is that you...

SBA Warn of Real Financial Hardship faced by Beef Producers

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:08 +0100

Scottish Governments System Failure Wreaks Havoc with BPS Payments The Scottish Beef Association (SBA) have raised grave concerns about the prospect of all BPS payments being made to eligible beef producers, which are expected before the deadline at the end of April. Despite a pledge made in November by Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment, to deliver payments to most farmers under the EU’s Basic Payment Scheme by the e...

Beef farmers invited to visit top cattle finishing farm

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 09:29 +0100

NBA organises farm walk at Upper Coton to share best practice tips The National Beef Association (NBA) has teamed up with Northamptonshire beef farmer Mike Wills, and is inviting people to join a farm walk to share some of the secrets of his successful cattle finishing business. As the of voice the sector, the NBA is organising the event with Mr Wills to pass on some best practice tips on how finishers can improve their margins, and give them the opportunity...

NBA Farm Tours – A British Beef Industry Insight

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 15:44 +0100

Herd focused on profitable beef as part of a sustainable supply chain, Chatsworth Limousin’s, and Haddon Hall’s Longhorn Cattle to showcase in Farm Tours The National Beef Association (NBA) have today announced that the farm tours, part of their annual event NBA Beef Expo, will feature some of the Peak District’s most noted herds of cattle in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. This includes Chatsworth and Haddon Hall Estates and Hopping Farm hom...

Classes Announced for National Beef Association 2016 Spring Spectacular Show

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 12:15 +0100

Part of the Flagship Beef Expo Event to be held at Bakewell in May Just announced, it has been confirmed that there will be a total of 12 classes including four championship classes and a supreme champion class at this year’s National Beef Association’s (NBA) 2016 National Spring Spectacular Show (NSSS). With an overall prize fund of over £5000 the NSSS brings together the very best of pedigree and commercial cattle breeding. Part of the beef industry’s flag...

Judges Announced for the NBA Beef Expo 2016 Spring Spectacular Show

Fri, 15 Jan 2016 10:27 +0100

Two highly successful beef industry stalwarts, renowned for their pedigree and commercial cattle, have been invited to judge at the National Beef Association’s (NBA) Beef Expo 2016, National Spring Spectacular Show, which is returning to the Peak District National Park. Phil Sellers from Lincoln will judge the Native and Continental classes together with the Supreme championships whilst the Baby Beef classes, Baby championship and Young Handlers will be judged...

Proactive Health Planning is Key to Herd Performance

Fri, 08 Jan 2016 16:51 +0100

Proactive Health Planning is Key to Herd Performance Proactive Health Planning is Key to Herd Performance “Performance review and then management planning aimed at improvement should be a regular part of the routine on any farm but can often be neglected because of the many and varied day to day tasks necessary to look after the animals and ensure their health and welfare,” says Keith Cutler, Veterinary Surgeon at Endell Veterinary Group and a member of the...

Executive Group Chef from the Robert Parker Collection of hotels to support the National Beef Association with a series of beef recipes.

Tue, 05 Jan 2016 10:11 +0100

During the next twelve months Philippe Wavrin, the Group Executive Chef for the privately owned Robert Parker Collection of hotels will provide the National Beef Association with a series of seasonal recipes using the very best of British Beef. Having trained at the Hotel School of Strasbourg Philippe, originally from Alsace in France has a rich foodie history and has worked in some of the major culinary destinations in the world such as London, Zermatt, Mont...

Ear Tag Testing for BVD Could Help Eradicate this Complex Disease

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 15:40 +0100

John Hoskins, Director of the NBA firmly believes that monitoring BVD with the use of tag tests has helped to make it easier to eradicate what is a very complex disease. He is keen to stress that elimination is an achievable target for all UK producers. When attached the tag takes a tissue sample for analysis, it can be used on any age of animal and John currently uses it primarily on his calves to identify and remove Pl’s (Persistently Infected Animals). B...

National Beef Association Appoints Northern Board Member

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 09:29 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) has today announced the appointment of Northumberland Farmer William Walton to its Board. William, a member of the NBA, is the third generation of the Walton Family to have farmed Penpeugh Farm at Bardon Mill near Hexham in Northumberland. William’s role will be to represent the North East region for the NBA, and as a board member he will be a voice for the industry and contribute to the board and their decision making. Wi...

Results from the Pedigree Calf Fair….

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 16:09 +0100

SHOWMANSHIP The showmanship classes at the Pedigree Calf Fair were judged by Alison Connolly from Saintfield. Throughout the morning competitors were observed preparing their animals for the showring, and working with their teammates to keep the cattle clean and stall tidy. The class winners receive embroidered jackets sponsored by Alison Beattie from Farm Wardrobe. Results include: Handler aged 21 to 25-years-old – 1, Philip Johnston; 2, Naomi Gregg; 3, Andre...

Calf Fair and Beef Expo NI to be repeated in 2016

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 15:38 +0100

The inaugural Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo was an unqualified success, according to event organiser and Chairman David Connolly. “We had a tremendous turnout of stock and visitors on the day,” he said. “I had predicted beforehand that the event would represent a showcase for the pedigree beef champions of tomorrow, and given the views expressed by the judges, who were busy from 10.00am until 5.30pm on the day in question, this was undoubtedly the case.”...

More than 300 entries catalogued for multi-breed beef showcase

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:14 +0100

The countdown is on ahead of next weekend’s Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo, and organisers have been overwhelmed by the number of entries catalogued and the level of interest from commercial trade exhibitors. The inaugural multi-breed event takes place at the Balmoral Showgrounds, Belfast, on Saturday 14th November. Judging commences at 10.00am, with ten native and continental beef breeds coming under scrutiny from a line-up of national judges. Organised...

An opportunity to see champions of the future

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:11 +0100

All roads lead to the RUAS Showgrounds in Belfast on Saturday November 14th for the inaugural Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo. “We are breaking new ground with this initiative,” explained event organiser and chairman David Connolly. “Never before has the beef industry in Northern Ireland been given such a high-profile platform on which to display its superior pedigree young stock, and discuss the important issues in the beef sector”. “This is an industry wi...

Industry must be more efficient

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:08 +0100

The beef industry must follow the example shown by the pig and poultry sectors in terms of becoming more efficient, according to AFBI’s Dr Francis Lively. “This is why the Beef Strategy 2020, which is the backdrop for the upcoming Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo, is so important,” he said. Dr Francis Lively will be one of the six speakers taking part in the seminars planned for the November 14th event, taking place at the RUAS Balmoral Showgrounds in Belfas...

Crystalyx confirms sponsorship

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:05 +0100

Crystalyx has confirmed its sponsorship of the Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo. In addition, the company’s representative David Morgan will be providing a seminar presentation at the event. Unlocking the real potential of forage will be the overarching theme of his presentation. “When grass and silage are plentiful, the feeding of extra energy as concentrates to growing cattle and sheep may be uneconomic,” he explained. “Forage dry matter intakes can be...

Processors Enforce Restrictions on Cattle Movements

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 15:02 +0100

Meat Processors want to charge for cattle movements Meat processors are calling for restrictions to be applied to cattle movements. If there is going to be a deduction for cattle movements, the question to be asked is ‘what justification is there?’ Beef from these cattle won’t be any cheaper on the shelves, these cattle won’t yield differently, meat quality won’t be any different, meat safety will not be further enhanced and all that will happen is that the ...

More than 300 Entries Catalogued for Multi-breed Beef Showcase

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 14:41 +0100

Beef South West set to be a Bonanza

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 09:31 +0100

This year’s Beef South West on Wednesday 11th November at Westpoint Arena, Exeter is set to be the best yet. 140 show cattle are booked to compete to be crowned Best in Show. Entries have come forward from as far afield as Wales and the Eastern Counties. The desire to show at Westpoint Arena this year is so keen there is even a waiting list of entrants. “It’s going to take a really good one to win this year’s show” was Show Chairman Rob Venner’s opinion. ...

Beef South West

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 09:19 +0100

John May, pictured holding his prize winning bull Boskenna Donal, along with Nick Burrington are two of the mainstays of this year’s Beef South West Event, due to be held this year at Westpoint, Exeter on 11th November. John is head steward of the breed society stands and is confident all major pedigree breeds will be at the show to highlight their special attributes. John is well known for his Priorton herds of Pedigree Devons and Simmentals. The Devon bei...

Celebration of West Country Beef

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 09:18 +0100

This year’s Beef South West Show which is to be held at Westpoint Arena, Exeter on Wednesday 11th November is going to be a celebration of all that is good about West Country beef. Not only will there be the premiere primestock show for the best West Country commercial fatstock and pedigree cattle, there will also be competitions for the finest beef steaks and beef burgers produced in the West Country. The event is set to be a gathering of the region’s top cat...

NBA Beef Expo Returns Peak District

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 12:20 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) has announced that the 2016 NBA Beef Expo will be held at The Agricultural Business Centre and home of Bakewell Market, 15 years after the expo was last held in the area. The annual highlight of the beef industry calendar is due to take place on Friday 20th May, with organisers looking to build upon the huge success of last year’s event in York. Bringing together the very best in British commercial and pedigree cattle, eq...

Dairy farmers urged to place more 21 day old beef sired calves on rearing market

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 12:23 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) believe dairy farmers should consider the value a beef calf could add to their bottom line. Here Chris Mallon national director for the National Beef Assocation gives some further background. In an era of sexed semen, reduced margins from milk, and an expanding dairy herd the value of a good beef cross calf should not be underestimated. The beef industry needs volumes of high quality, uniform carcasses that the dairy indu...

NBA Unconvinced by RTA Proposals for the Introduction of Whole Life Assurance

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 15:24 +0100

After a meeting of the Policy Committee to discuss members concerns over the RTA Whole Life Assurance, NBA Chief Executive, Chris Mallon upholds the consensus of the meeting, with the NBA standing by the decision to reject the current proposals for the introduction of Lifetime Assurance as outlined in the RTA consultation. Commenting Chris said: “After consultation with members, Whole Life Assurance without the proper infrastructure in place, or enough volunt...

NBA Expresses Dismay at Failure to Sign off AHDB Marketing Campaign

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 22:19 +0100

With the announcement of the resignation of Stuart Roberts as chairman of the AHDB Beef and Lamb board for levy payers in England, the industry has been left not knowing what the future holds for beef and lamb marketing. Chris Mallon, Chief Executive of the NBA expressed their dismay commenting; “We are aware that AHDB beef and lamb has had a process of having to have promotional campaigns signed off by Defra, but the mess resulting in the failure to sign off...

Demands for Agricultural Ombudsman Ignored

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 00:00 +0100

The continuing struggle farmers face to make a profit has led some to take action, sparking protests from milk producers across the country. With government legislation still not in place, the problem has been ignored for far too long and requires urgent action to protect British food producers and suppliers. Once again the National Beef Association is calling for action over the issue, demanding the introduction of a Watchdog to regulate the industry as suppl...

Beef Industry Gets ‘Beefed Up’ with 1% Growth

Fri, 10 Jul 2015 22:18 +0100

After tough first quarter of the year the beef industry is showing signs of improvement According to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel, in the year to 24th May, the value of the UK beef market grew by over 1% on the year earlier to reach £2.17 billion. Since January this year the price for prime cattle has been falling, however Chris Mallon Chief Executive of the National Beef Association (NBA),believes that that signs of a silver lining are beginning to...

Sooty Sweeps the Board at the 2015 NBA Beef Expo With the Theme of “Meeting the Changing Lifestyle of Today’s Consumer” the Beef Industry’s annual showcase has been another triumph.

Fri, 22 May 2015 09:43 +0100

Held at the York Auction Centre, 2015’s NBA Beef Expo had its view firmly fixed on the future. Its theme was focused on technology and its power to improve day-to-day farming, together with the changing needs of modern consumers and what they want from the marketplace. The event started on Wednesday with over 250 attending the farm tours. The sun shone and farmers from across the length and breadth of the country really were given a detailed insight into the ...

NBA Beef Expo Ready for Yorkshire Triumph The very best of British Beef breeding lined up for top industry event

Fri, 15 May 2015 22:16 +0100

Taking place in York for the first time ever, NBA Beef Expo 2015 is focussing on the future of the industry, advances in technology and the rapidly changing demands of today’s consumers. NBA Beef Expo is the British Beef Industry’s annual showcase, is being hosted at York Auction Centre (YO19 5GF) on Thursday 21st May. With over 380 head of cattle, 19 breed societies in the region of 200 trade stands up to 7000 farmers and being attended by one of Britain’s mo...

Beef from the Dairy Herd Beef from dairy is a key part of the national diet and is a major focus at NBA Beef Expo

Fri, 15 May 2015 22:16 +0100

Peter Jones Livestock’s (PJL Ltd) presentation and showcase of cattle entitled ‘Beef from the Dairy Herd’, is a major focus at NBA Beef Expo 2015, on 21st May. The company will be highlighting the potential opportunities from this sector of the market, which is sometimes disregarded in spite of its importance. In addition to case study examples they will present pens of reared continental bulls, continental heifers and black and white bulls Chris Mallon Nation...

Adam Henson unveils packed programme for NBA Beef Expo Farmer and TV presenter to spend day at industry showcase event

Fri, 08 May 2015 22:16 +0100

NBA Beef Expo has unveiled a packed itinerary for TV personality and farmer Adam Henson, who will be attending this year’s event in York as a farming ambassador. Staged at York Auction Centre for the first time on Thursday May 21, the premier event for the beef industry includes the National Spring Spectacular Show, the best in commercial and pedigree cattle and seminars to update farmers on the latest developments in the industry – plus one of the UK’s most ...

Farm Tours for the Beef Industry Pedigree Limousins, the Beef Improvement Group’s Net Efficiency Unit and Commercial Yorkshire Suckler Herd highlights of the 2015 Beef Expo Farm Tours

Fri, 01 May 2015 22:15 +0100

This year for the first time ever East Yorkshire is to host the National Beef Association’s Showcase event, NBA Beef Expo, at York Auction Centre on Thursday May 21st. A highlight of this event is always the farm tours which take place the previous day and certainly this year will be no exception. The farm tours are sponsored by Carrs Billington, and the host farms include Millington Grange, home to one of the UK’s largest pedigree herds of Limousin Cattle; G ...

Stock to Steal the Show This year’s NBA Beef Expo’s National Spring Spectacular Show announce record entry levels

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:15 +0100

Taking place in York for the first time ever, NBA Beef Expo 2015’s National Spring Spectacular Show (NSSS) has announced that livestock entries are now full to capacity at 152 head of cattle. The event, which is a key day for the British Beef Industry, will take place at York Auction Centre on Thursday 21st May. With 15 Classes and an overall prize fund of £5000, this year’s NSSS boasts 27 new exhibitors from all four corners of the UK. Chairman and Director...

Follow the herd to NBA Beef Expo 2015 Spring Spectacular Seminars Seminars aimed to share knowledge and best practice benefiting the beef industry

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:00 +0100

A snapshot of technology and the benefits which can be derived from it, will be highlighted in a series of seminars taking place at the National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo on Thursday 21st May 2015. Presenters will also be looking into their hi-tech crystal balls and predicting how new technology will bring about future developments within the beef industry. Taking place at the York Auction Centre, this, the beef industry’s flagship spring event, will ho...

Final Phase of Scotland’s War on BVD

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 22:14 +0100

Warning: Do you know your Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) status? If you don’t then you need to act NOW as from June this year Phase 4 of the BVD eradication scheme in Scotland will start The permanent eradication of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea [BVD] in Scottish cattle moves a step closer in less than 60 days, as the Scottish Government’s campaign to control the disease enters its final phase. This is known as Phase 4 of the scheme, and starts in June. So far 83% o...

NBA NI Members Have Your Say

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 22:14 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) Northern Ireland (NI) is urging its members to have their say in the proposed Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS), as part of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014 – 2020, by completing the Whole Farm Needs Assessment. By completing the survey livestock farmers will help mould the FBIS, by letting DARD know about barriers and business objectives you may come across. The deadline is this Friday 3rd April, and assessm...

The National Beef Association (NBA) announce results of their Big Farm Survey

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 22:13 +0100

The NBA carried out a survey within its members to ascertain their feelings and concerns towards whole life assurance. 523 respondents from throughout England gave their views to a series of 12 questions. 1. 93.8% of respondents kept beef, 54.4% were sheep keepers and 9.75% had dairy enterprises. 2. Those answering the survey 73.7% were predominately already farm assured, who may show a predominance of finishers and only 21.4% said they would never joi...

What Next? NBA concludes plain English animal health campaign

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:00 +0100

In this the fourth and final guide being published, by The National Beef Association (NBA) to help farmers protect the Health of their Herd, we look to the future. These guides compiled by the NBA’s Animal Health Committee, aim to provide beef farmers with information about common health problems and to date have covered movement of stock, bio-security and planning and prevention. The first three guides looked at what is happening now and what you can do to he...

Understanding what customers want spotlighted at NBA Beef Expo 2015 Major focus on changing lifestyles and demands at industry showcase event

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:13 +0100

Helping farmers and processors to boost their bottom line by getting to grips with the changing lifestyles of modern consumers, will be a key element of this year’s National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo. The showcase industry event at York Auction Centre, on Thursday May 21, will be putting the spotlight on what shoppers want, in addition to offering beef farm tours and exhibiting the very best in pedigree and commercial cattle at the National Spring Spec...

Auctioneers’ Skills Challenged Competition seeks to see if Auctioneers can walk as well as talk, and show as well as sell

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:12 +0100

A special competition has been initiated as part of the National Spring Spectacular Show (NSSS), taking part at the 2015 NBA Beef Expo being held at York Auction Centre - The Auctioneers’ Handler Challenge. This competition is designed to test Britain’s top Auctioneers’ ability to present the stock they sell. The contest will give Auctioneers’ the chance to excel at handling the animals they would normally sell under the hammer. The Auctioneers’ Handler Challe...

Planning and Prevention to Improve Profitability

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00 +0100

In this the third guide being published, by The National Beef Association (NBA) to help farmers protect the Health of their Herd, Charlie Maclaren Chair of the NBA’s Animal Health Committee Looks at Planning and Prevention. These guides compiled by the NBA’s Animal Health Committee, aim to provide beef farmers with information about common health problems, and to date have covered movement of stock and bio-security planning. The NBA Animal Health Committee, wh...

Safeguarding your herd - Biosecurity; NBA kicks off plain English animal health campaign

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 22:11 +0100

In this, the second advisory guide being published by The National Beef Association’s (NBA) Animal Health Committee, they look at on farm Bio-security. The aim of these unique guides is to help beef farmers protect the health of their herds, and to ensure that they have the correct protocols in place. These guides, put together by Charles Maclaren Chair of the NBA Animal Health Committee, are the first in a campaign by the NBA, which was put together late las...

Understanding what customers want spotlighted at NBA Beef Expo 2015 Major focus on changing lifestyles and demands at industry showcase event

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:00 +0100

Helping farmers and processors to boost their bottom line by getting to grips with the changing lifestyles of modern consumers, will be a key element of this year’s National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo.The showcase industry event at York Auction Centre, on Thursday May 21, will be putting the spotlight on what shoppers want, in addition to offering beef farm tours and exhibiting the very best in pedigree and commercial cattle at the National Spring Specta...

NBA Beef Expo 2015 to host Future Beef Farmer Challenge, Unique team and individual contest at industry showcase event

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 22:10 +0100

A unique contest is being launched to test the skills, knowledge and abilities of teams and individual young beef farmers at this year’s National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo. This inaugural competition, The Future Beef Farmer Challenge 2015, is the first of its kind in the UK. It is being run, in association with EBLEX, the Charolais Cattle Society, XL Vets and Thompsons of York, as part of the beef industry’s showcase event at York Auction Mart on Wedne...

Farmers Have Your Say: Livestock farmer’s opinions are being invited on Whole Life Assurance

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 22:10 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA) has launched an Independent survey to determine livestock farmer’s opinions on Red Tractor’s Proposal to introduce a whole life assurance for livestock. Red Tractor is consulting on whether there should be Whole Life Assurance, and during the last three weeks, since the details were announced, there has been much debate and a series of consultation meetings across the UK. With Hundreds of beef farmers and 30 Breed Society ...

Safeguarding your herd when introducing new cattle

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 22:09 +0100

NBA kicks off plain English animal health campaign The National Beef Association (NBA) is to publish a series of four guides on protecting the Health of the Herd, kicking off with potential issues when animals are imported. These guides are the first in a campaign by the NBA Animal Health Committee, which was put together late last year to provide beef farmers with information about common health problems and their potential financial impacts on beef enterpr...

Farmers question whether Red Tractor is right vehicle to promote beef

Fri, 06 Feb 2015 22:09 +0100

High turnout at NBA meeting to discuss planned changes to assurance scheme The National Beef Association (NBA) is urging the Red Tractor Assurance (RTA) scheme to reconsider its plans to increase how long an animal has to be on-farm to be assured. It comes after the latest consultation about plans to extend the current 90 days to the lifetime of the animal questioned whether the RTA scheme is the right one for farm assurance. Around 70 people attended the me...

NBA renews demands for Agricultural Ombudsman as Plunge in milk prices highlights need for action

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:08 +0100

Poor beef prices in 2014 and this year’s plunge in the price of milk have underlined the need for the Government to create an Agricultural Ombudsman to ensure that both food producers and the UK’s food supply are protected. The National Beef Association (NBA) called for action on the issue last year and is now reiterating its demand for a watchdog to act as an independent adjudicator between primary producers and food processors. NBA Chief Executive Chris Ma...

NBA welcomes Red Tractor meeting on proposed assurance changes

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 22:07 +0100

NBA welcomes Red Tractor meeting on proposed assurance changes Farmers urged to attend open meeting on plans for scheme The National Beef Association (NBA) has welcomed the decision of the Red Tractor Association (RTA) to send representatives to a special meeting organised to discuss proposed changes to the industry assurance scheme. The NBA has joined forces with the National Sheep Association (NSA) and the National Union of Farmers (NFU) to support the me...

Revision of NBA Terms and Conditions of Sale

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 22:07 +0100

The National Beef Association (NBA), working closely with the pedigree sector, has revised its Terms and Conditions of Sale to make them more robust and workable for both purchasers and vendors of pedigree cattle, within the practicalities of the insurance and legal industry. The NBA Rules as they have been termed for many years, were adopted by Breed Societies for use at their Society Sales, and have formed a base for any unfortunate disputes arising after s...

‘Rocky’ 2014 forecast to give way to strong 2015 NBA issues review of the year and predictions for the next 12 months

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 22:06 +0100

2014 has been a “rocky old year” for the beef industry but better prices are on the cards for 2015 due to an expected shortage in cattle numbers. The National Beef Association (NBA) forecasts a strong 12 months ahead, following the rollercoaster ups and downs that have marked 2014. The good weather and excellent grass helped to counterbalance the steep fall in prices at the start of this year, and the NBA has also made major strides forward in its infrastruct...

NBA tackles Cattle Diseases in Plain English

Wed, 05 Nov 2014 22:06 +0100

New committee launched to share vital information with farmers A campaign has been launched by the National Beef Association (NBA) to educate beef farmers about the everyday health problems that face their herds. The NBA have established a standalone committee, The Animal Health Committee which brings together vets, farmers and breed societies from around the UK to provide information in plain English about common health issues and their financial implicat...

BETTER NEWS FOR BEEF FARMERS – AT LAST

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 22:05 +0100

FACTORS affecting this year’s dismal beef trade will not be at play in 2015. Debbie Butcher, senior beef analyst at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is looking forward to explaining to farmers at Beef South West on November 13th at Westpoint why prices for finished stock may be better next year. “First of all, 2013 was the year of Horsegate,” explained Mrs Butcher. “That was extraordinary and resulted in a price that proved to be unsu...

Members vote for NBA to work as development partners with Meat South West

Thu, 30 Oct 2014 22:05 +0100

National Beef Association members have voted to use a proportion of the money raised on November 13th at Beef South West to promote West Country Beef – an EU-recognised brand which processors are keen to source but are finding hard to secure. Peter Baber, Chairman of Meat South West, spoke to an open meeting On Tuesday at Trethorne Golf Club near Launceston in Cornwall. He outlined the requirements farmers must meet if stock is to be eligible to sell under the...

Charlie Maclaren of the National Beef Association (NBA) asks:

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 22:04 +0100

These Toxins have been about for years but it is only now that many in the industry are starting to realise what a detrimental effect they can have on stock. Here Charlie gives some detailed information on what they are, where they come from and how to identify if you have them. Also he importantly gives some advice on ways to ways to deal with the problem. What are Mycotoxins? In very simple terms; they are the waste product of Fungi, they are not a livin...

Bringing them through the Winter. Preparing for your livestock

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 22:04 +0100

The days are shortening, harvest and autumn sowing is mostly done, so now is the time to turn your attention to the winter and your stock. You must ask yourself how you intend to help them come through it, says Charlie Maclaren, board member of The National Beef Association (NBA). Here he gives a few simple tasks to ensure that productivity is sustained and costs are closely monitored. First of all, analyse all your home grown bulk forage for feed value, and...

Calving at 2 Years?

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 22:03 +0100

“In the modern day beef industry there is little room for calving at 3 years old.” This is the message from Charlie Maclaren, newly appointed board member of The National Beef Association (NBA). There are only a few exceptions to this rule such as the hill breeds such as Galloways, Highlands and Welsh Black Cattle, who are slow maturing and spend all their time out on the hill. There are also a few pedigree breeders who traditionally have calved at 28 or 36 m...

Bill Harper of the National Beef Association gives a guarded welcome to the BEVS Scheme

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 22:03 +0100

TB EDGE VACINATION SCHEME ANNOUNCED Bill Harper of the National Beef Association gives a guarded welcome to the Scheme Bill Harper of the NBA TB Committee has given a guarded welcome to the recently announced Badger Edge Vaccination Scheme (BEVS). The scheme which was announced by Gavin Ross, Head of TB Programme for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is designed to aid in the control of endemic TB in the badger population by i...

Charlie Maclaren Joins NBA Board

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 22:03 +0100

Industry Expert brings Science Focus to the Beef Industry The National Beef Association [NBA] has just announced the appointment to its Board of commercial expert in animal nutrition and management Charlie Maclaren. Based in Dumfries in the Borders, he owns and runs MVT Scotland, a specialist animal health company with a science-based focus on minerals, vitamins. Charlie joined the NBA many years ago, and was one of its first members with a science-based bac...

National Beef Association calls for introduction of Agricultural Ombudsman

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:02 +0100

NBA fears Beef Summit-suggested voluntary code of practice will lack teeth The National Beef Association (NBA) has welcomed the industry coming together to tackle falling prices in the Beef Summit in London, but says tougher tools than a voluntary code of practice are needed. The idea for a code, which would govern issues such as the transparency of abattoir charges and notice periods, was one of the main areas for further discussion which came out of the me...

Putting Dairy-Produced Beef under the Spotlight NBA Beef Expo highlights production techniques and benefits

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 22:02 +0100

Better beef production from the dairy herd for the benefit of both farmers and the industry as a whole will come under the spotlight at this year’s NBA Beef Expo. In a dedicated section of the event, this beef sector showcase, at Hexham Mart on May 22, will be focusing on this key industry issue with demonstrations and knowledge-sharing throughout the day. Beef Expo’s theme this year is British Beef feeding our nation, and the role of dairy herd-produced bee...

Cull must go on, says NBA

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 22:01 +0100

Bill Harper Chair of the NBA Tb Committee is disappointed at the decision not to roll out the badger cull piloted last year. Bill sees the decision as entirely political and lays the blame “firmly with those members of the coalition without the commitment to persevere with the battle to combat TB in cattle and wildlife namely Nick Clegg and fellow Liberals”. Mr Harper expressed his disappointment after the Government TB Free Strategy for England was published...

Press Release - The Scottish Beef Association has warned many upland beef farmers could be "shafted" by the new CAP deal

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 00:00 +0100

THE Scottish Beef Association has warned many upland beef farmers could be "shafted" by the new CAP deal. In a hard-hitting message the association insist many beef producers are set to lose as much as 50 per cent of their current Single Farm Payment once the reform kicks in. And they have called on beef producers to use the Scottish Government's ready reckoner to calculate exactly how they will be affected. Chairman Scott Henderson said: "I am hearing some sc...

Press Release - The Scottish Beef Association has warned many upland beef farmers could be "shafted" by the new CAP deal

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 00:00 +0100

Press Release - Beef Farmers are being dealt a potentially fatal blow......

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:01 +0100

Oisin Murnion, Chairman of the Northern Ireland National Beef Association, states that beef farmers are being dealt a potentially fatal blow with the dramatic fall in beef prices in Northern Ireland. Last winter was one of the worst on record and the provinces farmers had hoped this year for the traditional pre-Christmas rise in price to try and recover some of the sky high costs that they suffered. With beef prices a long way below the cost of production, t...

Press Release - NBA Beef Expo returns to Hexham

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:01 +0100

NBA Beef Expo returns to Hexham The National Beef Association (NBA) is returning to its Northumberland roots for NBA Beef Expo 2014. Hexham Mart is delighted to be hosting for the first time since 2010, NBA Beef Expo the beef industry’s annual showcase event. NBA Beef Expo 2014 is being held on Thursday May 22nd at Hexham Auction Mart. On Wednesday 21st May there will be pre-event farm tours followed by the Annual Beef Expo Industry Dinner. The Farm Tours wil...

Farmer ‘ownership’ is key to TB control

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 22:00 +0100

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NBA Beef Expo 2014 returns to Hexham with a boost for grassroots showing

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 21:59 +0100

National Spring Spectacular Show to include classes for young and novice handlers The National Beef Association (NBA) is returning to its Northumberland roots for NBA Beef Expo 2014, which is also putting grassroots showing back on the agenda. The key beef industry event will be staged at Hexham Auction Mart on May 22, 2014 for the first time since 2010. One of the highlights of the event will be the National Spring Spectacular Show, featuring 16 halter-led ...

National Beef Association welcomes new Chairman

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 21:59 +0100

At the fourteenth Annual General Meeting of the National Beef Association the current chairman, Hamish McBean stood down on rotation rules. He has been succeeded by David Thomlinson. Mr Thomlinson has worked at Harrison and Hetherington for over 51 years. He started as an office clerk and has worked his way up. He now specialises in pedigree and commercial sales of both sheep and cattle. He also has a 200 acre farm in Cumbria where he breeds pedigree Limo...

Press Release: House of Commons TB Debate, Points for MP

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:58 +0100

“38,000 cattle lost per year, £100 million in costs per year, a major loss of food production and the destruction of many family businesses is the present and growing cost of TB to the UK” says Chris Mallon, National Director of the NBA. The NBA along with the NFU, BVA and other organisations support the policy of controlling the spread of TB by controlling the badger population. It is essential that the present culls go ahead and that Parliament does not pre...

Press Release - No point in raising assurance levels for cattle feed and cattle if nomad..........

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00 +0100

The National Beef Association says high level interests in the Republic of Ireland cannot complain about Northern Ireland’s efforts to boost the provenance of its beef, and the integrity of its beef production systems, because they were offered the same chance to improve the image of their product - and turned their backs on it. “Our industry reacted to the all-Ireland 2008 dioxin scare by setting up a Feed Industry Assurance Group, so the risk of livestock be...

Press Release - Contiued intake of nomad cattle from ROI undermines NI beef cattle prices.......

Tue, 07 May 2013 21:58 +0100

Processors and retailers agree that Northern Ireland’s beef industry can profit hugely from the horsemeat scandal if purchasing focusses exclusively on high provenance, UK-only, beef cattle that are backed by full farm assurance – and sales promotion of their beef emphasises these qualifications. But ex-farm prices in the Province still fall 35p a deadweight kilo, or £100-£120 a head, short of the mainland average which is rapidly approaching 400p. “And this...

Press Release - Health and genetics to be key focus in beef from the dairy herd section at Beef EXPO 2013

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:57 +0100

Health and genetics to be key focus in beef from the dairy herd section at Beef Expo 2013 Beef Farmers finishing cattle from the dairy herd will have the chance to enhance their knowledge of a number of topical subjects which can have a significant impact on their profitability at Beef Expo 2013 on 23 May. A drive for increased UK-sourced beef as a result of supply chain issues earlier this year have highlighted the need to maximise the value of every beef a...

Press Release - Options for working with TB rules to be outlined to beef farmers at Beef EXPO 2013

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:57 +0100

Options for working with TB rules to be outlined to beef farmers at Beef Expo 2013 Highlighting the opportunities to rear and finish cattle from TB restricted units will be the focus of the TB Opportunities area at Beef Expo 2013 at Malvern on 23 May. The event's TB Opportunities area will offer farmers the chance to come and discuss their own situation and understand how they can work within current TB rules, rather than against them, explains Simon Fryar of...

Press Release - Retailers can reduce widespread temptation to substitute beef with horsemeat........

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:57 +0100

Retailers can reduce widespread temptation to substitute beef with horsemeat if they pay their supplier the proper price for high provenance, UK-only, beef product. The most recent results of horsemeat substitution tests in beef products confirm that inattentive retailers have allowed both consumers and beef farmers to be the victims of a giant, cross-EU, food fraud that has dented the confidence of the former – and forfeit the latter untold millions of pound...

Press Release - Attention by DARD to the 2014 - 2020 Farm Modernisation Scheme will make NI livestock farms less..........

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 21:56 +0100

The National Beef Association says the devastation to Northern Ireland’s livestock farms, triggered by just one unusually heavy snowstorm in late March, has spotlighted the long-term poverty of the sector’s production wherewithal and the overwhelming fragility of many of its on-farm structures. And so it is calling on DARD’s tactical specialists to pay more attention to the opportunities for funding better production infrastructure that will exist within the ...

Press Release - The "Origin UK" statement on a retail bee pack guarantees that all it beef ..........

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:56 +0100

The “Origin UK” statement on a retail beef pack guarantees that all its beef is of UK origin – and not imported. Busy investigators, angry retailers, and nationwide public concern led by shocked consumers, has routed any immediate threat of beef, or beef products, on offer in supermarkets being re-contaminated with imported horsemeat or any other bizarre cross-species substitution. But, says the National Beef Association, no-one can afford to lower their gua...

Press Release - NBA asks beef farmers to back its efforts to secure new coupled payment for suckler stock

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:56 +0100

NBA asks beef farmers to back its efforts to secure new coupled payment for suckler stock. Northern Ireland’s Agriculture Minister, and her Department, have a chance to secure a solid future for both the suckler cow and the Province’s entire beef industry if they accept that a new, coupled, CAP payment, agreed in principle by EU agriculture ministers only last week, should be linked to suckled calf production from 2014. So says the National Beef Association ...

Press Release - The Scottish Beef Association is giving its full support to Richard Lochhead's comments in the wake of the latest CAP reform talks

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:56 +0100

THE Scottish Beef Association is giving its full support to Richard Lochhead's comments in the wake of the latest CAP reform talks. Ministers met in Brussels for two days of discussions about the proposed deal with the Rural Affairs Secretary offering a lukewarm reception to the latest stage in the process. He said the failure to introduce a level playing field on coupled payments to help Scottish livestock farmers had ‘tainted’ the deal for Scotland. This ...

Press Release - Proof of urgent retail need for Red Tractor qualification beef........

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:55 +0100

Cattle backed by full farm assurance credentials, which confirm the impeccable UK origin which guarantees their beef can be retailed under the increasingly important Red Tractor label, are leading the price lift which, if it continues, could help re-build Northern Ireland’s rickety beef sector. And the National Beef Association (NBA) would like everyone interested in the wellbeing of the Province’s beef industry to understand the implications of this dramatic...

Press Release - Date and venue set for Beef Expo 2014

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:55 +0100

Date and venue set for Beef EXPO 2014 The NBA are pleased to announce that Beef EXPO 2014 will be held at Hexham Mart, Hexham, Northumberland on Thursday the 22nd of May 2014 with farm tours taking place the day before on Wednesday the 21st of May. After 2 successful years at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern it has been decided to take the event North for 2014. NBA Chairman Hamish McBean stated that “it has been decided by the Board of the NBA that...