Government & Shadow Ministers, MPs, Supermarket Procurement Directors, Breeders, and farmers will gather to celebrate the successes and confront the critical challenges facing the UK beef industry in Cumbria on Saturday, 27^th April.

Cumbria is preparing to play host to the biggest and most important gathering for the UK's beef industry, Beef Expo 2024, taking place at North West Auctions near Kendal on Saturday 27^th April 2024.

Timed to coincide with British Beef Week, Beef Expo has become the most significant one-day showcase for the British Beef Industry, attracting thousands of breeders, breed societies, farmers, suppliers and industry stakeholders from across the country to this free event to celebrate the UK's world class beef genetics, and to share ideas and innovations for the industry's future development.

In the National Commercial Cattle Show, over 100 head of some of the UK's best commercial cattle will come to Cumbria from the four corners of the country to compete for top honours, judged by a panel of leading British experts, and the stars of the future will be chosen from the next generation of commercial breeders and farmers aged between 14- 21 in the Young Handlers classes. 

The event will also provide a vital platform for breeders, farmers, businesses, and stakeholders to showcase ideas and innovations for the industry's future development, and an extraordinary line-up of high-level panellists will lead discussions on the threats and opportunities facing the beef industry today and tomorrow.

In this year's Beef Expo trade exhibition, a record number of more than 100 trade exhibitors and 13 Breed Societies will highlight the latest research developments, technology, and innovation, giving beef farmers the chance to view demonstrations and discuss potential options and ideas to improve productivity and efficiency at home. Throughout the day ScotEID will be giving a demonstration on Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tag types in ring one.

This year's programme of seminars will tackle some of the fundamental issues facing the industry in the current landscape of rising costs and falling government support. Panellists, including Government & Shadow Ministers, MPs, and leading Supermarket Procurement Directors, will address issues including Farming & 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.

National Beef Association Chief Executive, Neil Shand, believes that Beef Expo comes back to Cumbria at a uniquely important point in time for the UK beef industry. "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.

2024 NBA Beef Expo will take place at North West Auctions, J36, Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, near Kendal on Saturday 27^th April 2024. Entry and Parking are FREE.

In the lead up to the event, New Zealand livestock handling systems, Te Pari UK, are running a competition to win a  Te Pari Lenta Crush worth £11,950 + VAT. This livestock handling 'all-rounder' provides a safe, efficient, and secure working environment for both user and beast on a multitude of operations across the country. Made in New Zealand using high-quality steel and fully hot-dip galvanised after welding, this cattle crush is made to handle cattle big and small, and will withstand everything that is thrown at it. Open to everyone you can enter this competition by visiting the NBA website - https://www.nationalbeefassociation.com/prize-draw/

Further information about NBA Beef Expo, along with details of the cattle classes, sponsorship opportunities and stand and exhibition space can be found on the National Beef Association's' dedicated event web site – www.beef-expo.co.uk.