SAC Consulting will hold three beef health seminars across the region in December.

Each will feature five key speakers who will discuss issues including health, handling and markets.

The headline speaker is Robert Neill, Scottish Beef Farmer of the Year and 2013 Nuffield Scholar, who will discuss his use of electronic identification (EID) and weight monitoring. He runs 300 Limousin cross suckler cows whose progeny is all finished on home grown forage and concentrates, and recently published a study on the use of EID in countries around the world. He will explain why EID is such an integral part of his production system and the benefits to his business.

Simon Turner, senior researcher, SRUC Animal and Veterinary Sciences, will talk through each stage of the handling system from collecting pen to the loading deck. James Hadwin, agricultural consultant, SAC Consulting, will discuss suckler herd production trends and work in the North of England to improve herd health status.

Chris Mallon, national director of the National Beef Association will advise on Defra's policies on BVD, bTB, risk based trading and their possible outcomes. Liz Ford, regional Eblex project manager, will give a beef market overview and cover minimising carcass losses to maximise returns.

The meetings are at J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands on Wednesday, December 10; Hexham mart, Thursday, December 11; and Darlington mart, Friday, December 12.

Each is from 10am to 3pm and costs £10 on the day which includes lunch. Booking is essential on 01668 283363 or email FBSWooler@sac.co.uk