National beef industry conference to be held in Melton
Breeders, farmers, and business stakeholders from across the UK will converge on Melton Mowbray to celebrate the nation’s beef industry and tackle threats to food security.
The National Beef Association (NBA) is to host its flagship biannual event, NBA Beef Expo , at the historic Melton Mowbray Livestock Market, on Saturday May 30 next year.
Under the banner of ‘Beefing Up Food Security’, Beef Expo’s ultra-competitive show classes in the National Commercial Cattle Show will once again put the very best of the UK’s commercial beef on display, and a programme of expert seminars and discussions will focus on the strategies required to drive the industry through its current challenges to a sustainable future.
As well as celebrating the country’s world class beef industry, the one-day event will aim to raise public and political awareness of the potentially disastrous threats to the country’s beef supply chain.
Melton market CEO, Hugh Brown, who will be joint-chair of the event, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the NBA Beef Expo next year with its timely focus on food security and resilient supply chains, which we and other marts form a key part of.
"We look forward to welcoming visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers to Beef Expo, the market, the Stockyard and this lovely town next year.”
Hosting the key industry event is a big coup for the town’s historic market, which is one of the country’s biggest and most successful livestock hubs, with customers coming from all corners of the country for commercial and pedigree sales, as well as the developing Stockyard food and drink destination in the old part of the market.
On the importance of the Beef Expo, NBA chief executive, Neil Shand, said: “We are at a critical juncture for beef production in the UK, whether it’s suckler or dairy bred beef.
"At Beef Expo next year, we will not hold back in pressing our politicians on the undeniable importance of supporting home-produced food.
"They continue to preach that food security is national security, yet we need to see tangible proof of this commitment.
“With current pressures increasing on the British beef industry, Beef Expo has never had a more vital role in bringing together breeders, farmers, and business stakeholders to demonstrate the strength and vitality of this critical aspect of the country’s home-grown food production.”
He added: “In 2026, Beef Expo will give us a platform to host a major political seminar once again, but that’s not all.
"We’re introducing a special livestock health and welfare hub to address pressing issues and provide vital resources.
"And on a positive note, we’ll be introducing the ‘Best Beef Burger Competition’ to showcase the incredible quality of our beef.
"It’s time to unite and demand the support our industry deserves, and it couldn’t be more fitting to hold Beef Expo at such an important centre for the livestock industry as Melton Mowbray.”
Ben Harman, chair of the National Beef Association, recently visited Melton market to plan the event with Hugh Brown and NBA chief executive, Neil Shand.
Go online at www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beef-expo for further information about the event, along with details of sponsorship opportunities and stand and exhibition space.