The British Livestock Genetics Consortium in conjunction with AHDB Beef and Lamb Export Department were pleased to host an Inward Trade Mission of 10 International Delegates to the National Beef Association’s ‘Beef Expo’ held at Bakewell, Derbyshire 19-20 May 2016.

The Mission comprised of:-
• Two representatives from Estonia, one a Charolais breeder and the other from the Estonia Animal Breeders Association
• Two from the Czech Republic, a cattle breeder and the Chief Executive from the Czech Beef Cattle Association
• Four from Germany, including also the Chief Executive from the German Beef Federation, two Longhorn and one Galloway breeder
• Two Aberdeen Angus and Wagyu breeders from Spain

For a number in the group, this was their first visit to the UK. The Mission commenced with a day of farm visits in the Peak District starting with the Chatsworth Estate viewing its herds of pedigree Limousin and Hereford cattle, followed by an in depth look at a commercial rearing unit, comprising of a herd of black Limousin suckler cows from the dairy herd at Hopping Farm. The business strategy, founded upon making best use of proven scientific fact, good stock management, and maintaining a market-orientated outlook, being very ably explained by Simon Marsh from Harper Adams University; the final visit being to the organic Haddon Hall Estate to see one of the largest herds of Longhorn cattle in the country. The day concluded with the ‘Beef Expo’ dinner at the Devonshire Dome in Buxton.

At ‘Beef Expo’ the following day, the group was welcomed by the AHDB Beef and Lamb Export Manager, Jean-Pierre Garnier, who gave an overview of the UK meat and livestock genetics export activities, concluding with wishing them all an enjoyable and informative day at the UK’s flagship Beef Event.

The group were hosted by British Livestock Genetics Consortium representatives, Richard Saunders from Leicestershire and John Fleming from Cumbria.