4 March 2008

2 minute read

Europe

Organised by the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX), the conference is being held at the Marriott Royal Hotel, Bristol, on Monday, 19 May.

Speakers include Professor Temple Grandin, the renowned international expert on animal handling systems. Prof Grandin will look at how producers can exploit natural behaviour to make things quicker, easier and safer on farm. Prof Neville Gregory from the Royal Veterinary College will be discussing the impact of animal stress and other welfare issues at slaughter and how they can have a detrimental impact on meat quality.

Joining them is beef consultant David Evans, who will be looking at how events on the global stage will impact on producers in this country, while Dr Anne Mottet, who is working on the forthcoming Future of the Sheep Sector in Europe Report, will be giving an update on the vision for sheep meat production in the EU.

The event will finish with Mike Rowe, agricultural manager at Clydesdale Bank Plc giving a financial perspective on the beef and sheep sectors and talking about the factors his team considers when farmers come looking for a new business loan.

EBLEX Chairman John Cross said: "We want to encourage farmers to take a closer look at a range of practical and pragmatic on-farm issues where relatively simple adjustments could make a difference to overall farm profitability.

"We would expect every farmer to leave enthused with at least one idea they want to implement on their own farm."

The day starts at 10am and will finish at about 3.30pm. Attendance is free to all English beef and sheep levy-payers but a £25 refundable deposit will be required to secure a place. Places will be taken on a "first come, first served" basis. Further details and registration forms are available from Selma Todd on 0870 608 6610 or by logging on to www.eblex.org.uk.