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The celebrated Beef and Growing Cattle South West 2008 returns to Hatherleigh Livestock Centre, Devon on Thursday September 18, on a wave of renewed optimism for the British beef sector, following a much needed lift in farm gate prices.

Organised by the National Beef Association South West, this dynamic one day event will showcase the breadth and depth of quality breeding and production, where the West country is a major player in the UK with 20% of the national cattle herd.

Over 3,000 beef producers, butchers and beef buyers are expected to attend, attracted by the many different features taking place including the Primestock Show, Supreme Cow and Calf, Hoof & Hook, Rib of Beef and Young Butcher of the Year competitions - all providing a vital insight into improving production performance.

Bill Harper, chair of the organising committee said, The event will focus on using the natural resources of the South West. Our long grass growing season and the use of farmyard manure to promote grass growth can help our beef production systems to be more sustainable in the face of dramatically increasing production costs. Focusing on the quality of beef production in the region, we will be staging a record number of competitions and displays to help farmers and beef buyers decide on the best systems and cattle types to take their enterprises forward.' Beef and Growing Cattle South West is sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers, Southern Counties Fresh Foods, Dectomax, Shearwell Data, CJ Saunders (Massey Ferguson) and South West Handling (Merlo) Over 200 beef cattle will be on display offering farmers the chance to compare the many breeds, cross-bred and dairy beef stock for the store or finished market. The 2008 event is supported by all the major breed societies, some of whom will feature pedigree and crossbred cattle on their stands.

A Primestock Show, sponsored by St Merryn Foods, will be centre stage, with showing classes for commercial cattle including owner-bred cattle classes and Young Farmers stock judging. New for 2008 is the Harpers Home Mix Supreme Cow & Calf Competition, showcasing the breeding expertise of suckler beef producers across the region. Meanwhile, the importance of quality carcass production will be the focus of the Cornish Mutual Hoof & Hook Carcase competition, giving producers and meat buyers alike the chance to evaluate 20 continental and native breed carcases. Butchers will have the opportunity to purchase the sides of beef after the event.

Following the opening ceremony, all the very latest on the global beef market will be presented and debated in the Mole Valley Farmers Theatre, with a series of lively talks on export and home market opportunities, supply chain partnerships, nutrition and animal health issues including TB. The Rib of Beef Competition will showcase the finest native and continental breeds, complemented by the Young Butcher of the Year Competition, a lively feature giving producers an insight into boning and butchering skills as well as beef burger recipes prepared by the competing butchers and cooked by a local chef. Close by, a Farmers' Market will give visitors the chance to go home with a selection of mouth watering food and drink from West country producers.

Over 120 companies, organisations and breed societies are taking part, showcasing the latest products and services, with plenty of practical advice. Meanwhile an action packed machinery demonstration arena will be in full swing throughout the day, offering visitors the chance to learn all about the latest technology and equipment available to the beef industry.

10:06am Sunday 18th May 2008

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