FARMERS from Devon are heading to Cumbria next week for the NBA Beef Expo 2024. 

The expo, which coincides with British Beef Week, will take place at North West Auctions near Kendal on Saturday, April 27. The one-day showcase aims to celebrate the UK's world class beefgenetics and to share ideas and innovations. 

Mr and Mrs Alford, from Foxhill Farm in Cullompton, are heading to the event to compete in the National Commercial Cattle Show.

During the show, more than 100 of some of the UK’s best commercial cattle will compete for top honours, judged by a panel of experts. As well as this, the stars of the future will be chosen from the next generation of commercial breeders and farmers aged between 14 and 21 in the Young Handlers classes. 

As well as the show, the event will include a line-up of panellists who will lead discussions on the threats and opportunities facing the beef industry.  Panellists, including Government & Shadow Ministers, MPs, and leading supermarket procurement directors, will address issues including farming and finance and retailer requirements.

AHDB will lead a seminar focussing on the fundamental question of suckler profitability, and every seminar will give farmers and breeders full opportunity to seek answers to questions on the future of the industry and their own businesses.

There are more than 100 trade exhibitors and 12 breed societies at the Beef Expo trade exhibition. Throughout the day ScotEID will be giving a demonstration on Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tag types in ring one.

National Beef Association chief executive, Neil Shand, said: “The British beef industry has very deep roots in this part of the world, and we are absolutely delighted to be returning to Cumbria. The industry is very resilient and highly progressive, and this event will raise issues and answer questions on how we ensure the industry is future fit.

“Everybody involved in the industry and in Beef Expo is committed to maintaining the development and success of an industry respected around the world, and this year’s event will above all be a wonderful celebration of the health, strength and success of our outstanding beef farming sector.”

The 2024 NBA Beef Expo is supported by mainline sponsors North West Auctions, AHDB, Boehringer Ingelheim, British Wagyu Breeders Association and Warrendale Wagyu.

Entry to the event is free, as is parking.