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The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) are organising a Beef Conference and Farm Visit at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus, Antrim.
The Beef Conference on Wednesday 10 June 2026 will focus on driving productivity, delivering sustainability – achieving economic and environmentally sustainable beef systems. Join us to hear about key areas which can drive productivity and efficiency within your beef enterprise.
Speaking about the event Dr Eileen McCloskey, Senior Livestock Technologist at CAFRE commented: “The day will be divided into two elements; the morning session will be a technical conference, while after lunch delegates will visit the CAFRE Beef and Sheep Centre, to hear from a range of speakers on topical aspects to help drive profitable, sustainable beef systems on Northern Ireland farms.”
Conference speakers
Colin Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Livestock and Meat Commission, has a wealth of knowledge of the red meat sector. He will give an insight into the beef market, looking back and forward at market trends both locally and globally. Colin will discuss market drivers, external influences and how those impact local beef producers, discussing opportunities for the Northern Irish beef sector.
Peter Kennedy, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at Marks and Spencer, will focus on the consumer perspective. His overview will give producers valuable insight into what supermarkets need to deliver for their customers, how produce meets consumer demand, and the importance of an integrated supply chain.
Dr. Paul Crosson is a Principal Research Scientist with Teagasc, and Beef Enterprise Leader at the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange. He will focus on the critical role that efficiency plays in delivering economically viable and environmentally sustainable beef systems. His presentation will explore the range of factors influencing beef production and how these can be managed to deliver profitable production systems.
Professor Michael Lee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Harper Adams University is an expert in sustainable livestock systems. With a particular focus on defining their role in securing global food security, while protecting the environment, Michael will discuss the essential role beef systems must play in future sustainable food systems. Professor Lee will also discuss the key metrics used to define and measure sustainability.
In addition, two local farmers will give a virtual tour of their enterprises.
Trevor Summerville, from County Tyrone, will give an insight into his beef finishing system. He will share insights into herd management, breeding, and sustainable farming practices. Join us to hear about his sustainable calf-to-beef production systems and how he maximises grass performance to drive efficiency and profitability.
Declan Rafferty, also from County Tyrone will outline the steps he has taken to improve the productivity of his suckler herd, with a strong focus on genetics, fertility, age at first calving, and the adoption of compact calving systems, alongside precision nutrition and robust animal health practices. He will also discuss his dairy beef enterprise, highlighting how effective grassland and forage management has helped reduce the age at which his beef cattle are finished.
Farm visit
In the afternoon conference delegates will visit the CAFRE Beef and Sheep Centre, to hear from industry experts about the key areas which improve efficiency, drive productivity and deliver across all aspects of the enterprise.
Remarking on the Farm Visit, Gary Haslem, Head of Sustainable Land Management at CAFRE said: “The programme will focus on key areas: genetics, the suckler cow, beef finishing, forage led nutrition systems, animal health and welfare, and the integration of biodiversity on the farm. Attendees will see how research, innovation and best practice come together to deliver productive and sustainable beef systems at farm level, and how these approaches align with and support DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme.”
The conference and farm visit is a must attend opportunity to hear from globally recognised experts, industry specialists, and progressive farmers. Attendees will gain practical advice, insight into herd performance and results, and clear take home messages, with the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with others across the sector.
The conference on Wednesday 10 June 2026 will begin at 9:30am and end at 5:00pm. Event bookings are being managed by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with a registration fee of £25 payable online. The conference programme and fee includes lunch.
The event is kindly sponsored by ABP Food Group, Foyle Food Group and WD Meats.
For those unable to attend the full day conference, the farm visit element of the event will be offered again in the evening, with tours starting at 6:00pm, 6:30pm, 7:00pm and 7:30pm. There is no fee for the evening event. To secure your place at the full day conference, or to attend the evening farm visit, please book online. Book now on the UFU website.
