NBA Farm Tours: Three model farms showcasing the Best of British beef production

The National Beef Association have today announced the farms that will be hosting their prestigious Beef Expo farm tours on the 17th May.
They include a diverse selection of beef farms all championing efficiencies in their relative sectors and showcasing the very best of British beef production.

Roger Elliott and his son Tom will be showcasing their herd of 300 British Shorthorn, South Devon and cross bred cattle, demonstrating how their system optimises forage from 1350 acres of majority rented pasture to produce quality native bred stores and replacement heifers. Visitors will also have the chance to view a selection of cattle and calves at grass before tucking into a hot beef lunch provided by the Elliott’s own butchers shop and deli.

Mike, Jane and Charlie Wills of Upper Coton Farms will be opening the gates to their immaculate finishing unit. A model arable and AFU, finishing 1300 head of high conformation Limousine type stores on home mixed TMR rations. All stores are bought from markets across the country and sold weekly though the market in Selby. Mikes eye for quality cattle combined with Jane and Charlies attention to detail and numbers makes for a fantastic team producing consistent top quality cattle.

Finally, John Bell of Berryfields Farm and Berrystock Feeds will be promoting the benefits of an integrated beef supply chain. While walking around this impressive 2000 head finishing unit, visitors will be able to view a complete supply chain taking dairy bred calves supplied by Meadow Quality, feeding specialised UFAS accredited feeds produced by Berrystock feeds, to produce uniform finished cattle ready to be sold direct to Dunbia supplying both the Co-op and Llidl. A modern and efficient system which embraces cooperation to produce a uniform product to feed the masses.

Commenting on the farm tours Chris Mallon, Chief Executive of the NBA said “We are delighted to be able to provide such a variety of farms this year, giving a snapshot of the variety of systems which exist within our industry. We hope the tours act as a knowledge sharing exercise, allowing farmers to view new ideas in practise, some of which they can take home and apply within their own businesses.”   

“We would like to extend our thanks to the farm tour hosts for agreeing to allow the NBA access to their operations.”

With two prestigious cattle shows displaying the very best of the UK beef cattle, industry trade stands and thousands of visitors, the Beef Expo is a key date in the beef industry calendar. Tickets for the farm tour are priced at £30 per person to include transport to and from the NAEC, Stoneleigh and a hot beef lunch. A combined ticket for the Farm Tours and 2017 NBA Beef Expo for NBA members is £35, and for non-NBA members is £40.  Bookings can be made online, under the visitor section, or by contacting the NBA Head Office on 01434 601005.