Great British Beef Week starts with bang

Ladies in Beef are marking St George’s Day (23 April) with the start of the first Great British Beef Week.

The group was formed to help promote and drive awareness of the quality and versatility of British beef to consumers using a country-wide network of dynamic lady beef ‘champions’.

The purpose of the week is to encourage consumer purchasing of British beef and draw attention to the quality and taste of the product.   

Organisers are also hoping to highlight why British beef is sustainable and the care farmers take on welfare and the protection of the countryside.

To mark the occasion, Yorkshire farmers are joining forces with The Source at Leeds Kirkgate Market to stage a one-day beef extravaganza.

Supported by the NFU and EBLEX, the planned ‘Beef Fest’ will see a lifesize wooden Hereford steer established at The Source near the entrance to the market.

Bedded down on straw in a pen, he will be surrounded by artificial grass and a wealth of tasty fodder from silage to hard feed. Sound recordings will complete the effect.

To drive home the message, farming commentator Mike Keeble will be on hand to conduct two mock cattle auctions that members of the public can join in.

Designed to be fun and interactive, bidding will be interspersed with facts, figures and anecdotes about British beef production.

Throughout the day, the Ladies in Beef team will be on hand to talk to shoppers and hand out samples of freshly cooked sirloin steak.