A beef conference and farm visit will be held at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus next month.
The event in Co. Antrim is being organised by CAFRE and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).
The beef conference, taking place on Wednesday, June 10, will focus on achieving economic and environmentally sustainable beef systems.
Dr Eileen McCloskey, senior livestock technologist at CAFRE said the day will be divided into two elements.
“The morning session will be a technical conference, while after lunch delegates will visit the CAFRE Beef and Sheep Centre, to hear from a range of speakers on topical aspects to help drive profitable, sustainable beef systems on Northern Ireland farms,” she said.
Beef conference
Among the speakers at the beef conference will be Colin Smith, chief executive officer of the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC), who will give an insight into the beef market.
Peter Kennedy, head of agriculture and fisheries at Marks and Spencer, will focus on the consumer perspective.
Dr. Paul Crosson is a principal research scientist with Teagasc, and beef enterprise leader at the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange.
He will speak on the role that efficiency plays in delivering economically viable and environmentally sustainable beef systems.
Professor Michael Lee, deputy vice-chancellor at Harper Adams University will discuss the essential role beef systems must play in future sustainable food systems.
In addition, farmers Trevor Summerville and Declan Rafferty, from Co. Tyrone will give a virtual tour of their different beef enterprises.
In the afternoon, delegates will visit the CAFRE Beef and Sheep Centre, to hear from industry experts on areas to help improve efficiency and drive productivity.
“The programme will focus on key areas: genetics, the suckler cow, beef finishing, forage led nutrition systems, animal health and welfare, and the integration of biodiversity on the farm,” Gary Haslem, head of sustainable land management at CAFRE, said.
The event, sponsored by ABP Food Group, Foyle Food Group and WD Meats, will run from 9:30a.m to 5:00p.m on June 10, with bookings being managed through the UFU website.