Environment

Cornwall: Suckler beef farm walk

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:45:03 GMT

During this practical on-farm event, we’ll explore the role suckler beef plays within the wider beef supply chain.

Our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign recognises the value of suckler beef and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Join us for a day of practical learning, discussion and collaboration with fellow producers and industry experts.

The farm walk will incorporate a series of stations focusing on productivity, efficiency and profitability.

What to expect

Interactive discussions with fellow suckler beef farmers and industry representatives
Farm system overview – hear from the host farmer about their suckler beef system, key challenges and how they have overcome them
Housing management – housing expert Jamie Robertson will talk about shed designs to suit your suckler system
Using the right genetics – our genetics team will explain how to select genetics that suit your system and introduce some of the AHDB tools available to support your decisions
Positive environmental focus – using farm-specific examples Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment, will explore how suckler beef systems can support positive environmental outcomes and contribute to the future of sustainable beef production

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a practical understanding of:

Approaches to using genetic data to support herd improvement decisions
How productive cattle can contribute to both environmental and business outcomes
Simple steps to improve housing to benefit animal health and performance

You’ll also take away new insights, perspectives and contacts from discussions with fellow producers and technical experts.

Others in the series

Important information

Kindly supported by Kepak

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

How has this year’s drought affected farming?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:29:36 GMT

How has this year’s drought affected farming?

Lancashire: Suckler beef farm walk

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:20:05 GMT

During this practical on-farm event, we’ll explore the role suckler beef plays within the wider beef supply chain.

Our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign recognises the value of suckler beef and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Join us for a day of practical learning, discussion and collaboration with fellow producers and industry experts.

The farm walk will incorporate a series of stations focusing on productivity, efficiency and profitability.

What to expect

Interactive discussions with fellow suckler beef farmers and industry representatives
Farm system overview – hear from the host farmer about their suckler beef system, key challenges and how they have overcome them
Housing management – housing expert Jamie Robertson will talk about shed designs to suit your suckler system
Using the right genetics – our genetics team will explain how to select genetics that suit your system and introduce some of the AHDB tools available to support your decisions
Positive environmental focus – using farm-specific examples Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment, will explore how suckler beef systems can support positive environmental outcomes and contribute to the future of sustainable beef production

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a practical understanding of:

Approaches to using genetic data to support herd improvement decisions
How productive cattle can contribute to both environmental and business outcomes
Simple steps to improve housing to benefit animal health and performance

You’ll also take away new insights, perspectives and contacts from discussions with fellow producers and technical experts.

Others in the series

Important information

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Cheshire: Suckler beef farm walk

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:10:06 GMT

During this practical on-farm event, we’ll explore the role suckler beef plays within the wider beef supply chain.

Our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign recognises the value of suckler beef and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Join us for a day of practical learning, discussion and collaboration with fellow producers and industry experts.

The farm walk will incorporate a series of stations focusing on productivity, efficiency and profitability.

What to expect

Interactive discussions with fellow suckler beef farmers and industry representatives
Farm system overview – hear from the host farmer about their suckler beef system, key challenges and how they have overcome them
Housing management – housing expert Jamie Robertson will talk about shed designs to suit your suckler system
Using the right genetics – our genetics team will explain how to select genetics that suit your system and introduce some of the AHDB tools available to support your decisions
Positive environmental focus – using farm-specific examples Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment, will explore how suckler beef systems can support positive environmental outcomes and contribute to the future of sustainable beef production

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a practical understanding of:

Approaches to using genetic data to support herd improvement decisions
How productive cattle can contribute to both environmental and business outcomes
Simple steps to improve housing to benefit animal health and performance

You’ll also take away new insights, perspectives and contacts from discussions with fellow producers and technical experts.

Others in the series

Important information

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Cambridgeshire: Suckler beef farm walk

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:46:36 GMT

During this practical on-farm event, we’ll explore the role suckler beef plays within the wider beef supply chain.

Our ‘Stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign recognises the value of suckler beef and supporting a resilient future for the sector.

Join us for a day of practical learning, discussion and collaboration with fellow producers and industry experts.

The farm walk will incorporate a series of stations focusing on productivity, efficiency and profitability.

What to expect

Interactive discussions with fellow suckler beef farmers and industry representatives
Farm system overview – hear from the host farmer about their suckler beef system, key challenges and how they have overcome them
Housing management – housing expert Jamie Robertson will talk about shed designs to suit your suckler system
Using the right genetics – our genetics team will explain how to select genetics that suit your system and introduce some of the AHDB tools available to support your decisions
Positive environmental focus – using farm-specific examples Rachael Madeley-Davies, AHDB Head of Environment, will explore how suckler beef systems can support positive environmental outcomes and contribute to the future of sustainable beef production

What you’ll take away

You’ll leave with a practical understanding of:

Approaches to using genetic data to support herd improvement decisions
How productive cattle can contribute to both environmental and business outcomes
Simple steps to improve housing to benefit animal health and performance

You’ll also take away new insights, perspectives and contacts from discussions with fellow producers and technical experts.

Others in the series

Important information

This is a fully funded event with lunch provided.

Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

New sector roadmap sets out practical route for beef and lamb environmental progress

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:23:46 GMT

New sector roadmap sets out practical route for beef and lamb environmental progress

Devon: Practical slurry and water management for dairy farms

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:54:42 GMT

Managing water effectively can have a significant impact on slurry storage, infrastructure costs and the efficiency of a dairy business.

Join us at AHDB Strategic Dairy Farm, Caulston Farm, where David Ball will present the findings from a detailed water and slurry management review of the farm.

Through a guided farm walk, we'll explore practical opportunities to separate clean and dirty water, reduce the volume of rainwater entering slurry stores and identify infrastructure improvements that could improve efficiency and support future compliance.

We will discuss practical solutions that can help businesses make better use of slurry storage, reduce unnecessary handling and prepare for future environmental legislation.

What you'll learn

Practical ways to manage clean and dirty water
Reducing rainwater entering slurry stores
Identifying infrastructure improvements to improve water and slurry management
Increasing effective slurry storage capacity
Preparing for future environmental and slurry management requirements

Whether you're considering infrastructure improvements or simply looking for practical ideas to improve your existing infrastructure system, this event will provide valuable insights that can be applied on your own farm.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided at this meeting.

Shropshire: Safe cattle handling and cow flow

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:55:23 GMT

Cow flow describes the movement of individuals and the herd. Good cow flow matters for foot health, low stress, fewer injuries and efficient working.

Join AHDB and Teemore Engineering for this interactive workshop.

Cow flow, and whether handling happens without stress, is governed by both the environment and facilities, and the people working with the herd. During this training, we will discuss stress-free working, routines and facility layout.

It’s also good to understand how cows see the world so we can make handling and herding easier. Cow flow during milking is particularly important because that’s when people and cows are in direct contact every day.

At this workshop, you'll learn CowSignals® skills to understand cow behaviour and interpret their body language.

You will develop a better understanding of how people’s behaviour influences the herd and, bringing it all together, build cattle-handling principles that support greater efficiency and safety.

You’ll leave with practical actions you can start implementing immediately.

This workshop is for anyone working with cattle, whatever your age or experience.

Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.

Dorset: Summer beef meeting

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:32:22 GMT

Performance and the low-input suckler cow – where numbers meet nature.

Synergy Farm Health invite you to join Team Beef as we visit Dave and Carla Phillips (the Etheridge Herd of Longhorn Cattle) courtesy of the Dorset Wildlife Trust at Lyscombe, Dorset.

We'll look at the relationship between the suckler cow and her surrounding ecology, and how physical performance is key to both commercial and environmental sustainability.

With guest speaker Harriet Bunning, lead animal genetic expert from AHDB Beef and Lamb.

Kindly sponsored by Norbrook and supported by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Food will be provided.

Important information: Please park at Lyscombe Car Park – the barn is just a short walk down the track from here.

To book on, please ring: 01935 83682

Beef and Lamb Environmental Roadmap launch

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:22:14 GMT

Join us for the launch of the updated Beef and Lamb Environmental Roadmap.

The roadmap sets out a practical, evidence-led approach for the beef and lamb sectors in England and Wales to reduce emissions while maintaining productive, resilient and commercially viable farm businesses.

The launch will cover:

The purpose of the Beef and Lamb Environmental Roadmap and how it has been developed
Headline findings from the updated analysis for suckler beef, dairy-beef and sheep
The priority cost-saving and cost-netural measures identified for the sector
The roadmap's 2026–2030 action plan
Opportunities for farmers, processors and wider industry partners to support delivery
Questions and discussion

Speakers

Chair: George Fell, AHDB Beef & Lamb Sector Council Member
Tom Bradshaw, NFU
Jenny Gibbons, AHDB
Andrew Loftus, Beef farmer
Lucas Daglish, British Meat Processors Association

Find out more about our environmental roadmaps

North Yorkshire: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:40:38 GMT

Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.

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.

What we’ll cover

How to choose, establish and manage the right mix for your farm and livestock system
How the right mix can increase the quality and performance of livestock and boost economic return
When to reseed or overseed
How multi-species swards can boost soil health and biodiversity

Agenda

10:00am Arrival and reception
10:30am Welcome and introduction to host farm
10:45am
- Forage selection: Choosing the right species/mixes for your soil, system and goals
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains
12:15pm Farm walk and discussion
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
1:00pm Lunch and networking
1:45pm Environment and further economics
2:15pm Final thoughts and close

Important information

This is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited – book early so you don’t miss out.

BASIS CPD points are available for attending this event.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Speakers

James Bretherton is a grassland consultant and founder of AgScope. He specialises in soil conditions, health, biology and chemistry.

Representatives from Germinal will also be speaking at this event. Germinal is a seed specialist providing market-leading solutions for the agricultural and amenity sectors. Operating directly in Great Britain and Ireland, Germinal has working partnerships in over 25 countries.

Other events in this series

Heatwave pressures on livestock farmers and how we're helping build resilience

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:21:33 GMT

Heatwave pressures on livestock farmers and how we're helping build resilience

Cumbria: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:26:08 GMT

Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.

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.

What we’ll cover

How to choose, establish and manage the right mix for your farm and livestock system
How the right mix can increase the quality and performance of livestock and boost economic return
When to reseed or overseed
How multi-species swards can boost soil health and biodiversity

Agenda

10:00am Arrival and reception
10:30am Welcome and introduction to host farm
10:45am
- Forage selection: Choosing the right species/mixes for your soil, system and goals
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains
12:15pm Farm walk and discussion
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
1:00pm Lunch and networking
1:45pm Environment and further economics
2:00pm Final thoughts and close

Important information

This is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited – book early so you don’t miss out.

BASIS CPD points are available for attending this event.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Speakers

James Bretherton is a grassland consultant and founder of AgScope. He specialises in soil conditions, health, biology and chemistry.

Other events in this series

Emerging year 1 Environment Baselining Pilot results

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:54:24 GMT

Emerging year 1 Environment Baselining Pilot results

AHDB-led pilot shows current soil carbon measurement methodologies may be underestimating carbon stocks by a third or more

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:05:58 GMT

AHDB-led pilot shows current soil carbon measurement methodologies may be underestimating carbon stocks by a third or more

Calf rearing workshop

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:54:21 GMT

We are running a free, practical workshop for calf rearers at the National Youngstock Conference on 15 July 2026.

Making a change: Turn knowledge into practice on farm

This workshop focuses on how to put new ideas into practice on your farm. You will:

Decide whether a change is needed on your farm
Plan how to implement new practices and protocols
Measure what works and what needs improving
Identify barriers and find solutions that work for you

The session is led by farm vet Emily Linton, chair of the Right Start group for the GB Calf strategy.

It will be supported by industry experts Laura Awdry, Holly Shearman and Sarah Tomlinson.

Workshop details

Location: National Conference Centre, Birmingham, B92 0EJ
Time: 11:00am to 12:30pm

Successful applicants will receive a free ticket to the full conference, giving access to talks and networking opportunities as well as the workshop.

About the conference

Organised by Cow Management, the National Youngstock Conference offers something for all calf rearers, whatever your system or experience.

The 2026 programme covers key topics, including:

Calving and colostrum management
Milk feeding and weaning
Disease prevention and control
Hygiene and the calf environment
Calf housing

It’s a leading technical event for rearers looking to improve calf health, welfare and growth, and to hit key targets for both beef calves and dairy replacements.

Apply for the workshop

To apply, please complete our short application form.

Places are limited
Applications close at midnight on 30 June 2026
Successful applicants will be contacted by email and will receive a free conference ticket, along with their workshop place

Tickets for the conference are available on the Cow Management website.

Apply now to take the next step in improving your calf-rearing system.

From weathering the storm to planning ahead: Turning climate challenge into on-farm action

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:24:29 GMT

From weathering the storm to planning ahead: Turning climate challenge into on-farm action

Join our calf rearing workshop

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:46:15 GMT

Join our calf rearing workshop

Making grazing pay: Practical decisions from Moorhouse Hall Farm

Thu, 21 May 2026 17:42:40 GMT

Join us at Moorhouse Hall Farm, one of our Strategic Dairy Farms, for a practical, grazing-focused farm walk. You'll explore how grazing management, infrastructure and system decisions are shaping forage utilisation and milk from forage on a commercial dairy farm.

You’ll be taken through the farm’s current grazing strategy, including paddock management, cow flow, grazing access and the practical decisions influencing performance this season.

Through field-based discussion and open farmer-to-farmer conversation, you’ll explore what's working well, the compromises involved, and the lessons being learned in real time.

A key focus of the event will be understanding how infrastructure and wider business decisions influence grazing success.

You’ll hear how the farm’s decision not to winter lambs this year is helping to prioritise spring grazing availability, protect grass covers and maximise milk from forage opportunities within the dairy system.

During the event, you'll learn about:

Their grazing strategy and how rotation management is being implemented
Grass utilisation, residuals and forage quality – what’s working in the field
The role of infrastructure, cow flow and paddock design in grazing performance
Key system decisions and trade-offs affecting milk from forage and grazing days
Practical lessons, benchmarks and open discussion on what can be applied on farm

This event is designed to be practical, honest and discussion-led, giving you the opportunity to walk the system, challenge ideas, compare approaches and take away practical actions you can apply within your own grazing system.

Whether you're already heavily focused on grazing or looking to improve grass utilisation and milk from forage within your system, this event will provide practical insight, peer-to-peer discussion and real-world decision-making from a working dairy farm.

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Pork Environmental Roadmap webinar

Fri, 15 May 2026 09:55:00 GMT

Pork Environmental Roadmap webinar