Suckler beef: Stronger herds for stronger returns

Our ‘stronger herds for stronger returns’ campaign supports the long-term sustainability of the UK suckler beef herd.

The suckler beef herd plays a vital role in British agriculture and the wider beef supply chain.

This campaign brings together farmers, levy payers and the wider industry to recognise the value of suckler beef, share practical guidance and explore how stronger herd performance can support stronger business returns.

Suckler beef numbers have fallen over the last few years, so we’re partnering with farmers and the wider industry to build a more resilient future for the sector.

We want you to feel valued, recognised and empowered to make informed changes within your own business.

Through farm walks, evening discussion panels, webinars and practical resources, we’ll focus on ways you can improve herd productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

• The value of suckler beef across the supply chain
• Improving suckler herd productivity and efficiency
• Profitable and sustainable beef production

We’ll be sharing practical guidance, technical knowledge and industry insight and creating opportunities for you to learn, discuss and collaborate with fellow suckler beef farmers.

Join one of our upcoming events, explore the resources below and keep an eye on social media (Instagram) for all the latest news.

In September, we held several farm walks that provided farmers with a practical understanding of:

• How to use 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

In October and November, we held a series of evening meetings to look at how the suckler beef sector can remain profitable, efficient and sustainable for the future.

Farmers left with a clearer understanding of the nutritional needs of their herd at different points in the production year, and how to improve herd performance through animal health planning.

If you’d like to get involved or have any questions, get in touch with Elizabeth Swancott, Senior Engagement Manager.

For many aspiring livestock farmers, the barriers to entry can seem overwhelming, with high land prices, limited tenancy opportunities and the cost of building a herd making it difficult to see where a future in farming begins.

Find out how Jen and Rich, now farming more than 1,400 acres, got started.

A conversation with an old school friend and a week of work experience were enough to set Tanner Breeze on the path into agriculture.

Now studying at Aberystwyth University, he’s gaining valuable industry experience through the McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmers programme and developing a real appreciation for the role suckler beef plays in the UK farming sector.

Farm manager Omer Hassouneh’s breeding strategy is to produce “a functional cow that can survive on poor-quality grazing and look after her calf”.

He's bred out the heavier animals of 900–1,000 kg in the pedigree Shorthorn suckler herd at Croxton Park Partnership in Cambridgeshire, to achieve an average cow weight of 750 kg. Calves are weaned at eight months, weighing 350–400 kg.