The Ulster Farmers’ Union, in partnership with CAFRE, will host a conference focused on improving productivity and efficiency in beef systems as key drivers of an economical and environmentally sustainable beef industry.
The conference, which is themed ‘Driving profitability, delivering sustainability’ is taking place at Greenmount Campus on Wednesday 10th June, and will deliver a technical session in the morning, followed by a visit to CAFRE Beef and Sheep Centre to hear from expert speakers, including a representative from one of the leading multinational supermarkets.
Other keynote speakers include:
- Colin Smith CEO, Livestock and Meat Commission: Colin has a wealth of knowledge in the red meat sector and will give an insight into the beef market, looking back and forward at market trends both locally and globally. Colin will discuss market drivers, external influences how those impact local beef producers he will also look at opportunities for Norther Irish beef sector.
- Paul Crosson, Principal Research Scientist with Teagasc and Beef Enterprise Leader at the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange: Paul will focus on the essential role efficiency plays in delivering both economical viable and environmentally sustainable beef systems. He will discuss the range of factors which impact beef production and deliver profitable systems of production.
- Professor Michael Lee, deputy vice Chancellor at Harpur Adams: Lee is an expert in sustainable livestock systems, defining their role in securing global food security at the same time as protecting the health of our environmental. Michael will give an insight into the key role beef systems have to play in future sustainable food system and discuss the metrics used to define sustainability.
You will also hear from two local farmers, gaining an insight into their farm operations via a virtual tour:
- Trevor Summerville, a local farmer from Co. Tyrone will give an insight into his beef finishing system, he will share insights into herd management, breeding, and sustainable farming practices. You will hear about his focus on sustainable calf to beef production while trying to maximize performance of grass.
- Declan Rafferty a local farmer also from Co. Tyrone will outline the steps he has taken to improve the productivity of his suckler herd with a focus on genetics, fertility, age at first calving and compact calving systems alongside precision nutrition and animal health. He will discuss his dairy beef enterprise emphasising how good grassland and forage management has helped to reduce the age at which he is able to finish his beef cattle.
This is the prime opportunity to engage directly with globally leading experts, industry specialists and progressive farmers, ask questions and seek practical advice.
The conference will begin at 9:30am and end at 5:00pm. There will be a fee of £25.
For those unable to attend the conference, free on-farm visits will be running in the evening with groups leaving at 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm and 7:30pm.
To secure your place at the full conference or to attend the farm visit only in the evening please book online: https://www.ufuni.org/event/beef-conference/
