Leading cattle conference set to return to Telford

Beef and dairy farmers still have time to sign up to the British Cattle Breeders Conference.

The industry-leading conference returns to Telford on 22-24 January, with the title “Green genes – revolutionising cattle breeding for a sustainable future”.

The programme brings together UK and international academics and farmers to explore how to efficiently produce cattle with lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Farmers will hear how the latest innovations in plant breeding and nutrition can mitigate methane in a first-ever “bovine session”, catering for both beef and dairy farmers.

See also: Cows fed daffodil extract may cut methane emissions by third

Learning from farmers

On the Beef Day (23 January), Aberdeenshire farmer Duncan Morrison will discuss how combining a simple system with technology can help create a herd that can take care of itself and deliver environmentally.

He has leased cows under a contract-farming agreement to stock a growing tenanted farm, expanding from 90ha (222 acres) to 246ha (608 acres).

Describing the farm, Duncan said: “It is forage-based, we use very little diesel and don’t use fertiliser. Instead, we buy straw – that’s our fertiliser. Our soil structure and organic matter are good, too.”

Last season, his 656kg Angus and Stabiliser cows weaned 41% of their bodyweight, on average. He has managed to quadruple cow numbers to 210 head as land area has grown.

Bookings

Hotel bookings are now full, but to apply to the waiting list or book day tickets, please contact heidi.bradbury@cattlebreeders.org.uk

The full conference agenda, including all the speakers, is available to view at cattlebreeders.org.uk/conference/.