A series of free open meetings are being held by EBLEX for beef and sheep farmers in the south of England to put a spotlight on current challenges in the industry and resources available to help producers improve their bottom line.
The evening events, which will take place in Ashford, Sedgemoor and Launceston on January 30, February 4 and February 5 respectively, will give levy payers the chance to find out more about the work EBLEX is doing to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the English beef and lamb sector.
Board members will be at each event to give a taste of what the role entails, there will be a presentation on the current market and forecast outlook on livestock numbers, insight into export activity as well as explanation of the trade marketing work undertaken with retailers. In addition, EBLEX trade marketing executive Martin Eccles will give a butchery demonstration, highlighting some of the work being undertaken to add value to the carcase, which can ultimately translate into higher farmgate prices.
EBLEX senior regional manager for the south Dr Phil Hadley said: “It is important for us to effectively communicate the work that we are doing and give levy payers the chance to meet key EBLEX personnel face-to-face and discuss the issues that matter to them.
“While many people may be aware of the on-farm and knowledge transfer activity we undertake through the Better Returns Programme, they may know less about the range of other activity we are involved in, like new cuts, marketing campaigns with retailers and the ongoing focus of opening additional export markets.
“These meetings give us the chance to bring all this together. Hopefully, by holding a number of events at different locations, we are making it as easy as possible for beef and sheep producers in the south to come along.”
The open meetings, free to EBLEX levy payers, will take place at the following venues:
Thursday 30 January Ashford Livestock Market
Tuesday 4 February Sedgemoor Livestock Market
Wednesday 5 February Trethorne Leisure Park, Launceston
The events will begin at 6pm with hot beef rolls on arrival. The aim is to finish at 9pm after a question and answer session.
They follow a series of successful events held in the northern region before Christmas.
For more information or to book your place, call Selma Todd on 01823 283161 or email selma.todd@eblex.ahdb.org.uk
