THE best of British Beef will be in York later this month. (May)

The National Beef Association's (NBA's) Beef Expo 2015 is at York auction centre on Thursday, May 21. It will focus on the future of the industry, advances in technology and the rapidly changing demands of today's consumers.

Adam Henson, farmers and BBC Countryfile presenter will attend as a Lloyds Bank Agricultural Ambassador, assisting with judging, meeting competitors and visitors.

The event will also stage the National Spring Spectacular Show (NSSS) featuring the very best pedigree and commercial beef cattle competing for £5,000 in prize money. The 15 classes have the highest entries to date.

Richard Tasker, NBA Beef Expo chairman and director of York auction centre, said: "Coming to York for the first time will enable those attending the tours to see some of the most tremendous breeding cattle in the country.

"Through demonstrations, presentations and practical activities we have specifically designed the day to give beef farmers the opportunity to future-proof their businesses.

"NBA Beef Expo is without a doubt the best opportunity of the year for people in the industry at all levels to network, meet potential new customers and take home new ideas that can help to add to the bottom line."

Three seminars will be held on EID benefits to the beef industry; Video Imaging Analysis (VIA) the future of grading; and remote cattle management.

The launch of The Future Beef Farmer Challenge, initiated by the NBA, features team and individual contests to test the skills, knowledge and abilities of young beef farmers. Entrants will face four challenges to demonstrate their knowledge of breeding and genetics, cattle health, nutrition and cattle selection for slaughter.

"Meeting the Changing Lifestyle of Today’s Consumer" will be a special Asda presentation designed to put beef farmers in touch with customers expectations.

The presentation will also include a butchery competition and demonstration involving students from Leeds City College and Steph Moon, celebrity Yorkshire chef and consultant.

Other presentations will include foot trimming and pneumonia prevention workshops by Phil Alcock of Bishopton Veterinary Group, and demonstrations of grassland management machinery and cattle feeding systems will be held by Ripon Farm Services.

NBA Beef Expo’s farm tours take place on Wednesday, May 20. The three farms being visited are the Millington Grange Estate, home of the famous Millington Limousin Herd; JSR Farm’s Givendale Herd, home to the Beef Improvement Group’s Net Efficiency Unit; and GD Stephenson & Sons Ltd, Market Weighton, a 200 commercial suckler herd of Limousin Cross, Salers Cross and South Devon Cross cows.

Tickets for the tours are limited to 300 and cost £25. They can also be bought with tickets for Beef Expo for £30, NBA members, or £35 for non-members.

Around 20 Breed Societies and more than 150 trade stands will attend.

See beefexpo.co.uk for full details and ticket information.