Building a profitable future

Better livestock housing means better productivity and better welfare - but as far as cattle are concerned what is better housing? A workshop that brings together experts and working beef farmers aims to deliver a bespoke solution for one West Midlands farm.

The event is being organised by the English Beef and Lamb Executive and is part of the Defra-funded West Midlands Vocational Training Scheme programme

- Better Returns West Midlands.

It will take place on Wednesday, June 14 at Reins Farm, Oak Tree Lane, Sambourne, Warwickshire by permission of Adam Quinney, and will include a presentation by housing expert Dr Mike Kelly, former head of building design at SAC.

The event gives the chance for a group of 15 local West Midlands producers to find out the latest thinking on cattle housing and design. They will then be asked to put this knowledge together with their own practical experiences to come up with and agree on a design for the ideal cattle housing system for Adam's beef production requirements.

The design will be built over the summer and put into operation. The group will reconvene in the autumn to see how well it is actually working.

Phil Hadley, EBLEX Industry Development Manager said: "this is the first time this kind of event has been done and it offers a great opportunity for producers to get housing tips from a leading expert."

Beef producer Adam Quinney said: "Building design is vital for herd health and productivity, and by participating in this event I hope to ensure that my investment in new housing as good as it can be."

The number of places on the course is limited and anybody who would like to attend should contact Emma Horn, West Midlands Better Returns Co-ordinator on 07970 312230.