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Latest news from the beef and lamb industry
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Beef Expo – What to look out for
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Education
Our supporting theme at this year’s Beef Expo on 30 May is ‘Beefing up the UK diet – Why education matters more than ever’. Join Ben Harman, NBA Chair and AHDB Sector Council member, to hear how we’re championing the health benefits of red meat and educating future consumers.
GB Calf Strategy
The GB Calf Strategy 2025–2030 aims to ensure that every calf born has the right genetics, the right start and the right pathway to market.
Hear about the aims and practical aspects of the strategy for beef producers in a panel discussion with industry experts.
EnviroBeef
Find out about EnviroBeef from our Lead Animal Genetics Expert, Harriet Bunning.
EnviroBeef can be used to measure the genetic potential of an animal to reduce the carbon footprint of suckler beef through improved herd efficiency.
You’ll find Harriet with breed societies throughout the day.
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Multi-species swards – From seed to feed roadshow
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If you’re thinking of drilling or overseeding a sward but aren’t sure what mix will work best for your livestock system, join one of our upcoming events and we’ll help you review the options.
Your local host farmer – who’s been there, done that and seen the benefits – will share their experiences, and you’ll learn from trusted advisers and other experts who will provide an in-depth look at the value of multi-species swards and how to manage them.
Events are running from 14 May to 14 July.
Find an event near you
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The crisis in the Gulf has caused an energy price shock which is driving uncertainty on its implications for the agriculture sector.
Fertiliser is heavily impacted as gas makes up a significant cost in its production.
We’re now publishing weekly fertiliser prices to support the industry during the conflict.
Check the latest fertiliser prices
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Spring clean your LIS account details
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Before you start thinking about spring lamb sales, Livestock Information Ltd. is encouraging sheep keepers to check and update their details via their Livestock Information Service (LIS) account.
Taking a few minutes to review your account helps everything run smoothly when you need it most. In particular, the focus is on updating your email address and checking you’re using the correct County Parish Holding (CPH) details.
Watch this handy video to see how you can change your email address.
For support, contact the LIS Support Team: 03300 416 577 or email support@livestockinformation.org.uk
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Commercial progeny test RamCompare is looking for rams for the 2026 mating season.
New for 2026, RamCompare will be running breed-specific trials in collaboration with the Suffolk, Hampshire Down and Charollais societies, creating a focal point for breeders and the opportunity to integrate genomic technology.
As part of the review, the amount paid per ram has been increased to ensure access to a wider range of bloodlines.
Find out more and submit a nomination
Nominations close on Friday 15 May 2026.
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Flock foundations roadshow – Early decisions, lasting gains
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Challenge Sheep was a seven-year study funded by AHDB to investigate the impact of mating ewe lambs and shearlings on lifetime productivity across upland, hill and lowland sheep farms.
The project tracked over 6,000 ewes, providing new insights to improve ewe management and profitability.
Hear from our Challenge Sheep farmers during our roadshow starting on 16 June.
Find out more and register for an event
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Open Farm Sunday
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This year marks the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday (7 June), the annual initiative which invites families across Britain to visit local farms and learn more about the vital role farming plays in our lives.
If you’re thinking about taking part for the first time, catch up with this webinar recording to hear from experienced hosts about what worked, what surprised them and the lessons they learned along the way.
Find out more about getting involved and order resources
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UK Lambing Survey 2026
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If you’re a sheep farmer, we invite you to take part in an industry-wide lambing survey to help build a clearer picture of the challenges facing the sector, from disease threats and vaccine supply issues to unpredictable weather and other emerging pressures.
Complete the survey
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Practical support and guidance
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50% discount on new herbal leys and multispecies swards BASIS course
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Beef, lamb and dairy levy payers can now get 50% off a new digital training course on herbal leys and multispecies swards.
This industry-backed initiative aims to boost technical confidence in grassland management and is designed to help farmers make informed, commercially sound decisions about introducing and managing diverse swards.
Find out more about the course
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The parasite control guide is an annual, accurate, easy-to-use reference guide on all available anti-parasitic products.
It splits products down by chemical group and summarises the parasites they have been licensed to control.
Order your hard copy from our online catalogue or call on 0247 799 0069.
You can also access the information in our new online guide.
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The Blowfly Emergence Forecast tool provides you with a picture of blowfly strike risk in your area based on local temperature data.
Check the blowfly forecast in your region
Reporting suspected or confirmed flystrike cases is the most effective way to improve forecast accuracy across the UK. If you spot eggs or maggots on your sheep, submit a report via the Elanco Blowfly Tracker page.
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Set yourself up for outwintering success
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Outwintering doesn’t start in the autumn – it starts now.
If you’re thinking of outwintering your cattle this winter, don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare.
In a recent article, Katie Evans, Senior Engagement Manager (Beef & Lamb), has shared tips for setting yourself up for success and avoiding unnecessary stress.
Read Katie’s top tips for success
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Bluetongue virus webinars
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If you’ve missed any of our recent bluetongue virus (BTV) webinars, you can catch up with the recordings at a time that suits you.
From vaccination to the impact on lambing and calving, experts share their knowledge and insight so you can make informed decisions on your farm.
Catch up with our BTV webinars
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Great British Beef Week at The Farmer's Dog pub
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Charlotte Kingham, head butcher at The Farmer’s Dog, shares her top tips for picking the perfect steak, plus a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip about what life’s really like at the pub when the cameras aren’t on.
Listen to (or watch) the episode
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Red meat and dairy exports – How the Iran war is impacting trade
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We dive into the world of red meat and dairy exports, finding out how AHDB helps open doors to new markets and keep vital trade routes moving.
Listen to (or watch) the episode
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Bluetongue virus update
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Wednesday 13 May | 5:00pm–6:00pm | Online
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Hear the latest updates on the current bluetongue virus situation.
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Multi-species swards – From seed to feed roadshow
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Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.
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The goal of Breed for CH4NGE was to breed productive, efficient, maternal sheep with a naturally low carbon footprint – hear about the findings at our upcoming events.
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Friday 22 May
10:00am–1:30pm
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Dorset
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Beef Expo 2026 – Beefing up food security
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Saturday 30 May | Melton Mowbray LE13 1JY
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The National Beef Association’s Beef Expo will highlight the threat to critical food security at the UK’s biggest town centre mart.
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Flock foundations roadshow
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Find out how you can apply the findings from our seven-year Challenge Sheep project to improve the performance of your flock.
Events are taking place around the country between June and September.
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Farming beef for the next generation: Underley farm tour
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Tuesday 30 June | 10:00am–3:00pm | Herefordshire WR15 8RX
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Join Ian Farrant at Underley for the closing Monitor Farm event, showcasing lessons learned from a progressive, forage‑led beef system focused on sustainability, profitability and resilience.
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Sheep Breeders Round Table
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20–22 November | Leicestershire
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Save the date for the Sheep Breeders Round Table conference: Breeding solutions for a changing world.
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