Biosecurity, exotic diseases and supermarket supply chains were at the top of the agenda at the only dedicated day for the beef and sheep industry in the UK.
More than 500 people flocked to the Sheep and Beef Event at Welshpool Market, which saw a host of sector specialists debate some of the issues dominating the industry.
It also included an exhibition with more than 30 stands showcasing the latest technology and services for the livestock market.
Ken Greetham, Chief Executive of Wynnstay Group Plc, welcomed visitors to the event which saw the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, tackle the importance of biosecurity for the farming industry and the Co-operative’s Will Jackson speak on consumer trends in the sheep and beef market.
Mr Greetham said: “It is important to demonstrate the new technologies and advice available to farmers in the sector, in order to help develop their businesses even further.
"The speakers who attended the event were very high profile and are a symbol of the high level of expertise that’s available in the industry."
For the first time in 2016, Wynnstay had introduced drop-in sessions for visitors wanting to discuss business practices and activities with a range of industry specialists.
'Uncertainty of the rural landscape'
Marketing manager for Wynnstay, Sian Probert, said these sessions had proved popular with visitors.
“There are a number of issues which are affecting farmers at the moment, not least the uncertainty of the rural landscape following the Brexit vote.
“This means that many of our visitors were keen to look at what opportunities there may be in a post-Brexit market, and also what they might need to do to ensure the financial security of their business and succession planning.
“Nigel Gibbens keynote speech was well-attended as he looked at the importance of biosecurity and also explored the current import and export market, both within the EU and beyond its borders.”
Renowned farm vet and Nuffield Scholar Rob Drysdale spoke about the importance of key performance indicators and measurement to improve efficiency and production.
After speeches, a charity sheep shear was held to raise cash for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.
