NEW opportunities for UK beef producers will be highlighted at a Beef Improvement Group open day at JSR Wold Farm’s feed evaluation unit in East Yorkshire.

The event marks the end of a successful five-year research programme to develop the first Net Feed Efficiency Estimated Breeding Value (EBV).

Visitors to the event on Wednesday, May 24, will hear about the project’s next steps followed by a tour of the Givendale Stabiliser suckler herd.

The project to develop the first Net Feed Efficiency EBV has been funded by Innovate UK – the UK’s innovation agency – as part of a drive to improve sustainable protein production.

It has been managed by the Beef Improvement Group (BIG) with support from JSR Farms, Alltech/Keenan and SAC Consulting, and all will be present on the day.

The new genetic indicator will apply to the Stabiliser, the UK’s fastest growing cattle breed, and will allow beef producers to adopt new breeding strategies to reduce feed costs while improving their environmental credentials through lower greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to presentations from the project partners, the open day will provide an opportunity to hear the experiences of other Stabiliser breeders, through a formal presentation as well as through informal discussions over lunch or during the afternoon tour.

To register, contact Ursula Taylor at the Stabiliser Cattle Company office on 01377 227790 or email ursula.taylor@jsr.co.uk.

The day runs from 10.30am to 4pm. Tim Rymer, chief executive of JSR Farms, will introduce the event at 11am, followed by Richard Fuller, BIG Director, who will explain "Why Net Feed Efficiency".

Other speakers include Denis Dreux of Alltech; Jimmy Hyslop, SAC Consulting; Doug Dear, beef finisher; and Duncan Pullar, BIG technical development manager. The farm tour will follow lunch.