Genetics

Cheshire: Suckler beef – health, nutrition and what’s next

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:12:54 GMT

Join us as we bring farmers and industry experts together to look at how the suckler beef sector can remain profitable, efficient and sustainable for the future.

The evening is part of our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign to recognise the value of suckler beef and build a productive and resilient future for the sector.

Each event includes a panel discussion on cattle health, nutrition and market insights, with opportunities to share experiences and consider how suckler beef systems can adapt for the future.

What to expect

Beef nutritionist David Hendy brings over 25 years’ experience and will share practical advice on efficient, simple feeding systems to optimise performance
Hollie Edwards of Wright & Morten Vets will discuss how to identify issues affecting herd performance
AHDB analyst Becky Smith will give an industry overview of beef production figures and the current market outlook
An opportunity to ask the experts questions and share experiences with fellow beef farmers

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

The nutritional needs of your herd at different points in the production year
How to improve herd performance through animal health planning
New insights, perspectives and contacts from talking to fellow producers and technical experts

Others in the series

20 October: North Yorkshire

29 October: Gloucestershire

4 November: West Sussex

Important information

This is a fully funded event with food and refreshments provided at the start of the meeting.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

West Sussex: Suckler beef – health, nutrition and what’s next

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:53:37 GMT

Join us as we bring farmers and industry experts together to look at how the suckler beef sector can remain profitable, efficient and sustainable for the future.

The evening is part of our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign to recognise the value of suckler beef and build a productive and resilient future for the sector.

Each event includes a panel discussion on cattle health, nutrition and market insights, with opportunities to share experiences and consider how suckler beef systems can adapt for the future.

What to expect

Beef nutritionist David Hendy brings over 25 years’ experience and will share practical advice on efficient, simple feeding systems to optimise performance
Livestock Partnership Vet who will discuss how to identify issues affecting herd performance
AHDB analyst will give an industry overview of beef production figures and the current market outlook
An opportunity to ask the experts questions and share experiences with fellow beef farmers

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

The nutritional needs of your herd at different points in the production year
How to improve herd performance through animal health planning
New insights, perspectives and contacts from talking to fellow producers and technical experts

Others in the series

20 October: North Yorkshire

21 October: Cheshire

29 October: Gloucestershire

Important information

This is a fully funded event with food and refreshments provided at the start of the meeting.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Gloucestershire: Suckler beef – health, nutrition and what’s next

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:25:00 GMT

Join us as we bring farmers and industry experts together to look at how the suckler beef sector can remain profitable, efficient and sustainable for the future.

The evening is part of our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign to recognise the value of suckler beef and build a productive and resilient future for the sector.

Each event includes a panel discussion on cattle health, nutrition and market insights, with opportunities to share experiences and consider how suckler beef systems can adapt for the future.

What to expect

Beef nutritionist David Hendy brings over 25 years’ experience and will share practical advice on efficient, simple feeding systems to optimise performance
A vet who will discuss how to identify issues affecting herd performance
An AHDB analyst will give an industry overview of beef production figures and the current market outlook
An opportunity to ask the experts questions and share experiences with fellow beef farmers

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

The nutritional needs of your herd at different points in the production year
How to improve herd performance through animal health planning
New insights, perspectives and contacts from talking to fellow producers and technical experts

Others in the series

20 October: North Yorkshire

21 October: Cheshire

4 November: West Sussex

Important information

This is a fully funded event with food and refreshments provided at the start of the meeting.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Yorkshire: Suckler beef – health, nutrition and what’s next

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:00:59 GMT

Join us as we bring farmers and industry experts together to look at how the suckler beef sector can remain profitable, efficient and sustainable for the future.

The evening is part of our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign to recognise the value of suckler beef and build a productive and resilient future for the sector.

Each event includes a panel discussion on cattle health, nutrition and market insights, with opportunities to share experiences and consider how suckler beef systems can adapt for the future.

What to expect

Beef nutritionist – to share practical advice on efficient, simple feeding systems to optimise performance
Vet – who will discuss how to identify issues affecting herd performance
AHDB analyst – to give an industry overview of beef production figures and the current market outlook
An opportunity to ask the experts questions and share experiences with fellow beef farmers

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

The nutritional needs of your herd at different points in the production year
How to improve herd performance through animal health planning
New insights, perspectives and contacts from talking to fellow producers and technical experts

Others in the series

21 October: Cheshire

29 October: Gloucestershire

4 November: West Sussex

Important information

This is a fully funded event with food and refreshments provided at the start of the meeting.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Hampshire: Whitewool Farm's genomic success

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:21:27 GMT

Join us for Whitewool Farm's final meeting in its three-year Strategic Dairy Farm journey. Concluding the programme with AHDB, Jamie Butler will provide insight into the genetic improvements he has made and the impact on the profitability of the business.

The evening is hosted in collaboration with National Milk Records (NMR) as they hold their Hampshire Herds Competition presentation evening and farm walk. This is an annual event celebrating local dairy farming excellence across Hampshire and recognising its top-performing herds.

A guided farm walk will explore this pedigree Holstein herd, with a focus on how the adoption of genomics has contributed to the farm's performance and development, including a presentation from our Genetics Manager Dan Pitt.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be an engaging and informative evening, celebrating Hampshire's dairy herds.

Find out more about Whitewool Farm

Important information

Arrival from 17:30 for a 18:00 start
Supper will be provided
The evening will conclude with the presentation of herd competition trophies and certificates

To reserve your place, please email Ashleigh Howling at ashleighho@nmrp.com

Cornwall: Suckler beef farm walk

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:45:03 GMT

During this practical on-farm event, we’ll explore the role suckler beef plays within the wider beef supply chain.

Our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign recognises the value of suckler beef and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Join us for a day of practical learning, discussion and collaboration with fellow producers and industry experts.

The farm walk will incorporate a series of stations focusing on productivity, efficiency and profitability.

What to expect

Interactive discussions with fellow suckler beef farmers and industry representatives
Farm system overview – hear from the host farmer about their suckler beef system, key challenges and how they have overcome them
Housing management – housing expert Jamie Robertson will talk about shed designs to suit your suckler system
Using the right genetics – our genetics team will explain how to select genetics that suit your system and introduce some of the AHDB tools available to support your decisions
Positive environmental focus – using farm-specific examples Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment, will explore how suckler beef systems can support positive environmental outcomes and contribute to the future of sustainable beef production

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a practical understanding of:

Approaches to using genetic data to support herd improvement decisions
How productive cattle can contribute to both environmental and business outcomes
Simple steps to improve housing to benefit animal health and performance

You’ll also take away new insights, perspectives and contacts from discussions with fellow producers and technical experts.

Others in the series

Important information

Kindly supported by Kepak

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Somerset: Breeding the right cows for your farm

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:15:12 GMT

Join us to find out how making better use of your herd's genetic information can help you breed the right cows for your farming system.

Good genetics underpin herd performance, productivity and profitability. Whatever your breeding objectives, understanding the genetic tools available can help you make more informed breeding decisions and deliver lasting improvements across your herd.

AHDB Genetics Manager Dr Daniel Pitt will explain how to identify breeding goals, interpret genetic information and make the most of the tools available. You'll also hear from dairy farmers David Cotton and Keith Gue, who will share how a long-term focus on genetics has delivered measurable improvements in herd performance.

You'll leave with a better understanding of how to:

Use genetic evaluations to support breeding decisions
Define breeding goals that work for your business
Compare parent average and genomic results with confidence
Use your herd genetic report to identify opportunities for improvement
Put the latest genomic tools and indexes into practice on your farm

Whether you're just starting your genetic improvement journey or looking to make better use of the data you already have, this practical event will help you understand the options available and give you the confidence to make better breeding decisions.

To find out how genetics can help future-proof your herd and improve performance, book your place now.

Suckler beef: Stronger herds for stronger returns

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:13:00 GMT

Suckler beef: Stronger herds for stronger returns

Using EBVs to enhance flock performance from forage

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:01:41 GMT

Learn about the genetics of the Meatlinc breed, how EBVs are calculated and why selecting rams with optimal figures could help to improve your flock performance and profitability.

This farm talk and BBQ is being held by Bishopton Veterinary Group at Horn Farm by kind permission of farmer and Beef & Lamb Sector Council member George Fell and his family.

Join George and the team alongside AHDB and Signet breeding specialist Laura Eyles, to discuss the genetics of the Meatlinc breed.

What you will learn about

The genetics of the Meatlinc breed
How EBVs are calculated
Why selecting rams and optimal figures could help to improve your flock performance and profitability

We will view the stock to compare physical attributes with EBVs and discuss outcomes from the RamCompare project to understand how these figures translate into the carcase traits desired for the end market.

Kindly supported by Ceva.

To book, please ring Bishopton Veterinary Group on 01765 602396.

Lancashire: Suckler beef farm walk

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:20:05 GMT

During this practical on-farm event, we’ll explore the role suckler beef plays within the wider beef supply chain.

Our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign recognises the value of suckler beef and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Join us for a day of practical learning, discussion and collaboration with fellow producers and industry experts.

The farm walk will incorporate a series of stations focusing on productivity, efficiency and profitability.

What to expect

Interactive discussions with fellow suckler beef farmers and industry representatives
Farm system overview – hear from the host farmer about their suckler beef system, key challenges and how they have overcome them
Housing management – housing expert Jamie Robertson will talk about shed designs to suit your suckler system
Using the right genetics – our genetics team will explain how to select genetics that suit your system and introduce some of the AHDB tools available to support your decisions
Positive environmental focus – using farm-specific examples Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment, will explore how suckler beef systems can support positive environmental outcomes and contribute to the future of sustainable beef production

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a practical understanding of:

Approaches to using genetic data to support herd improvement decisions
How productive cattle can contribute to both environmental and business outcomes
Simple steps to improve housing to benefit animal health and performance

You’ll also take away new insights, perspectives and contacts from discussions with fellow producers and technical experts.

Others in the series

Important information

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Cheshire: Suckler beef farm walk

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:10:06 GMT

During this practical on-farm event, we’ll explore the role suckler beef plays within the wider beef supply chain.

Our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign recognises the value of suckler beef and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Join us for a day of practical learning, discussion and collaboration with fellow producers and industry experts.

The farm walk will incorporate a series of stations focusing on productivity, efficiency and profitability.

What to expect

Interactive discussions with fellow suckler beef farmers and industry representatives
Farm system overview – hear from the host farmer about their suckler beef system, key challenges and how they have overcome them
Housing management – housing expert Jamie Robertson will talk about shed designs to suit your suckler system
Using the right genetics – our genetics team will explain how to select genetics that suit your system and introduce some of the AHDB tools available to support your decisions
Positive environmental focus – using farm-specific examples Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment, will explore how suckler beef systems can support positive environmental outcomes and contribute to the future of sustainable beef production

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a practical understanding of:

Approaches to using genetic data to support herd improvement decisions
How productive cattle can contribute to both environmental and business outcomes
Simple steps to improve housing to benefit animal health and performance

You’ll also take away new insights, perspectives and contacts from discussions with fellow producers and technical experts.

Others in the series

Important information

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Cambridgeshire: Suckler beef farm walk

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:46:36 GMT

During this practical on-farm event, we’ll explore the role suckler beef plays within the wider beef supply chain.

Our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign recognises the value of suckler beef and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Join us for a day of practical learning, discussion and collaboration with fellow producers and industry experts.

The farm walk will incorporate a series of stations focusing on productivity, efficiency and profitability.

What to expect

Interactive discussions with fellow suckler beef farmers and industry representatives
Farm system overview – hear from the host farmer about their suckler beef system, key challenges and how they have overcome them
Housing management – housing expert Jamie Robertson will talk about shed designs to suit your suckler system
Using the right genetics – our genetics team will explain how to select genetics that suit your system and introduce some of the AHDB tools available to support your decisions
Positive environmental focus – using farm-specific examples Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment, will explore how suckler beef systems can support positive environmental outcomes and contribute to the future of sustainable beef production

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a practical understanding of:

Approaches to using genetic data to support herd improvement decisions
How productive cattle can contribute to both environmental and business outcomes
Simple steps to improve housing to benefit animal health and performance

You’ll also take away new insights, perspectives and contacts from discussions with fellow producers and technical experts.

Others in the series

Important information

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Dorset: Summer beef meeting

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:32:22 GMT

Performance and the low-input suckler cow – where numbers meet nature.

Synergy Farm Health invite you to join Team Beef as we visit Dave and Carla Phillips (the Etheridge Herd of Longhorn Cattle) courtesy of the Dorset Wildlife Trust at Lyscombe, Dorset.

We'll look at the relationship between the suckler cow and her surrounding ecology, and how physical performance is key to both commercial and environmental sustainability.

With guest speaker Harriet Bunning, lead animal genetic expert from AHDB Beef and Lamb.

Kindly sponsored by Norbrook and supported by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Food will be provided.

Important information: Please park at Lyscombe Car Park – the barn is just a short walk down the track from here.

To book on, please ring: 01935 83682

Cumbria: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:13:12 GMT

Event postponed

Join us to discover how you can apply the findings from our seven-year Challenge Sheep project to improve the performance of your flock.

Through Challenge Sheep, we tracked more than 6,000 ewes across 11 farms to investigate the challenges of mating ewe lambs and shearlings and the management required to optimise lifetime performance.

Why attend?

We’ll discuss key ewe management challenges and how you can manage them to optimise flock performance, including:

How to manage ewe lambs and shearlings to optimise their productivity and lifetime performance
How managing ewe body condition can have a major impact on lamb growth rates and litter size
Gathering, understanding and using data to improve flock performance

You’ll come away with a better understanding of how to handle specific management challenges relevant to your flock.

Find out more about Challenge Sheep

When and where

16 June – Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
25 June – Axminster, Devon
16 July – Redditch, Worcestershire
22 July – Salisbury, Wiltshire
25 August – Bishop Auckland, Co Durham
27 August – Writtle, Essex
8 September – Hepworth, Suffolk
9 September – Alnwick, Northumberland
15 September - Windermere, Cumbria POSTPONED
16 September – Newark, Nottinghamshire

Important information

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

RoSA CPD points are available for attending this event.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Speaker

Fiona Lovatt

Fiona is an independent sheep vet who runs Flock Health Ltd., a veterinary consultancy which provides specialist veterinary services to the sheep industry.

She enjoys working with sheep farmers and encouraging them to embrace best practice preventative measures to ensure healthy, productive flocks.

Northumberland: Right start, right carcase, right market – lamb

Tue, 26 May 2026 11:52:29 GMT

Improve efficiency, reduce losses and increase profitability across your lamb enterprise. This practical roadshow brings together expertise from animal health, market analysis, genetics and butchery to help you make better decisions from farm to final product.

What to expect

Live butchery demonstration – learn how value is created and how British lamb fits into global markets
Using the right genetics – find out how to use genetics that suit your system and meet your target market requirements
Market outlook – hear the latest on lamb prices and future market opportunities
Animal health and performance – understand how proactive health planning supports performance, growth and carcase quality
Live lamb demonstration – learn how to select lambs that meet market specifications

What you'll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

When to market lambs for optimum returns
How to align your system with current industry demand
The key decisions that improve efficiency and profitability

Important details

This event is fully funded and food will be provided.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

This event is registered for RoSA CPD points.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Other events in this series

Shropshire: Right start, right carcase, right market – lamb

Fri, 22 May 2026 11:05:28 GMT

Improve efficiency, reduce losses and increase profitability across your lamb enterprise. This practical roadshow brings together expertise from animal health, market analysis, genetics and butchery to help you make better decisions from farm to final product.

This event and lunch is kindly hosted by Pickstock Foods.

What to expect

Live butchery demonstration – learn how value is created and how British lamb fits into global markets
Using the right genetics – find out how to use genetics that suit your system and meet your target market requirements
Market outlook – hear the latest on lamb prices and future market opportunities
Animal health and performance – understand how proactive health planning supports performance, growth and carcase quality
Live lamb demonstration – learn how to select lambs that meet market specifications

What you'll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

When to market lambs for optimum returns
How to align your system with current industry demand
The key decisions that improve efficiency and profitability

Important details

This event is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

This event is registered for RoSA CPD points.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Other events in this series

Somerset: Right start, right carcase, right market – lamb

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:36:40 GMT

Improve efficiency, reduce losses and increase profitability across your lamb enterprise. This practical roadshow brings together expertise from animal health, market analysis, genetics and butchery to help you make better decisions from farm to final product.

What to expect

Live butchery demonstration – learn how value is created and how British lamb fits into global markets
Using the right genetics – find out how to use genetics that suit your system and meet your target market requirements
Market outlook – hear the latest on lamb prices and future market opportunities
Animal health and performance – understand how proactive health planning supports performance, growth and carcase quality
Live lamb demonstration – learn how to select lambs that meet market specifications

What you'll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

When to market lambs for optimum returns
How to align your system with current industry demand
The key decisions that improve efficiency and profitability

Important details

This event is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

This event is registered for RoSA CPD points.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Other events in this series

Kent: Right start, right carcase, right market – lamb

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:12:23 GMT

Improve efficiency, reduce losses and increase profitability across your lamb enterprise. This practical roadshow brings together expertise from animal health, market analysis, genetics and butchery to help you make better decisions from farm to final product.

What to expect

Live butchery demonstration – learn how value is created and how British lamb fits into global markets
Using the right genetics – find out how to use genetics that suit your system and meet your target market requirements
Market outlook – hear the latest on lamb prices and future market opportunities
Animal health and performance – understand how proactive health planning supports performance, growth and carcase quality
Live lamb demonstration – learn how to select lambs that meet market specifications

What you'll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

When to market lambs for optimum returns
How to align your system with current industry demand
The key decisions that improve efficiency and profitability

Important details

This event is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

This event is registered for RoSA CPD points.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Other events in this series

Hertfordshire: Right start, right carcase, right market – lamb

Thu, 21 May 2026 13:03:42 GMT

Improve efficiency, reduce losses, and increase profitability across your lamb enterprise. This practical roadshow brings together expertise from animal health, market analysis, genetics and butchery to help you make better decisions from farm to final product.

This event is kindly hosted by the Royal Veterinary College.

What to expect

Live butchery demonstration – learn how value is created and how British lamb fits into global markets
Using the right genetics – find out how to use genetics that suit your system and meet your target market requirements
Market outlook – hear the latest on lamb prices and future market opportunities
Animal health and performance – understand how proactive health planning supports performance, growth and carcase quality
Live lamb demonstration – learn how to select lambs that meet market specifications

What you'll take away

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of:

When to market lambs for optimum returns
How to align your system with current industry demand
The key decisions that improve efficiency and profitability

Biosecurity information

This is a high-biosecurity working farm. Please follow these requirements:

Arrive in clean footwear suitable for indoor use (not boots)
Bring clean (muck-free) wellies
Be prepared to use the designated foot-dipping area before entering the sheep-handling practical session

Important details

This event is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

This event is registered for RoSA CPD points.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Other events in this series

Study shows breeding can help cut dairy farm emissions

Thu, 14 May 2026 07:15:08 GMT

Study shows breeding can help cut dairy farm emissions