Sustainability Target for Beef Expo 2008
04/09/07

Promoting sustainable systems of beef production to help beef farmers achieve long-term profitability will be the aim of next year’s national beef event, Beef Expo 2008, to be held by the National Beef Association at Perth Agricultural Centre on Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

Adopting the theme “Engage with Beef”, the event will provide a platform for all sectors of the beef supply chain from primary producer to supermarket to focus on best practice and efficiency of production to ensure a viable future for beef production.

“These are challenging time for everyone in the beef industry,” said Randal Wilson, chairman of the Beef Expo 2008 organising committee, following a meeting of the committee in Perth.

“Support for agriculture is reducing year by year as a result of modulation and beef producers are already planning their strategies for a sustainable and profitable future with a much reduced level of Single Farm Payment.

“Beef Expo 2008 will point the way by bringing together all the latest technical, economic and marketing expertise, covering genetics, husbandry, management and marketing opportunities, to help farmers prepare their businesses for a challenging future.”

Mr Wilson said profitability in beef production would increasingly depend on the adoption of improved genetics, increased efficiency on the farm and maximising returns from the market place. All aspects would be highlighted at Beef Expo 2008 through practical demonstrations, breed society displays, educational exhibits, advice on genetics and husbandry, trade stands, seminars and competitions, with an emphasis on the commercial aspects of beef production.

Beef Expo is returning to Scotland for the first time since 2004 and is being hosted at Perth Agricultural Centre by United Auctions Ltd. The event is held at a different venue each year and attracts thousands of beef farmers and industry professionals from all over the UK and Ireland, as well as inward missions from overseas.

Arrangements for the Perth event will follow the same pattern as recent years with visits to three leading beef units, a conference and pre-event dinner on the previous day (Tuesday, May 20).

The members of the organising committee are:

Randal Wilson (chairman), Loanleven Farm, Almondbank, Perth;
Graham Brown (vice-chairman), Reidhall Farm, Brechin;
Gavin Dick, Ballathie Estate, Kinclaven, Stanley, Perth;
Stephen Doran, Quality Meat Scotland;
Ms Suzie England, Scotbeef Ltd, Bridge of Allan;
Billy Fotheringham, Bankhead Farm, Forteviot, Perth;
George McFadzean, Braeview, Drumharvie, Crieff;
David Leggat, United Auctions Ltd, Perth;
Finlay McGowan, Parkhead, Kilry, Alyth;
Ron McHattie, Chief Executive, Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society;
Iain Riddell, SAC, Perth;
Sinclair Simpson, SAC, Perth.

Beef Expo has been held in recent years at Skipton (2007), Carlisle (2006), Builth Wells (2005), Ingliston (2004) and Thainstone (2003).

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