A beef conference attended by 200 people at Greenmount Campus in Antrim has highlighted the need for the local industry to balance economic returns with environmental sustainability.

Organised by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and the Ulster Farmers' Union, the event saw a series of presentations from industry figures, academics and farmers.

Attendees were told that global demand for meat remains strong but that local producers must differentiate their product in a market where reliance on imports could increase.

Consumers are becoming more deliberate in their spending, seeking the best value at a fair price, and integrated supply chains can help deliver consistent quality and sustainability targets.

On-farm examples from County Tyrone demonstrated how diversifying beef finishing systems, such as incorporating dairy beef, rose veal and Wagyu, can smooth cash flow and reduce business risk while meeting environmental scheme requirements.

Professor Michael Lee of Harper Adams University argued that the environmental impact of livestock production should be balanced against the nutritional value beef provides, and that the circular nature of grazing systems is often overlooked in current metrics.

Dr Paul Crosson of Teagasc said economic and environmental sustainability are interdependent, and that improving herd efficiency through earlier calving, shorter calving intervals and better pasture performance can boost profitability and reduce environmental footprint.

The conference concluded with a visit to the CAFRE Beef and Sheep Centre, where delegates saw how breeding, genetics, animal health and forage-based nutrition are being aligned with DAERA's Sustainable Agriculture Programme to meet both production and environmental goals.