LIVESTOCK farmers from across the region are invited to an NFU meeting in Telford tomorrow to hear from an award-winning animal scientist.

Dr Jude Capper, a livestock sustainability consultant, will be the guest speaker at the NFU West Midlands regional livestock board meeting.

She is a Farmers Guardian Farming Hero award-winner and a Dairy Industry Woman of the Year.

The meeting at Agriculture House, Southwater Way at 1pm is open to all NFU farmer and grower members and there will also be a wider discussion on industry issues and other sector news.

Dr Capper’s current research communicates the global importance of livestock production, while also aiming to improve the understanding and knowledge of stakeholders within food production - from farmers and retailers to policymakers and consumers.

Richard Yates, Middleton Scriven farmer and livestock board chairman, said: “This meeting is an opportunity for all of us to consider our role within agricultural production.

“We are food producers first and foremost but we have to consider the environment and engage with the wider public about the positive role we can play.

“The industry also needs to dispel some of the misconceptions about our sector’s impact and carbon footprint, given we are part of the climate change solution.

“There’s nothing more sustainable than stock reared on our grassland.

“Dr Capper is an ardent social media influencer and farming campaigner; her insight will be invaluable, especially as farmers feel the need to counter some of the ill-informed rhetoric about our industry that we currently hear from some corners.”

At the meeting NFU chief livestock adviser John Royle (pictured below) will discuss current policy issues and some of the union’s work on behalf of sheep and beef farmers. Livestock Session, day 2 conference 2017_42110

AHDB knowledge exchange manager Emma Steele will give a market update.

George Bostock, NFU regional livestock lead, said: “This will be an opportunity for NFU members to hear from a range of high profile industry experts.

“All regional members with an interest in the beef or lamb sector are encouraged to attend as we will cover a whole host of relevant sector issues and industry news.

“Dr Capper is passionate about the role of animal agriculture in sustainable food production and is a real industry advocate, we are delighted she has agreed to come and speak to us.

“Her current work, research and industry views, as we look to the future, will be very welcome and I’m sure will give us plenty of food for thought.”

For further details contact the NFU regional office on 01952 400500.