The National Beef Association will use its flagship Beef Expo to highlight concerns about the future of the UK’s beef supply chain when the event returns next month. The industry showcase will take place at Melton Mowbray livestock market on 30 May. Organisers say the event will focus on the theme “Beefing Up Food Security” – reflecting growing concerns about domestic food production.
The one-day event will combine cattle showing with industry seminars and political discussions aimed at addressing the pressures facing beef producers.
Neil Shand, chief executive of the National Beef Association, said the industry faces a pivotal moment. “We are at a critical juncture for beef production in the UK, whether it’s suckler or dairy bred beef.”
Beef Expo was an opportunity to highlight the role of domestic beef production in maintaining food security, said Mr Shand.
“We will not hold back in pressing our politicians on the undeniable importance of supporting home-produced food. They continue to preach that food security is national security, yet we need to see tangible proof of this commitment.”
The event will again host the National Commercial Cattle Show, where producers from across the country will compete in classes designed to showcase the quality of British commercial beef cattle.
Industry debate
Alongside the cattle classes, organisers plan a programme of seminars and panel discussions examining the economic and policy challenges facing the sector.
These will include a political forum aimed at debating the future direction of government support for domestic beef production.
Beef Expo played an important role in bringing the industry together at a time when producers faced multiple pressures, said Mr Shand.
“With current pressures increasing on the British beef industry, Beef Expo has never had a more vital role in bringing together breeders, farmers, and business stakeholders to demonstrate the strength and vitality of [our] home-grown food production.”
Showcasing the sector
Organisers also plan to introduce a livestock health and welfare hub at the event. The hub will focus on practical information for farmers and provide resources addressing current industry issues.
The programme will also include a “Best Beef Burger Competition”, designed to highlight the quality of British beef to visitors.
Beef Expo will be held at the Melton Mowbray livestock mart, one of the largest town-centre livestock markets in the country. Ben Harman, chairman of the National Beef Association, will jointly chair the event with mart chief executive Hugh Brown.
Mr Brown said the venue’s role in the livestock supply chain made it a fitting location. “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the NBA Beef Expo next year with its timely focus on food security and resilient supply chains.”