STRONG BRITISH LIVESTOCK PRESENCE AT EUROTIER

STRONG BRITISH LIVESTOCK PRESENCE AT EUROTIER 2022

November 15-18, Hannover, Germany

Busy British Livestock stand at EuroTier


The British Livestock stand at the world’s leading indoor agricultural expo, EuroTier, garnered an extremely encouraging level of interest and positive support from the UK breeding sector at the biennial Hannover, Germany event.

All these companies were represented at EuroTier



Despite the ongoing absence of a Border Control Post (BCP) required for export of live animals since Brexit, exhibitors were able to take enquiries for semen and embryos as well as forge relationships with current and potential customers and suppliers. After a gap of four years, EuroTier returned with over 1,800 exhibitors from 57 countries; more than 106,000 visitors from 141 counties toured the 14 halls over the four days.

British Livestock stand on set-up day

The UK stand was busy throughout and benefited from the presence of the following organisations: Hereford Cattle Society, UK Sire Services, Ballintur Lleyns, Farmgene, British Wagyu, Wyndford Wagyu, British Limousin Cattle Society, National Beef Association, Suffolk Sheep Society, Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society, Scawfell Genetics, British Pig Association, UKTAG and UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) with additional funding provided by AHDB.

Stand Managers were Richard Saunders on behalf of the British Livestock Genetics Consortium and vet Rob Grinnall representing UKECP. Commenting, Rob Grinnall said: “Interest in British Livestock either through semen, embryos or live animals remains high at EuroTier, and it is frustrating that the importers are thwarted by the lack of a sea-based BCP; especially when one sees the huge demand for sheep genetics via embryos which has begun in the USA following the recent agreement of their Export Health Certificate (EHC).  Nevertheless, EuroTier is an amazing exhibition at which to be present and to represent the British Industry.”

EUROTIER 2024 * SAVE THE DATE * 12TH TO 15TH NOVEMBER 2024

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN UK/USA SHEEP TRADE

A major breakthrough for the British sheep export trade saw the new UK/USA ovine embryo export health certificate published today (8th November). This is welcome news for UK sheep breeders given the potential to re-enter the US sheep genetics market after a gap of some 26 years. It comes hot on the heels of last month’s re-opening of trade in sheep meat which saw British lamb once again in American shoppers’ baskets. Click HERE to see the new certificate. Journalist and consultant John Wilkes, a former UK sheep producer now based in Washington DC, says there is demand for a number of breeds like Suffolk, Texel, Swiss Valais Blacknose, Teeswater, Charollais, Kerry Hill and Lleyn with entrepreneurial UK pedigree sheep breeders having had an eye on the US market for some time. Now that an embryo export health certificate has been published, they are ready to engage and he notes the publication of the embryo export certificate has potential for benefits on both sides of the Atlantic.

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE 23-25 JANUARY 2023

The 2023 annual British Cattle Breeders Conference returns for a face-to-face gathering in Telford, UK Monday 23rd - Wednesday 25th January 2023.

The conference theme is 'Challenging Traditions' as chosen by BCBC current Chair Amy Hughes, which will challenge thinking on the way cattle are bred in Britain, promote discussion around how the industry can compete in the global marketplace and showcase how genetics and breeding practices can drive sustainability within British Agriculture.  The conference attracts around 300 delegates over the 2 1/2 days, and covers both beef and dairy, with beef presentations on Tuesday (24th) and dairy on Wednesday (25th).  There will be two workshops during the conference, the beef workshop will run on Monday (23rd) afternoon and a parallel workshop session on Tuesday afternoon for dairy farmers.  2023 will celebrate our 75th Anniversary, which will be celebrated during Tuesday's dinner, with a Champagne Reception followed by dinner, including a Champagne toast and a Charity Auction in aid of FCN with a guest speaker to finish the evening. The Club is currently inviting speakers and confirmed so far are Promar's John Giles, Edinburgh Uni's Geoff Simms, SAC's Lorna MacPherson, ABP's Richard Phelps, farmer Aled Evans, Notts Uni's Phil Garnsworthy and SRUC's Rainer Roehe. The Club is really excited to be back to a face-to-face event and look forward to welcoming you to Telford once again. 

Please contact Club Secretary Heidi Bradbury heidi.bradbury@cattlebreeders.org.uk or see www.cattlebreeders.org.uk.

AG OPPORTUNITIES IN S AMERICA

UK Agri-Tech Mission to Uruguay - Expo Prado 2022 12-14 September, 2022

Visit the South American market during its largest agricultural fair - with over 400,000 visitors per year - and get to network with relevant stakeholders and potential clients.

Uruguay exports food for more than 30 million people (8.5 times its population) in 140 markets and has the potential to produce food for over 50 million people. As an agri-based economy, the sector requires greater efficiencies to thrive. UK companies with innovative agri-tech solutions will find in Uruguay a secure and reliable entryway to South America.

You can visit Uruguay during Expo Prado show, its largest agricultural fair, where the British Embassy in Montevideo will have its traditional Pavilion (now just in front of the rodeo). A perfect opportunity to get to know the market and network with key counterparts!

What do we offer?

- Organisation and mentoring of the programme, including costs of meals and internal transfers

- Group working sessions with public and private sector stakeholders as well as site visits

- Customised B2B meetings with relevant stakeholders/potential clients

- Company logo on the UK Pavilion’s terrace

- Local press coverage and social media promotion

Each delegate must cover air transportation costs, accommodation (preferential rates available) and individual extra expenses.

Why is this Mission an excellent opportunity for you? Watch here the testimonials of the participants of the 2019 Mission (last in-person one)!

Interested in more Latin American markets? You will be just a plane ride away from Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

You might consider attending similar events in the region, such as:

- Expo Inter, 27 Aug - 4 Sept 2022, Brazil

- Fexpocruz, 16 - 25 Sept, Bolivia

- Expo Alimentaria, 21 -23 Sept, Peru

Register for the UK Agri-Tech Mission to Uruguay here before 28 July!

RSVP before 28 July 2022 (spaces are limited).

Date: 12-14 September 2022.

Where: Montevideo, Uruguay.

Please let UKTAG’s Chris Jackson know if you are interested and he will forward the registration link

Chris Jackson exports@uktag.co.uk

STRONG S AMERICAN LINKS FOR UK SHEEP GENETICS

  • Inward Mission to UK Sheep Event

  • Adrian Rundle judging Palermo Show

There is positive news for the British sheep breeding sector with an Inward Mission of South American sheep breeders planned around the National Sheep Association ‘Sheep Event’ being held in Malvern, UK on 27th July. With the recent opening of markets such as Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Brazil (as well as soon Uruguay) to UK sheep genetics, the British Embassies from around the region are organising an Inward Mission 25-29 July for 15 delegates from across South America. Together with the support of UKTAG and its representatives Denise Crawshaw Pellin & Daniel Benitez, the visitors will be drawn from both the sheep breeding and meat industries.

View of the main ring at Palermo’s ‘La Rural’ show

UK Hampshire Down President Adrian Rundle who farms near Newquay in Cornwall has been selected to judge at ‘La Rural’ better known as the Palermo Show just north of Buenos Aires, Argentina 20-31 July. One of the most famous agricultural events in South America, with a 150-year history, it attracts some 750,000 people with 400 trade stands and around 4,000 animals.

Please look out for a report on both these activities in due course.

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE - PAPERS DIGEST

Please click HERE for the Digest 77 PDF, containing the majority of the papers from the 2022 Virtual British Cattle Breeders Club Conference “A Breath of Fresh Air”.   

The presentations from the 2022 conference are still available to view online via the Presentations link on our website www.cattlebreeders.org.uk. Further club and conference information, photographs and videos can also be viewed on the website and our social media accounts.

We would also like to take the opportunity to advise you that the 2023 British Cattle Breeders Conference will be held from Monday 23rd - Wednesday 25th January 2023 at the Telford Hotel & Golf Resort, England. The full programme and registration details will be available on the website in the autumn.  Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact Club Secretary Heidi Bradbury heidi.bradbury@cattlebreeders.org.uk if this is of interest to you.

Thank you for your support of the Club. We look forward to welcoming you back to Telford in 2023.


EUROTIER - FIRST IN FARMING - 15TH - 18TH NOVEMBER, HANOVER

The British Livestock sector has benefited from a strong presence at EuroTier events held over many years with a dynamic joint industry stand supported by cattle, sheep and pig societies alongside breeding and other associated companies.

We will once again be running a ‘British Livestock Pavilion’ at EuroTier, Hannover, Germany, Tuesday 15th – Friday 18th November 2022

Held every two years, this is the world’s largest indoor livestock exhibition boasting 150,000+ visitors and over 2,300 exhibitors – half of whom are international companies. As such, a strong UK presence at EuroTier allows British farming and breeding organisations to promote themselves on the global stage.

The British Livestock Pavilion provides a platform for promoting our sector under one roof. Participating companies benefit from shared resources including meeting area, reception desk for promotional materials, display graphic, joint British Livestock brochure, interpreter and light refreshments. Stand Managers are Rob Grinnall, UK Export Certification Partnership, and Richard Saunders representing the British Livestock Genetics Consortium.

If you would like any further information regarding participation, whether as part of the stand or as a visitor to the show, please email richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk.

www.eurotier.com

 

INWARD MISSION SEEKS LIMOUSIN & ANGUS GENETICS

INWARD MISSION SEEKS OUT LIMOUSIN & ANGUS GENETICS

L-R Chris Jackson, Anar Mehdiyev, Alim Senturk, Angus Stovold

A joint beef venture between Azerbaijan and Turkey saw respective representatives Mr Anar Mehdiyev and Mr Alim Senturk visit a Limousin and Aberdeen-Angus herd on Wednesday 15th June 2022. Mr Mehdiyev is the Chairman of Azer Sugar which has significant brewing and farming interests whilst Mr Senturk is the Founder & CEO of the Buta Group which includes a 5,000-head dairy enterprise.

L-R Harvey Mash, Alim Senturk, Chris Jackson, Anar Mehdiyev

 In the morning, the visitors took in the Brockhurst Limousin Herd run by Harvey Mash near Chesham, Bucks followed that afternoon by Angus Stovold’s Rosemead Aberdeen-Angus herd located near Guildford, Surrey.

Swiss Brown is historically the most popular breed in Azerbaijan with the plan being to establish nucleus Angus and Limousin pedigree herds most likely via embryo transfer in order to over time build up a crossbred suckler herd of 3,000 head. Issues such as food security are driving this goal of greater self-sufficiency in both dairy and beef.

Goldies Relish out with cows and calves

Fresh from the recent Shadwell Dispersal Sale was the January 2021-born Evora X251 by Carruthers Grenadier and out of a Muirhall Total Teal E009-sired dam. PC Stovold & Son had paid 13,000gns for this maiden heifer.

 The overseas guests were accompanied by Richard Saunders along with UKTAG Export Manager Chris Jackson.

13,000gns Evora X251

BRITISH SHEEP 'FIRST' TO ARGENTINA

BRITISH SHEEP ‘FIRST’ TO ARGENTINA

In early April, the first shipment of ovine genetics arrived in Argentina after a gap of more than 50 years since the first British sheep were imported to the market. The breeds involved are Hampshire Down, Texel and Charollais and whilst this is a relatively modest import - comprising 600 semen doses and 150 embryos - this ‘first’ is expected to herald many more. Many partners at home and abroad worked hard to make this happen – in fact the market for UK ovine semen opened in 2020 but the beginning of the pandemic delayed efforts.

The AB Europe tank arrives in Argentina

At present only one supplier, AB Europe, is currently authorised to export from the UK to Argentina. Commenting, AB Europe CEO Geraint Thomas said: “It was great to finally get some genetics there with everyone working so hard to get it over the line. We also got a good shipment to Chile away and should have one to Paraguay away soon.” See www.abreeds.co.uk

UKECP Director Henry Lewis pictured with Argentinian Hampshire Down breeders during a technical mission four years ago

News report from the 1963 export of Hampshire Downs

 

Changes to Dairy Genetic Indexes reflect Economic Outlook & Farmer Feedback

Changes to dairy genetic indexes reflect economic outlook and farmer feedback 

Upcoming changes to dairy genetic evaluations will lead to a slight shift in the running order in the AHDB bull rankings published next month (5 April).  

All three major selection indexes - Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI), Spring Calving Index (£SCI) and Autumn Calving Index (£ACI) - will undergo updates to reflect increases in input costs and the price of milk. 

Each index’s formula has been adjusted to reflect changing economic conditions and the ongoing needs of dairy processors and farmers. Most notable financial changes are in feed, labour and replacement costs, as well as in the value of cull cows since the last update in 2018.  

The changes result from consultation across the industry, which is undertaken routinely by AHDB, working with market specialists and through the Genetics Advisory Forum (GAF). Stakeholders in the forum include farmers, breeding companies, vets, milk processors, the RSPCA, milk recording organisations and breed societies. These participants collectively review the genetic progress dairy breeds are making, the long-term market outlook for inputs and output, and they fine-tune the three economic indexes as the need arises. 

£PLI, £ACI and £SCI 

The indexes were last updated in 2018 and before that, in 2014. Each continues to be formulated to suit a manufacturing contract, reflecting both an industry shift in this direction and some value in producing components, even in liquid markets. 

Feed Advantage 

To address the rising significance of feed cost, Feed Advantage (FAdv) will also be added to £PLI. A combination of Maintenance Index and a genomic prediction of feed efficiency, FAdv was developed from extensive trials over many decades measuring actual feed intake in relation to a cow’s size and milk production. 

Currently only available for the Holstein breed, which took part in these trials, all other dairy breeds will continue to use the Maintenance Index which acts as a proxy and is based on a prediction of feed efficiency based on the size of the cow. Maintenance will also continue to be used in the across-breed indexes, £ACI and £SCI, for all breeds. 

Digital dermatitis 

Another change to all three indexes and all breeds is the inclusion of the genetic evaluation for Digital Dermatitis (DD). This follows ongoing work at the University of Liverpool which showed the AHDB genomic evaluation for DD was very effective in predicting the odds of a cow having DD. As a result, DD will now be included alongside Lameness Advantage (LAdv), which was introduced in 2018. By using both LAdv and DD Indexes in harmony, more rapid genetic benefits can be achieved to help tackle lameness, as they offer distinct and different benefits. 

£SCI only 

For the £SCI only, additional changes will be made with the April proof run. This will see bulls whose daughters are heavier penalised more severely for spring block calving, grazing based systems. This move has been driven by feedback from farmers running grazing systems, many of whom place a higher value – over and above purely the additional maintenance feed cost – on the lack of soil damage and ease of management smaller cows can bring.  

AHDB Head of Animal Genetics Marco Winters

Marco Winters, AHDB head of animal genetics, says cattle breeding is a long-term business and the economic model which sits behind the changes considers the outlook five to 10 years ahead. 

“At the time of the 2022 update, we see more volatility in the market for inputs than on previous occasions,” he says. “However, we don’t know how sustained current prices will be, so we have to base our decisions on longer term projections, but will continue to carry out regular reviews and may have to make adjustment if circumstances dictate.” 

He also remarks that the relative emphasis between production, health and efficiency has not significantly changed in any of the indexes, such that each continues in its previous direction of travel for each type of farming system. This places around two-thirds of the value of each index on health and efficiency and one third on production. 

The £PLI is tailored for year-round calving herds and is a within-breed index; the £ACI is an across-breed index, designed for autumn block calving herds producing much of their milk during the winter months; and the £SCI has been formulated specifically for herds with a heavy reliance on grazed grass which calve in a tight block in spring, and can also compare animals across breeds. 

BCBC Welcomes New Chair For 2022/23

The British Cattle Breeders Club has elected Amy Hughes as it new Chair for 2022/23. A beef and sheep farmer’s daughter from North Yorkshire, Amy qualified as a veterinary nurse spending most of her career in cattle breeding working as a Reproductive Management Systems technician for Genus ABS before moving onto Embryo Transfer and IVF work at a vet practice in Gloucestershire.  Amy currently works for AHDB Beef & Lamb as a Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager.

Says Amy: ”British Agriculture has never been more exciting or full of prospects as it is now. An industry, filled with passionate and determined people that are constantly pushing the boundaries in order to progress and thrive. The British Cattle Breeders Club provides a forum for science, technology and commercial cattle breeding to come together to transfer theory into practice. I am unbelievably proud to have been elected Chair of this fantastic club, and look forward to ‘Challenging Traditions’ and advancing the industry, through our annual conference in January. “

Incoming BCBC Chair Amy Hughes

“Over the last two years we, like the rest of the industry, have faced many unknowns and had to adapt to a new way of life. We have held two extremely successful virtual conferences, with a wealth of fantastic speakers and a record breaking number of farmers, scientists and industry professionals in attendance. However, I am sure we can all agree that opportunities to network and socialise have been greatly missed, and so we look forward to welcoming you, face to face, to the 75th annual conference in January 2023. The British Cattle Breeders conference is renowned for being an excellent networking opportunity, with faces new and old, being welcomed with open arms and buckets of enthusiasm. If you are involved in breeding cattle, pedigree or commercial, this is the place for you.”

EuroTier 15-18 November - Expressions of Interest by 7th March

The British Livestock sector has benefited from a strong presence at EuroTier events held over many years with a dynamic joint industry stand supported by cattle, sheep and pig societies alongside breeding and other associated companies.

It is again planned to organise a ‘British Livestock Pavilion’ at EuroTier, Hannover, Germany, Tuesday 15th – Friday 18th November 2022, however this will only happen with your financial support as there is very limited industry and government funding available.

Held every two years, this is the world’s largest indoor livestock exhibition boasting 150,000+ visitors and over 2,300 exhibitors – half of whom are international companies. As such, a strong UK presence at EuroTier allows British farming and breeding organisations to promote themselves on the global stage.

We are looking for a firm commitment from at least a dozen organisations wishing to be part of a joint British Livestock Pavilion to provide a platform for promoting our sector under one roof. Participating companies will benefit from shared resources including display graphics, British Livestock brochure, meeting area, interpreter and light refreshments. The cost per company is £1,000 + VAT.

The stand booking deadline is mid-March so we need all expressions of interest by Monday 7th March, please. If you would like any further information regarding participation, please contact Richard Saunders on 07901768904 or richardsaunders1965@yahoo.co.uk.

 

UK Sheep Breeds in the World: serving the International Demand for UK Sheep Genetics

UK sheep breeds in the world: serving the international demand for UK sheep genetics

National Sheep Association Breakfast Club Webinar Wednesday 2nd February 2022

“Treat every enquiry as a potential sale” was a strong theme coming from the NSA Breakfast Club webinar on Wednesday 2nd February, underlining the continued and increasing international requests for UK sheep breeds across both well-known breeds but also for the lesser well known and the heritage breeds.

NSA Central Region Trustee Charles Sercombe chaired the session and was joined by Rob Grinnall from UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP), Geraint Thomas from AB Europe and Edward Adamson, NSA Northern Ireland Regional Development Officer. To view the webinar, please click HERE.

UK Sheep Breeds in the World - Webinar

UK sheep breeds in the world: serving the international demand for UK sheep genetics
Wednesday 2nd February, 8.30am

If you are wondering how we can ensure that overseas interest grows further and what more could be done to promote the diversity of all of the breeds across the UK, be sure to join February's NSA Breakfast Club webinar.
The hour-long webinar will be chaired by Charles Sercombe, NSA Central Region Trustee who will be joined by speakers including Rob Grinnall from the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP), Edward Adamson, NSA Northern Ireland Regional Development Officer and Geraint Thomas, CEO of AB Europe.
Find out more about the topic and register to attend now, by clicking below 👇

Register to attend the webinar here

Though NSA webinars are free and open to anyone, your support is invaluable to NSA. If you keep sheep, then why not consider becoming a member to access a whole host of other benefits and be entered into the membership prize draw with Solway Recycling? Alternatively, NSA can now accept donations to support its work. Just visit nationalsheep.org.uk/support-us/donate to choose the amount you are able to give, it is much appreciated.

There will be plenty to discuss, so we hope you will join the session and get involved. For further information or to submit questions in advance, email enquiries@nationalsheep.org.uk.

Best wishes
NSA Head Office

REPORT ON BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE

There are challenges and obstacles ahead for the ruminant sector, but opportunities are in abundance, too. That was the overall message from speakers at the British Cattle Breeders Club (BCBC) annual conference ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ held earlier this week.

Just under 1,000 delegates from across the UK and beyond registered to attend the virtual conference which included 16 presentations by experts from across the industry.

“Ruminant farmers deserve to be rewarded for the favour they are doing to other sectors,” said Oxford University’s Professor Myles Allen. Currently methane emissions from livestock are wrongly blamed for causing global warming, he said. “The current way we measure the impact of methane on climate, simply isn’t fit for purpose.”

Carbon dioxide and methane have different effects on global temperatures but are incorrectly considered as equivalent under current measures used by Defra, he explained. When correctly assessed it could be seen that agriculture is no longer contributing to an increase in global temperatures, he said. “That’s been achieved largely by falling methane emissions from the ruminant sector.

“We need to frame climate policy in terms of warming outcomes rather than emissions inputs.” The livestock sector should be arguing for being rewarded for its impact on global temperature, while also accepting that producers should be penalised for adverse impacts, he added.

Professor Jude Capper, ABP Chair of Sustainable Beef and Sheep Production at Harper Adams University highlighted the importance of considering economic viability and social accessibility as well as environmental responsibility within discussions on sustainability.

“If consumers aren't happy with what we do on the farm, then ultimately we won't have a market for our product,” she said.

Marks & Spencers’ Steve McLean agreed. Customers want high quality fresh products that offer superior value and great taste, he said. “Increasingly however, they want to ensure that we're offering food that is healthy, sourced from livestock reared in high animal welfare conditions and coming from farms that are environmentally friendly.

“Personally, I think that is a real opportunity for UK farmers. We have some of the best animal welfare conditions in the world and we can farm in environmentally friendly ways that should ensure that the UK industry is at the forefront of sourcing decisions.”

Former Rugby Union referee and beef farmer Nigel Owens spoke about the importance of good mental health for individuals, families and the wider industry. “If you're struggling, ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness,” he said. “We need to create an environment where people feel they can talk about it and not be judged and that it’s not going to be seen as a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign of great strength to open up.”

He encouraged delegates to also consider their impact on others. "Never underestimate the influence you will have on people around you and the way you talk about people who are different.”

Founder and CEO of Meat Imaging USA ,Desi Cicale, shared her insights into the recent introduction of Meat Image Japan (MIJ) carcase camera technology to the UK, and what benefits it can offer not only Wagyu producers over here but the wider UK beef industry. The mobile camera takes a picture of the rib eye and provides real-time carcase data for rib eye area, marbling, marbling fineness, meat and fat colour. Knowing that marbling is a heritable trait means the information can be linked to future breeding decisions. One of the key take-home messages from Desi was “Turning perceived performance into proven performance.”

BCBC Chairman Dr Karen Wonnacott said: “On behalf of the BCBC committee, we would like to thank all of our delegates, speakers and sponsors for their time and continued support. We held a fantastic virtual conference with insightful and thought-provoking presentations from all. Plans are already underway for a return to an ‘in-person’ conference in Telford from 23rd – 25th January 2023. We will look forward to seeing you!” See www.cattlebreeders.org.uk

BRITISH CATTLE BREEDERS CONFERENCE 25 JANUARY

A Packed Programme Of Expert Speakers From The UK And Beyond Will Inform And Inspire Delegates At The BCBC Conference on 25th January 2022.

The theme for the conference, which will be held virtually, is ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ to reflect BCBC chair Karen Wonnacott’s drive to deliver positive, forward-looking messages after the difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the current challenges facing the agricultural industry.

Please click HERE for the full programme.

Building mental resilience is the theme for the opening session with former international Rugby Union referee and beef farmer Nigel Owens. Steve McLean, head of agriculture and fisheries for M&S Food will then explore what today’s consumers want from farmers and how this will affect technical innovation at farm level.

In the beef room, founder and CEO of Meat Imaging, Desi Cicale will share insights from the USA and what benefits it could offer UK producers. Prof. Jonathan Statham will update delegates on the latest developments in breeding technologies and phenotyping, drawing on experiences from Canada and the UK.

In the dairy room, Marco Winters, head of animal genetics at AHDB Dairy will discuss the role of genetics in the industry reaching its Net Zero target, followed by speakers Claire Phyn of Dairy NZ Ltd, and Dr Andy Borrowman, veterinary surgeon and farmer Kevin Tlucek of Snake River Dairies, both from Idaho bringing expertise and insight from overseas.

The final conference session will bring all delegates together for presentations on climate change from Prof Myles Allen of Oxford University and breeding and genetics by Prof Jude Capper. Jude will discuss the gains made since the pioneering work of Sir John Hammond, how far they have brought us in terms of improving sustainability and what challenges and opportunities we face in the future.

“We are all operating in a volatile and uncertain marketplace at present, but we as a Club feel that it is so important to continue to learn and engage with industry experts to drive businesses forward,” says Karen. “BCBC ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ will give you just what you need to kickstart your 2022 and we look forward to welcoming you. See www.cattlebreeders.org.uk