Melton livestock market's first Beef Expo praised as 'hugely successful'

Beef Expo 2026 attracted thousands of visitors on Saturday for a packed day of cattle competitions, trade exhibits, seminars and industry discussion.

It is organised by the National Beef Association (NBA) to gather farmers, breeders, processors, retailers, policymakers and industry leaders to share ideas and formulate future strategies.

NBA chief executive, Neil Shand, said: “This was our first time in Melton Mowbray, and it is a compliment to the team at Melton Mowbray Market who contributed to a hugely successful event.

“The positivity around the industry throughout the event has been fantastic and we are delighted with how well attended Beef Expo 2026 has been.”

Supreme Champion at the show went to TA & LC Lyon & Son, from Thurlby, Lincolnshire, with Suzie, a March 2025-born British Blue cross heifer, while Reserve Supreme Champion went to Messrs Ludgate with a Limousin heifer.

A delighted Jonathan Lyon, owner of the winning beast, declared the victory ‘absolutely fantastic’.

In the Baby Beef classes, judged by Tracey Jones, Taylor Charlton from Skelton, near Penrith, secured the Championship title with Baby Limousin Steer, John Boy, while Tecwyn Jones’s Limousin Heifer, Seisiog Annie, took Reserve Champion.

The Young Handlers competition was won by 14-year-old George Turnham, from Brackley in Northamptonshire, and reserve went to Millie Walters.

An important part of the event for many, were the debates and seminars which tackled key issues currently facing the British beef sector.

There was concern about the reduction in the size of the national herd.

A key challenge identified was the gap between production and demand, creating the potential for increased reliance on imported beef.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of family farms, confidence within the sector and encouraging young people into the industry.

The Innovation in Beef Production seminar explored how technology, collaboration and new approaches are helping drive efficiencies and improve sustainability across the beef supply chain, while the AHDB seminar focused on the role of nutrition, communication and consumer understanding in shaping perceptions around beef production and healthy diets.

The final session, ‘Debating the Value of Domestic Food Production’, encouraged open discussion around the economic, environmental and strategic importance of maintaining a strong domestic beef sector.

Mr Shand added: “The seminars have been extremely well attended and have generated some strong and constructive discussions around food security, the future of British beef production and the challenges facing the sector.

“There was clear support for the importance of domestic food production and education, alongside strong views that governments should not become involved in setting food prices at retailer level.

“We also need to focus on animal health and how we make the best use of vaccines and genetics to improve productivity and strengthen biosecurity.”

“Profitability remains key, particularly within suckler herds. Encouragingly, we are now seeing evidence in many areas of a return to mixed farming, which is a positive step towards a more sustainable agricultural future.”

New for 2026, the SRUC Bovine Health Hub proved a popular addition to the event, offering practical advice and evidence-based support on herd health, productivity and resilience, while giving farmers the opportunity to engage directly with vets, consultants and researchers.