Biggest Ever Display of Beef Cattle Breeds at Beef Expo
20/04/05

Beef Expo 2005, to be held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Powys, on Wednesday, June 8, will see the most comprehensive display of beef cattle breeds ever seen at the UK's national beef event.

A total of 20 beef breeds will be represented in the beef breed societies' exhibition area and there will also be demonstrations by the Brecon and Radnor Suckled calf Group and Cynhyrchwyr Biff Llyn.

“This is the largest turn-out of beef breeds we have ever had at Beef Expo and reflects the importance of Wales as a beef producing area,” said event organiser, Euan Emslie, who organises the annual beef event on behalf of the National Beef Association.

“Commercial beef producers will have a unique opportunity of assessing the advantages of each breed for themselves and learning how the various breeds fit in to the stratified structure of beef production in the UK.”

Mr Emslie said the display of pedigree beef bulls, heifers and cows with calves at foot was one of the most important aspects of Beef Expo at a time when beef producers were seeking to reduce costs, improve efficiency and maximise returns from the market following the loss of production-related subsidies.

“It is horses for courses and ensuring you have the right breed, or combination of breeds, to suit your particular circumstances is one of the keys to profitable beef production,” said Mr Emslie.

“All the breeds of commercial significance in the UK will be represented and will have breed experts on hand to talk to beef producers about the merits of their breeds.”

Exhibition space at Beef Expo has been reserved by the following beef breed societies - Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn, British Bazadaise, British Belgian Blue, British Blonde, British Charolais, British Gelbvieh, British Limousin, British Simmental, Hereford, Highland, Lincoln Red, Luing, Murray Grey, Piemontese, Red Poll, Salers, South Devon, Welsh Black and Beef Improvement Group with the Stabiliser.

Other features of the one-day event will include a novel show of suckler cows and calves, stockjudging competitions, machinery demonstrations, seminars and a comprehensive trade stand section.

On the day before Beef Expo, delegates will have the opportunity of visiting three Welsh beef farms, followed by a conference, “Beef for a Brighter Future”, and eve-of-event dinner.

Last year's Beef Expo 2004 at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, attracted an estimated 6000 visitors, including delegates from 32 countries. Entry to Beef Expo 2005 costs £10. Discounted tickets will be available in advance through Farmers Weekly.