THE only dedicated national event for sheep and beef farmers is heading to Hereford this autumn.

The Wynnstay Sheep and Beef Event is back for its third year on Friday, October 27 at the new location of Hereford Livestock Market.

The focus of this year's event will be on profitable production in the face of industry challenges.

Gareth Davies, Wynnstay head of agriculture, said: "At a time of uncertainty for UK producers, the event provides farmers the perfect opportunity to view the services and technical information available to help them grow and develop their business, with seminars debating the industry’s hot topics."

Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to listen to three key industry speakers, who will be covering a selection of topics

Mr Davies said: "We’re delighted to have NFU deputy president Minette Batters who has a wealth of experience in the beef and sheep sector and, during her time at the NFU, has worked to ensure that British farmers receive fair returns from transparent supply chains.

"We’re also joined by two former livestock award winners who are able to share how they’re growing their business and producing livestock with profitable margins."

These include Richard Roderick who farms a mixed sheep, beef and arable farm in the Usk valley and won the sheep farmer of the year in 2015. He will be discussing how he focusses on sheep genetic improvements and reducing costs through maximising the use of high quality forage.

The 2016 beef farmer of the year Richard Tudor, who is currently undertaking a Nuffield Scholarship on the subject of 'soil health and fertility in grasslands: an essential component in improving upland beef and sheep productivity and sustainability', will also discuss how he aims to maximise herd fertility through excellent forage management.

Visitors to the event will also be able to speak to a variety of suppliers and manufacturers, including MSD Animal Health, Bateman, Elanco, JFC, Nettex, Nufarm UK, Betafence, Rumenco and Zoetis.

Demonstrations will be run throughout the day, such as a bolusing live demo with Animax, and visitors will also have the opportunity to book a time slot in our FECPAK Assessment Clinic for a parasite assessment.

The event is free to attend and lunch is provided, with early registration allowing farmers the opportunity to pick up a Wynnstay bodywarmer on arrival.

Visit http://sheepandbeef.co.uk/ for more information.