A 'DYNAMIC' one day event to showcase the South West's top quality production in the suckler and dairy beef sectors is all set to take place in Hatherleigh next week.
Beef and Growing Cattle South West 2008 returns to Hatherleigh Livestock Centre for the third time on Thursday, September 18.
The event, organised by the National Beef Association South West, promises a packed programme of speakers and features, tackling the current key issues and opportunities.
Sponsored by McDonalds, Mole Valley Farmers, Southern Counties Fresh Foods, Dectomax, Shearwell Data, CJ Saunders (Massey Ferguson) and South West Handling (Merlo), the event is designed to provide everyone involved in the beef industry the chance to come and compare all the latest products, breeds, machinery and systems as well as take part in the lively debates in the Mole Valley Farmers' Theatre.
The heavyweight line up of speakers includes Neil Parrish MEP and chair of the EU Agriculture Committee, Meurig Raymond the NFU deputy vice president, Bill Harper from the NBA TB Committee, Stuart Roberts from the British Meat Processors Association, Kim Heywood NBA, John Sheaves from Taste of the West, George Caldow from the Scottish Agricultural College, Julian Dare of Westpoint Veterinary Group, Rupert Dod, an Exmoor beef producer and William Bedell, a Limousin breeder and live exporter.
Bill Harper, chair of the organising committee said: 'This is very much a happening event where producers and buyers can get tremendous knowledge and value by coming here and joining in the debates with the major players.
'I can't recommend it enough. It's a chance for your voice to be heard on all the key issues.'
The programme features over 200 beef cattle, a Primestock Show including Young Farmers Stock Judging , Muck to Meat seminars and machinery demonstrations, Supreme Cow and Calf competition, South West Butcher of the Year, Rib of Beef and Hoof and Hook competitions as well as over 100 exhibitors including 21 breed societies.
Around 3,000 beef producers, butchers and beef buyers are expected to attend.
The brand new feature area, Muck to Meat, is designed to help beef and dairy beef farmers significantly reduce fertiliser costs.
The aim is to help producers maximise farmyard muck, slurry and compost, with presentations by Stewart Horne of Agribip and Vicci Camp of North Wyke Research, with a slurry injector, trailing shoe and a dribble bar on show.
The event starts from 9am and runs to 5pm.
Tickets for adults are £8, students £5, children under 16 £3 and the under 5s are free. For further information or to exhibit contact Rosemary Risdon, Event Co-ordinator, National Beef Association South West on 01409 271238 or email [email protected]">[email protected]