Beef & Lamb

Red meat retail performance – 19 April 2026

Fri, 01 May 2026 14:13:54 GMT

Red meat retail performance – 19 April 2026

Bluetongue virus update – 13 May

Fri, 01 May 2026 09:54:07 GMT

During this webinar we'll share the latest updates on the current bluetongue virus situation.

The speakers and agenda will be confirmed soon.

The webinar will close with a Q&A session and you can also submit questions in advance.

This event forms part of a series of webinars that we are running to share timely and accurate information to help you understand what the latest updates mean for the UK.

If you are unable to attend, please still register and you will be sent a recording following the event.

Further information

Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Farming beef for the next generation: The Underley farm tour

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:59:38 GMT

Join Ian Farrant at Underley on the Herefordshire–Worcestershire border for the closing Monitor Farm event, showcasing lessons learned from a progressive, forage‑led beef system focused on sustainability, profitability and resilience.

Underley is a 600‑acre beef finishing farm, finishing 600 cattle a year. During the event, we'll explore system change, practical trials and honest reflections from Ian’s Monitor Farm journey.

Agenda

10:00am–10:30am Arrival, welcome, registration, tea and coffee
10:30am–11:00am Introductions and farm overview
- Ian Farrant will introduce Underley, outlining the system, challenges and motivations for joining the Monitor Farm programme
- Reflections on business resilience and system changes
11:00am Farm walk
Station 1: Defra NUE-Leg trial – clovers and legumes
- Germinal and Ian will give an overview of the NUE-Leg project and Underley’s involvement
- Open discussion on the challenges of these trials and the opportunity to reduce fertiliser use and improve nitrogen efficiency
Station 2: Establishing and growing lucerne
- Why Ian chose to trial home‑grown lucerne in a beef system
- Honest discussion on establishment challenges – including why Ian nearly gave up on the crop and the benefits seen for cattle performance and feed self‑sufficiency
12:45pm–1:30pm Lunch and networking
1:30pm–2:30pm Station 3: Calf rearing and home-grown feeding systems
- Ian will explain why he made the switch from British Blues to Aberdeen Angus‑sired dairy‑beef calves and how this fits better within his forage‑based finishing system where he has transitioned to a home‑grown TMR leading to positive financial and practical impacts
2:30pm–3:00pm Discussion and Q&A
3:00pm Close

BASIS and NRoSO CPD points will be available.

Flock foundations roadshow – Early decisions, lasting gains

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:55:01 GMT

Flock foundations roadshow – Early decisions, lasting gains

Nottinghamshire: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:26:17 GMT

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

All events will run from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

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

Important information

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

There will be a 10 minute walk from Ollerton House to the field.

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

Nerys Wright

Nerys is an independent sheep consultant with extensive experience in delivering practical research projects and effectively disseminating findings back to farmers.

She completed a PhD examining the impact of ewe body condition score (BCS) on flock fertility and performance to weaning, work that preceded and helped inform the Challenge Sheep project.

Nerys is also a qualified farm animal Suitably Qualified Person (SQP).

Suffolk: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:51:11 GMT

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

All events will run from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

16 June – Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
25 June – Axminster, Devon
16 July – Redditch, Worcestershire
22 July – Salisbury, Wiltshire
20 August – Alnwick, Northumberland
25 August – Bishop Auckland, Co Durham
27 August – Writtle, Essex
8 September – Hepworth, Suffolk
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

Nerys Wright

Nerys is an independent sheep consultant with extensive experience in delivering practical research projects and effectively disseminating findings back to farmers.

She completed a PhD examining the impact of ewe body condition score (BCS) on flock fertility and performance to weaning, work that preceded and helped inform the Challenge Sheep project.

Nerys is also a qualified farm animal Suitably Qualified Person (SQP).

Essex: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:03:49 GMT

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

All events will run from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

16 June – Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
25 June – Axminster, Devon
16 July – Redditch, Worcestershire
22 July – Salisbury, Wiltshire
20 August – Alnwick, Northumberland
25 August – Bishop Auckland, Co Durham
27 August – Writtle, Essex
8 September – Hepworth, Suffolk
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

Dr Liz Genever

Liz is a beef and sheep consultant specialising in grass and forage systems. Liz has her own mixed farm in south-west Lincolnshire and worked at AHDB for 13 years as a technical specialist.

She established her own independent consultancy business in 2019.

Liz is also one of the founders of Carbon Calling, which aims to build a community of farmers who support and learn from one another to make their farms and themselves healthier and happier.

Co Durham: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:26:26 GMT

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

All events will run from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

16 June – Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
25 June – Axminster, Devon
16 July – Redditch, Worcestershire
22 July – Salisbury, Wiltshire
20 August – Alnwick, Northumberland
25 August – Bishop Auckland, Co Durham
27 August – Writtle, Essex
8 September – Hepworth, Suffolk
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: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:10:37 GMT

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

All events will run from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

16 June – Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
25 June – Axminster, Devon
16 July – Redditch, Worcestershire
22 July – Salisbury, Wiltshire
20 August – Alnwick, Northumberland
25 August – Bishop Auckland, Co Durham
27 August – Writtle, Essex
8 September – Hepworth, Suffolk
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.

Red meat foodservice performance – 22 March 2026

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:57:39 GMT

Red meat foodservice performance – 22 March 2026

Talking Leaders: The outsider’s advantage – Rethinking leadership in farming and growing

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:37:44 GMT

John Walgate is the Chief Executive of the British Growers Association. Representing the voice of UK horticulture, he'll share insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector – from labour and policy to productivity and long-term sustainability.

Expect an honest, strategic perspective on what it takes to lead and represent a critical part of UK food production.

Submit questions on the day or send them through in advance to: mark.campbell@ahdb.org.uk

John Walgate

John is a qualified accountant by profession, with the majority of his career in senior leadership positions within the pet food manufacturing industry, supplying both branded and private label produce and all the major grocery retailers.

He was also a director for over ten years and past chairman of the UK pet food manufacturers trade body, UK Pet Food, and represented the UK on the European body.

As CEO of the British Growers Association (BGA) John leads a team of 18 employees providing professional services to most of the UK horticultural crop associations and a number of horticulture related organisations.

The BGA is a not-for-profit, member-owned organisation that has been in operation for over 50 years. It also represents the horticultural sector with various stakeholders, including government.

Through its’ network of crop associations, the BGA has links to over 1,000 growers in the UK, with a remit that is solely focused on the success of British horticulture.

As a keen ‘amateur’ allotment holder, he is proud to be an advocate for the professional growers feeding the nation.

John has also recently joined the Fresh Produce Board of Red Tractor.

Find out more about our AgriLeader activities and other Talking Leaders broadcasts

Climate resilience on-farm action planner – beef, lamb and dairy

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:35:00 GMT

Climate resilience on-farm action planner – beef, lamb and dairy

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Storms and wind

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:33:00 GMT

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Storms and wind

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Rising sea levels

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:33:00 GMT

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Rising sea levels

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Wetter winters and extreme rainfall

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:32:00 GMT

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Wetter winters and extreme rainfall

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Winter temperatures

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:31:00 GMT

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Winter temperatures

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Drier summers/low summer rainfall

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:26:00 GMT

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Drier summers/low summer rainfall

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: High summer temperatures/heat extremes

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:26:00 GMT

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: High summer temperatures/heat extremes

Q1 production boosted by higher average carcase weights: Beef and lamb market update

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:27:00 GMT

Q1 production boosted by higher average carcase weights: Beef and lamb market update

Beef mince remains a staple in British family meals

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:07:58 GMT

Beef mince remains a staple in British family meals

Beef & Lamb

Red meat retail performance – 19 April 2026

Bluetongue virus update – 13 May

During this webinar we'll share the latest updates on the current bluetongue virus situation.

Further information

Farming beef for the next generation: The Underley farm tour

Join Ian Farrant at Underley on the Herefordshire–Worcestershire border for the closing Monitor Farm event, showcasing lessons learned from a progressive, forage‑led beef system focused on sustainability, profitability and resilience.

Agenda

Flock foundations roadshow – Early decisions, lasting gains

Nottinghamshire: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

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

Why attend?

When and where

Important information

Speaker

Nerys Wright

Suffolk: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

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

Why attend?

When and where

Important information

Speaker

Nerys Wright

Essex: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

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

Why attend?

When and where

Important information

Speaker

Dr Liz Genever

Co Durham: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

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

Why attend?

When and where

Important information

Speaker

Fiona Lovatt

Northumberland: Flock foundations - Early decisions, lasting gains

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

Why attend?

When and where

Important information

Speaker

Fiona Lovatt

Red meat foodservice performance – 22 March 2026

Talking Leaders: The outsider’s advantage – Rethinking leadership in farming and growing

John Walgate is the Chief Executive of the British Growers Association. Representing the voice of UK horticulture, he'll share insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector – from labour and policy to productivity and long-term sustainability.

John Walgate

Climate resilience on-farm action planner – beef, lamb and dairy

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Storms and wind

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Rising sea levels

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Wetter winters and extreme rainfall

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Winter temperatures

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: Drier summers/low summer rainfall

Climate resilience on-farm action planner: High summer temperatures/heat extremes

Q1 production boosted by higher average carcase weights: Beef and lamb market update

Beef mince remains a staple in British family meals

Flock foundations roadshow – Early decisions, lasting gains