The conference will bring together industry specialists and progressive beef farmers with proven experience in driving productivity across a range of beef systems. Topics covered will include beef market outlooks, genetics, animal health, forage and nutrition, with a clear emphasis on delivering actionable insights for farm businesses.
The first keynote speaker will be Phelim O’Neill, Global Market Intelligence Specialist with the Irish Farmers Journal, who will address “Global trends in the beef markets: opportunities and threats.”. A native of County Tyrone, Phelim brings extensive national and international experience in red meat markets, having previously served as Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Meat Traders and Exporters Association (NIMEA) and in a senior role with the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC). His presentation will examine how global market dynamics are likely to impact beef producers locally.
The next speaker will be Duncan Morrison of Meikle Maldron Farm, Aberdeenshire, who will discuss how genetics can be used to drive on‑farm performance. Managing a 260‑cow herd of pedigree Aberdeen Angus and Stabiliser cattle, Duncan is recognised for his low‑input, forage‑based system that uses data‑driven breeding decisions to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
He will be followed by Mairead O’Grady MRCVS, who will speak on “Optimising animal health to drive performance and profitability.” With over a decade of veterinary experience (formerly Ruminant Veterinary Manager with MSD Animal Health), Mairead specialises in preventative herd health planning, focusing on disease control, calf health and improving animal welfare to support sustainable farm productivity.
The morning session will conclude with a panel discussion, allowing delegates to engage directly with speakers and explore practical applications of the topics discussed.
The first speaker after lunch is Wesley Brown who farms in Leagh, Dunraymond, County Monaghan. The farm has 58.39 ha of grassland in four blocks. Soil type is heavy drumlin, which is typical of the area. Wesley runs a spring calving suckler herd. All male progeny are finished as <16 month bulls, and the suitable high index females retained or sold to repeat customers for breeding, with all other heifers slaughtered at 23-24 months.
The farm is split into approx. 45 grazing divisions using a combination of permanent and temporary electric fencing and a good water access, which facilitates grazing 3-4 grazing groups. Wesley is measuring grass and using PBI. Wesley will be speaking on optimising the use of forages to drive productivity and profitability.
The final conference speaker is Andrew Laughton who will speak on Optimising nutrition to drive productivity and profitability. Andrew is a leading fourth-generation beef farmer based at Southfield Farm in Louth, Lincolnshire. As the 2018 Farmers Weekly Beef Farmer of the Year, he is recognized for pioneering a high-efficiency outdoor finishing system that prioritizes animal health and welfare. His operation, finishes approximately 6,000 cattle annually using an innovative outdoor corral system on straw-bedded yards. This method significantly reduces health issues like pneumonia while maintaining low antibiotic use. Beyond the farm, Andrew is a key industry voice. He has served as a Chairman and Board Member for the National Beef Association (NBA) and collaborates extensively with AHDB and Nottingham University on sustainable beef research.
The afternoon session will conclude with a panel discussion.
Professor Gerry Boyle, Chair of AgriSearch, said: “With increasing cost pressures and ongoing market uncertainty, improving on‑farm performance is more important than ever. This conference brings together leading expertise and real‑world experience to provide beef farmers with practical guidance they can apply directly within their own systems.”
Registration for the conference is now open and can be accessed here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beefing-up-performance-driving-productivity-and-profitability-tickets-1979526175077?aff=oddtdtcreator