Encouraging Signs for Genetic Exports

UK - The multi-million pound export market for UK cattle genetics is to be given a boost at the National Beef Association’s Beef Expo 2012, as organisers prepare to host overseas buyers from Brazil, Germany, Poland and Ireland, as well as newcomers Armenia, Georgia and Serbia.
calendar icon 2 April 2012
clock icon 3 minute read

They will be invited to the farm tours, UK Genetics Showcase and preliminary National Spring Spectacular Show judging on May 23rd, as well as the Expo itself on the 24th, which is supported by Lloyds TBS as the major sponsor.

According to NBA co-ordinator Henry Lewis, executive chairman of British Livestock Genetics (BLG), many will be at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, to see the sterling work done by UK breeders while exports were limited, eager to find opportunities now that exports are an option again.

He says: “The UK needs exports to thrive. While the temporary suspension of exports was an obstacle, our breeders did what they still do best and carried on improving UK livestock.

“We have been working with Eblex and BLG to bring this to the attention of overseas buyers and thereby broaden export opportunities. For many visitors, the UK Genetics Showcase at Beef Expo 2012 will be the first window of opportunity to view those improvements.

“There is no getting away from the reality – the UK cattle industry needs export opportunities to create and maintain a competitive edge. It affords the sector the widest possible marketing opportunities, which add multi-millions each year to revenue.”

The combination of the farm tours, UK Genetics Showcase and National Spring Spectacular Show will offer visitors something unique, says Beef Expo committee member Rob Wills. “By promoting pedigree and cross-bred cattle within the one arena we will demonstrate the hard-nosed commercial reality. That matters because it is where profit is made.”

To date 19 breed societies have confirmed attendance at the event, as well as a host of genetic suppliers all eager to promote UK livestock to domestic and overseas buyers. The majority of the breed societies will participate in the UK Genetics Showcase on the 23rd, which will show off the best of British to visitors from across the UK, Europe and the world, including a special grand parade of the range of genetics available in this country.

Away from the ringside and trade exhibition areas, Beef Expo 2012 will provide the opportunity for informal talks between breeders and buyers to continue at the annual Beef Industry Dinner, held in the showground’s Severn Hall on the evening of May 23.

Diners will sit down to beef supplied by the Hereford Cattle Society before being entertained by Deryc Rhys – a Carmarthenshire dairy farmer and after dinner speaker of renown – ahead of the Beef Stockman of the Future award ceremony.

Tickets for the dinner cost £35 each, and can be booked individually or as whole tables at www.beefexpo.co.uk, where details of the farm tours and the show can also be found. Alternatively, tickets can be secured by contacting Euan Emslie, NBA Beef Expo 2012 Organiser, on 01430 441870 or emailing [email protected].

Breed societies confirmed as attending are: Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, Beef Improvement Group (Stabilisers), Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, British Bazadaise Cattle Society, British Blonde Society, British Blue Cattle Society, British Charolais Cattle Society, British Limousin Cattle Society, British Piemontese Cattle Society, British Simmental Cattle Society, Galloway Cattle Society, Hereford Cattle Society, Highland Cattle Society, Highland Cattle Society, Lincoln Red Cattle Society, Longhorn Cattle Society, Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society, Red Poll Cattle Society, Salers Cattle Society of the UK, South Devon Herd Book Society and Welsh Black Cattle Society.

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