UFU and CAFRE to host major beef conference on profitability and sustainability

CAFRE representatives, Albert Johnson and Dr Eileen McCloskey pictured with UFU policy officer, Kellie McEvoy, and UFU deputy president Glenn Cuddy, at the launch of the 2026 Beef Conference.

Farmers from across Northern Ireland are set to gather at Greenmount Campus next month for a major beef industry conference focused on one of the sector’s biggest challenges — how to improve profitability while meeting growing sustainability demands.

Hosted jointly by the Ulster Farmers’ Union and CAFRE, the one-day event will bring together leading industry figures, researchers, local farmers and retail representatives to examine the future of beef production and the pressures shaping the industry both locally and globally.

The conference, themed ‘Driving profitability, delivering sustainability’, takes place on Wednesday 10th June and will combine technical presentations with practical on-farm insight aimed at helping producers improve efficiency and long-term viability.

Focus on profitability and future sustainability

With rising production costs, changing environmental expectations and continued pressure on farm incomes, the event is expected to focus heavily on how beef producers can remain competitive while adapting to a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

Organisers say the conference will explore the link between productivity, efficiency and sustainability, highlighting how better-performing systems can support both profitability and environmental goals.

The day will begin with a technical conference session at Greenmount Campus before attendees move to the CAFRE Beef and Sheep Centre for further discussions and demonstrations.

A representative from one of the world’s leading multinational supermarkets is also expected to speak during the event, offering insight into market expectations and future supply chain demands.

Industry experts to examine market pressures and opportunities

Among the keynote speakers is Colin Smith, Chief Executive of the Livestock and Meat Commission, who will provide an overview of the beef market and examine both local and international trends affecting producers.

His presentation is expected to look at market drivers, external pressures and the opportunities facing Northern Ireland’s beef sector moving forward.

Dr Paul Crosson, Principal Research Scientist with Teagasc and Beef Enterprise Leader at the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Grange, will focus on the role efficiency plays in creating economically viable and environmentally sustainable beef systems.

He will outline the key factors influencing beef production and discuss how farmers can build more profitable production systems.

Professor Michael Lee, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Harper Adams University, will examine the future role of sustainable livestock systems within global food production.

His presentation will explore how beef systems contribute to food security while also addressing environmental concerns, including the sustainability measures increasingly used across the sector.

Local farmers to showcase practical on-farm approaches

The conference will also feature virtual farm tours from two County Tyrone farmers who will share practical examples of how changes in management and production systems are improving efficiency on their farms.

Trevor Summerville will provide an insight into his beef finishing system, including herd management, breeding decisions and sustainable calf-to-beef production methods.

His presentation will also focus on maximising grass performance as part of a sustainable production model.

Declan Rafferty will discuss the measures he has introduced to improve the productivity of his suckler herd, including work around genetics, fertility, compact calving systems and precision nutrition.

He will also outline how grassland and forage management has helped reduce the age at which cattle are finished within his dairy beef enterprise.

Conference details and evening farm visits

The event will run from 9:30am until 5:00pm at Greenmount Campus.

Attendance at the full conference costs £25.

For those unable to attend during the day, organisers are also offering free evening on-farm visits, with groups departing at:

• 6:00pm

• 6:30pm

• 7:00pm

• 7:30pm

Organisers say the event offers farmers an opportunity to engage directly with industry experts, ask questions and gain practical advice that can be applied within their own businesses.

Places for both the conference and evening farm visits can be booked online via the UFU website at:

Conference Booking