Focus On “Beef After Brexit” At Scotland's Beef Event

The likely impact of Brexit on the beef industry will be the theme of a seminar at Scotland’s Beef Event 2019 at North Bethelnie, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, on Thursday, May 30.

Five industry experts offering different perspectives from varied industry backgrounds will be joining the discussion panel which will be chaired by Ken Rundle, former agricultural correspondent with BBC Scotland and latterly head of regional development and partnership in the north with Scotland’s rural college, SRUC.

Adopting the theme, “Beef after Brexit”, the panel will comprise economist, Peter Cook, director of Food, Drink and Agriculture with Opportunity North East (ONE); politician and farmer, Colin Clark, MP for Gordon who farms at Thomastown, Auchterless; banker Brian Richardson, head of agriculture with CYBG (Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank Group); farmer and vet Kate Rowell, chair of Quality Meat Scotland, who farms at Hundleshope, Peebles; and farmer, David Watson, who runs a herd of 440 Salers cross suckler cows on the family farm of Darnford, Durris, Banchory, which was named Scotch Beef Farm of the Year in 2015.

“We may, or may not, know the outcome of the ongoing political battle on Brexit but, either way, our expert panel will have strong views on where we are and the impact on the beef industry of the various Brexit options,” said David Barron, vice-chairman of the Scottish Beef Association, the organisers of the event, and chairman of the organising committee.

“We are grateful to our panel members for agreeing to join the discussion which is sure to provide a fascinating insight into the implications of Brexit for the beef industry which is such an important part of Scotland’s agricultural economy, particularly here in the North-east.”

Scotland’s Beef Event 2019 is expected to attract a large attendance of beef farmers from all over Scotland and beyond and will be hosted by Robert and Barbara Milne, and their son, James.

Visitors will be able to tour the 500-acre all-grass farm and view the suckler herd of 320 Salers and Salers cross cows, which are crossed with Charolais, Salers and Aberdeen-Angus bulls with all calves either finished on the farm or sold as forward stores.

Other features of the one-day event will include a range of technical demonstrations highlighting the latest technology available to beef farmers, beef breeds demonstration, stock judging competition and more than 120 trade stands.

Further information and pre-purchase admission tickets are available on the website www.scottishbeefassociation.co.uk/scotlands-beef-event/ or from the organiser, Natalie Cormack, Dairy Cottage, Tower Road, Ayton, Berwickshire. TD14 5QX. Tel: 07712 623669. E-mail: Natalie.cormack@btconnect.com