COUNTDOWN TO A RECORD BREAKING BEEF SOUTH WEST 2010! Image

COUNTDOWN TO A RECORD BREAKING BEEF SOUTH WEST 2010!

Created: Tuesday 24 August 2010

With more exhibitors, breed societies, trade stands and special features than ever before, the NBA South West has pulled out all the stops to create a dynamic one day event, Beef South West at Exeter Livestock Centre on Wednesday September 29th   9 am - 5 pm,  close to the A30 and M5 motorway.

BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson will be sharing his vision for British beef production at the opening event at 11 am, presenting prizes in the cattle showing classes, judging a steak competition as well as contributing to the Young Farmer's Great Debate on cloning, chaired by Event President John Lee.

This is the fourth beef event organised by the NBA South West, where there is drive and passion from a team of dedicated council members to put on a great event, to raise funds to invest back into the beef industry to encourage both suckler beef production and younger beef producers into the sector - a vision shared by the sponsors who have generously supported Beef South West. 

Main sponsors EBLEX, AMC, Mole Valley Farmers, St Merryn Foods and Shearwell Data are taking a leading role at the event promoting their services and products, giving their loyal backing and commitment to the beef industry and Beef South West.

A major focus will be production improvement in the beef and dairy beef sector, through finishing, forage and disease control.   The ASDA Knowledge & Technology Transfer area will give suckler and dairy beef producers hands on practical advice.  Here farmers can learn about EBLEX carcase grading and a focus on making a margin from grass based beef; ASDA BeefLink and initiatives for young beef producers; practical advice from Mole Valley Farmer's beef specialist Lachie Maclachlan on profiting from forage; eye muscle scanning demonstrations by Adrian Johnson; Igenity gene tenderness demonstrations; while the South West Healthy Livestock and the South West TB Farm Advisory Service  will provide valuable advice on disease management.     

There is £4000 in prize money to be won in the cattle showing classes.  The Primestock show, sponsored by Southern Counties Fresh Foods, has 10 native and continental classes including Supreme Champion, Reserve Champion and Champion Bred & Fed Awards.   New this year is the Young Farmer's Showman of the Year 2010, sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers as well as Young Farmer's Stock Judging.  There will be strong competition in the South West Yearling Young Bull of the Year class sponsored by Exeter Market Auctioneers, while the Suckled Calf competitions and Moorland Challenge showcase the cream of the store cattle producers.

At Key Issues Corner, sponsored by ABP, Dr Basil Lowman of the Scottish Agriculture College will be talking about suckler cow and calf winter management - hugely topical in view of the likely forage shortages this winter; while Miriam Parker MBE, will be talking about cattle fear and flight zones. There are also EID demonstrations by Shearwell Data.  Outside near the Primestock ring, producers can take part in the ASDA Beef Challenge with the ASDA Development Chef.

Meanwhile in the Machinery & Cattle Handling area, sponsored by JCB, McCormick, Kuhn and RSM Beares, there will be practical HSE cattle crush demonstrations. 

One of the most entertaining features is the EBLEX Butchery & Cookery Theatre featuring butchers from Phillip Dennis Food Service, chef Dez Turnland of Brend Hotels and Hugh Judd of EBLEX as master of ceremonies. Here the final of the South West Steak of the Year competition takes place sponsored by Southern Counties Fresh Foods, when Adam Henson judges the champion steak.    Closeby is the Rib of Beef Competition, sponsored by Stillmans,  as well as the Mini Food Festival sponsored by Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink.

Come and enjoy the free Farm Walk on Tuesday 28th September 2.30 pm hosted by Patrick and Sheila Greed at their lowland farm near Exeter with pedigree Limousins and commercial cattle, sponsored by Columbpark Limousins, Westcroft Limousins and Matt the Foot Trimmer. Learn of the breeding, feeding and out wintering systems the Greeds have put in place to drive cost out.      There's also the Beef Event Supper at the Stockman's Restaurant in the Livestock Centre the night before the show, with prime South Devon beef and a speaker to entertain, sponsored by the South Devon Herd Book Society.   Pre-booking essential! info@beefsouthwest.co.uk or 01392 278801.

Without a doubt there's a jam packed programme at Beef South West.  Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out, it's well worth the visit.

Free Park & Ride from the A30/M5 next to the Devon Hotel.  Tickets £10 Children under 16 and Young Farmers £5.  www.beefsouthwest.co.uk

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