THE National Beef Association (NBA) has organised an open farm walk on a 2,000-acre traditional mixed upland farm in Northumberland later this month.

Willie and Christine Woodman and their son, Martin, of Great Chesters Farm, farm two blocks 30 miles apart making it a unique and interesting system.

Their 270-head commercial suckler herd calves in both spring and autumn and is mostly Limousin and British Blue cross cattle put to Charolais and Limousin bulls selected on looks as well as key Estimated Breeding Values.

Mr Woodman is a director at Hexham and Northern Marts and sells his prime stock through the ring at 18-22 months having grown them on at the finishing unit at Bradford House, Belsay.

Visitors will have the chance to look around Great Chesters and hear how the farm has evolved and grown over the years through improved efficiencies.

Following the tour, there will be a presentation on Optimising Rumen Function for Improved Meat Eating Quality by Dr Jamie-Leigh Douglas, technical support manager for AB Vista.

This will be followed by AHDB and NBA updates, looking at the importance of meat eating quality and updating farmers on Brexit and the NBA’s position.

David Thomlinson, chairman of the NBA and Northern region, said: “We look forward to taking visitors to Great Chesters, a notable example of an upland farm producing quality cattle in a unique system.”

The free visit is on Wednesday, August 23, at 6.30pm. Places must be booked for catering purposes.

Email info@nationalbeefassociation.com or call 01434 601005 for more information or to book.