The NBA’s 2015 Beef Expo held at York Auction Mart on 21st May showcased the diversity of the modern beef industry and all that it has to offer our beef producers adapting to the changing face of today’s consumer.
The nation’s champion beef was exhibited by pedigree and commercial livestock breeders. Over 380 head of cattle, 19 breed societies, 170 trade stands and approximately 7000 visitors provided arguably one of the best opportunities of the year for farmers and industry representatives to network, meet potential new customers and take on new ideas. Presentations included foot trimming, pneumonia prevention, demonstrations of grassland management, machinery and cattle feeding systems.
The show also focused on understanding what consumers want when they go to their local butcher or supermarket. “Meeting the Changing Lifestyle of Today’s Consumers” focused on a special ASDA presentation designed to get Beef farmers in touch with customers demands.
Beef from the Dairy Herd played a key role at the Expo. Peter Jones Livestock Ltd demonstrated the potential opportunities in this sector of the market. The PJL stand was constantly busy throughout the day with visitors discussing the case studies and cattle of 3 different farmers and their unique systems for producing beef from dairy animals. The pens of reared continental bulls, continental heifers, and Black and White bulls showed off the potential for farmers who are already maximising the most of this opportunity. “Guess the weight of the calf” competition on the PJL stand always makes for lively debate and this year it was won by Mr Martin Lister from Tadcaster whose estimate of 240 kgs was nearest to the actual weight of 242 kgs. Mr Lister will be given a box of beef or it’s monetory value of £100
As store cattle agents for the Organic Livestock Marketing Co-operative, the stand also presented an organic demonstration. This included a pen of Sussex cattle bred by Ms Elizabeth Buchanon from Sussex and had been recently purchased by Mr Peter Rhodes, an organic finisher and grazier from Yorkshire. There was information on hand showing the benefits of beef production on organic farms. The Soil Association was represented by Wendy Talbot.
Taking place in Yorkshire for the first time, this years Beef Expo was a triumph for the NBA, the future of the Beef industry and also for the county of Yorkshire.
