Profitability and food security dominated discussions at Beef Expo 2026 as thousands of visitors gathered in Melton Mowbray for one of the sector’s biggest annual events.
The National Beef Association event combined cattle competitions, trade exhibits and policy debate – with industry leaders highlighting the need for investment, confidence and profitability for British beef to meet future demand.
The gathering also celebrated commercial cattle breeding success, with TA & LC Lyon & Son, of Thurlby, Lincolnshire, taking the Supreme Championship title in the National Commercial Cattle Show with Suzie, a British Blue cross heifer born in March 2025.
Championship cattle judge Glynn Howatson said: “For me, it is the way she walks; she has good locomotion, style and an impressive width through the back end, and is very correct.
Amazing win
Jonathan Lyon said: “It has been eight years since we won, and we keep coming every year trying to win. To do it again is just amazing, and I could not do it without my parents and my partner Jess.”
Alongside the showring, seminars examined food security, innovation and domestic food production. In the opening session, speakers highlighted pressure on farmgate prices and concerns over the declining national herd. Scott Donaldson, director of H&H Group, told delegates that one of the major threats currently facing agriculture was the continual pressure on farmgate prices, a point echoed by other members of the panel.
Panellists agreed that maintaining confidence in family farming businesses and attracting younger entrants would be essential for long-term growth. The industry must do more to communicate its value to consumers, they said.
Other sessions explored technology, productivity and sustainability across the beef supply chain.
NBA chief executive Neil Shand said: “The seminars have been extremely well attended and have generated some strong and constructive discussions around food security, the future of British beef production and the challenges facing the sector.”
A new SRUC Bovine Health Hub also attracted strong interest, offering advice on herd health, productivity and resilience. Organisers said the event showed the sector was determined to invest and innovate.