Press Release - Lloyds TSB Agriculture confirmed as major sponso of Beef Expo 2009

LLOYDS TSB AGRICULTURE CONFIRMED
AS MAJOR SPONSOR OF BEEF EXPO 2009

Lloyds TSB Agriculture has been confirmed for the second year running as major sponsor of the UK’s national beef event, Beef Expo.

Beef Expo 2009, organised by the National Beef Association, will be held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, courtesy of the Three Counties Agricultural Association, on Thursday, May 21, 2009.

The event is held at a different venue each year and attracts thousands of beef farmers and industry professionals from throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as from interested visitors from several European countries.

Lloyds TSB Agriculture is a major lender to UK farmers and provides a range of specialist financial services to the industry. The bank became involved in Beef Expo for the first time two years ago by sponsoring the beef cattle classes when the event was held at Skipton and last year were major sponsors of the event when it was held at Perth.

“We are delighted to have such a prestigious major sponsor as Lloyds TSB Agriculture for Beef Expo 2009 which is now well established as the premier event for the beef industry in the UK,” said Worcester auctioneer, Clive Roads, who is chairman of the organising committee.

“We have ambitious plans to make next year’s event the best ever and the strong support of our major sponsor will be a key factor in helping us stage a first-class technical event for the UK beef industry.”

Paul Spencer, Agriculture Director for Lloyds TSB, said: “Being at the heart of farming is more than just a phrase for us. It means supporting individual farmers through good times and bad and supporting core events that are of real benefit to farmers. Beef Expo has quickly established itself within the beef industry and we are delighted to be major sponsor again for the 2009 event.”

Adopting the theme, “Beef Up Your Returns”, Beef Expo 2009 will follow the successful format developed over recent years and will include –
• extensive trade stand area
• beef breed demonstrations
• educational and advisory exhibits focussing on beef from suckler herds and beef from the dairy herd
• practical demonstrations of livestock machinery, including cattle handling systems
• comprehensive seminar programme.

Activities will include open and young farmers’ stockjudging competitions and a show of both commercial cattle and pedigree calves.

On the day before Beef Expo, visitors will have the opportunity of viewing three Worcestershire beef farms, followed by the pre-event conference and dinner.

“It has never been more important for beef producers to be fully up to speed with all the latest information and trends covering technical innovation, genetics, nutrition, economics, machinery, market opportunities, political developments and everything else which goes into running a successful, profitable and sustainable beef enterprise,” said Mr Roads.

“Beef Expo 2008 will offer all this and much more and will be an event which beef producers will not want to miss. Now is the time for farmers to get the date in their diaries for next year and plan to attend the most important event for the beef industry in 2009.”

Over the past few years, Beef Expo has been held at Perth (2008), Skipton (2007), Carlisle (2006), Builth Wells (2005), Ingliston (2004) and Thainstone (2003).

Further information and details of sponsorship and trade stand opportunities available from the organiser, Euan Emslie, at 3 Briar Close, Newport, Brough, East Yorkshire, HU15 2QY. Tel: 01430 441870. Fax: 01430 448432. Mob: 07718 908523. E-mail: [email protected]

END

NOTE TO EDITORS: Please note that Beef Expo 2009 will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2009, NOT Friday, May 22, 2009, as originally planned.

Further information available from Euan Emslie on 01430 441870/07718 908523

Issued by Agricultural Communications Ltd. Tel/Fax: 01330 811616. Mob: 07801 186303. E-mail: [email protected]

December 12, 2008