The National Beef Association (NBA) is heading out on a spring tour of marts across England to meet producers at store cattle and suckled calf sales.

The NBA Roadshow will be visiting six livestock markets between March and May, in a show of support for the important role marts play in the industry and to meet farmers to discuss current issues in the beef sector.

Representatives from the NBA will be attending spring sales at Carlisle in Cumbria, Hexham in Northumberland, Bakewell in Derbyshire, Ashford in Kent, Bishop’s Castle in Shropshire and Newark in Nottinghamshire.

As the voice of the beef industry, the NBA has regional committees covering every part of the UK acting on behalf of members. Beef farmers attending the marts on NBA Roadshow days will be able to find out more about what the organisation is doing in their area as well as discuss the latest national trends in the industry.

NBA chief executive, Chris Mallon, said: “We are keen to support livestock marts and the key role they play in helping beef farmers obtain the best prices.

“Marts are independent arbitrators of prices and they act on the farmers’ behalf to maximise stock value.

“We’re looking forward to getting out on to the road to meet farmers face to face, find out what grassroots challenges they are facing and discuss how the NBA and the marts system can work together to boost the British beef sector.”

The events will focus on engaging with farmers to discuss how they can tackle problems and find out how they can take advantage of current trends in the industry to improve their own businesses. The NBA has a wide-ranging remit to support and promote the sustainability of the British beef industry and at the heart of that is helping members to boost their profitability. In addition to events like the mart roadshows, it organises regular meetings, updates and farm visits where members can learn from each other and share best practice.

Marts are one of the key venues where farmers meet regularly, and the NBA is keen to encourage engagement, debate and the sharing of ideas alongside the social aspect that livestock markets provide.

David Pritchard from Borderway Mart in Carlisle, which will be hosting the NBA Roadshow on March 23 during the Spring Suckled Calf Sale, said: “We’re pleased to be part of the NBA event, which will provide an added attraction for both vendors and buyers on sale day.

“We heartily support the partnership approach and will be working together with the Association to promote the beef industry, listen to farmers’ thoughts and showcase the important role of livestock markets in helping to achieve the best prices.”
The NBA Roadshow will be visiting:
 

• Bakewell – March 11
• Newark – March 19
• Carlisle – March 23
• Ashford – April 26
• Bishop’s Castle – May 5
• Hexham – May 6