Scotland’s major beef event returns in 2023

THE Scottish Beef Association is delighted to announce its biennial national event will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, and will be hosted by Dalswinton Estate, which is nestled in the heart of the Nith Valley, seven miles north of Dumfries.

Dalswinton Estate, a leading Dumfriesshire commercial beef farm, will provide an impressive backdrop to Scotland’s Beef Event.

This predominately all-grass farm extends to 5,000 acres owned, plus 300 acres grass and 364 acres hill rented seasonally and supports a suckler herd of 550 Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn cross suckler cows producing yearling calves.

Most progeny are sold as forward stores with some youngstock finished on the farm or, depending on market conditions and available space, cows are crossed with mainly Charolais, also Aberdeen-Angus and Shorthorn bulls to breed replacements.

The unit has many different diversification enterprises ranging from windmills to a wedding venue which utilises the walled garden, along with residential and commercial property, a whisky bottling unit and holiday, fishing and shooting lets.

In response to the dual crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss, the 2023 Beef Event will focus on four key themes which include:

n Impact of technical efficiency on the carbon footprint of the suckler herd;

n Carbon mitigation in practice;

n Efficient land use management and boosting biodiversity;

n Natural capital and carbon farming.

Thousands of farmers are expected to attend the event, with many aspects featuring on the day, including a programme of ‘Thought Leadership’ seminars with keynote speakers; farm tours; discussions about diversification opportunities – renewable energy (wind & forestry); property management; and whisky bottling.

Chairman of the event and director of the Scottish Beef Association, Scott Henderson, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that Peter Landale, estate owner, has kindly agreed to host the event next year, something which I know is a huge commitment.

Dalswinton Estate has such an impressive set-up and with the four key themes being the topic of the event these will provide

such a strong talking point as the Scottish

beef industry is steering towards net zero by 2045.”