THE National Beef Association’s annual Beef Expo event returns this weekend with an outstanding display of cattle classes, trade stands and seminar speakers.

With thousands expected to attend the British beef industry’s annual flagship event, NBA Beef Expo will take place at Darlington Farmer’s Auction Mart, on tomorrow (May 28).

With more than 100 head of some of the UK’s best commercial cattle, representation from the UK’s main cattle breed societies, and a programme of seminars with globally renowned speakers, this is a major annual event in the beef industry’s calendar.

Alongside the show of cattle, Beef Expo will also welcome a line-up of breed society stands and trade exhibitors, bringing the latest research developments, technology, and innovation. This gives beef farmers the chance to view demonstrations and discuss potential options and ideas to improve productivity and efficiency at home. An important part of the day are the series of seminars, this year’s programme focusses on industry sustainability and animal health and welfare.

NBA chief executive officer Neil Shand said: “It’s fantastic to be opening the doors on the NBA Beef Expo once again, especially with such an incredible programme. Cattle entries are tremendous, and we have two extremely experienced and knowledgeable judges casting an eye over them in the show-ring.”

Over 120 head of some of the UK’s best commercial cattle will be presented for judging before experienced Welsh duo, Bryn Lloyd and Daffyd Lewis. Bryn will judge the Native and Continental classes, as well as the Supreme Championship, while Dafydd will judge the Baby Beef classes, Baby Championship and Young Handlers.

With an overall prize fund of £6,000, this year, the National Commercial Cattle Show will consist of ten classes, including the new class for steers by any other Continental or Cross Bred sire. In addition, the South Devon Cattle Society will host its Performance Championship for the fourth year at the event.

The 2022 NBA Beef Expo is supported by mainline sponsors Darlington Farmers Auction Mart, Vickers and Barrass, Farmers Guardian, Dunbia, Woodhead Brothers, Morrisons, Limousin, AHDB, Lely and Boehringer Ingelheim.

For information and tickets, visit www.www.nationalbeefassociation.com.