The National Youngstock Conference 2024 offers a packed programme that promises something for all calf rearers – whatever their calfrearing management system, or level of experience or expertise.
With tickets already selling fast, preparations continue for this year’s National Youngstock Conference, which will be held on July 18 at Exeter’s Sandy Park Conference Centre.
The one-day event aims to offer delegates the most up-to-date practical information on all aspects of calf rearing, and ensure that they pick up plenty of ideas that they can take away and implement on farm.
Best-practice focus
As in previous years, the conference will provide something for everyone and cater for all levels of experience, expertise and type of calf-rearing system – both beef and dairy. Calf rearers looking for a ‘best practice’ refresher on the cornerstones of good management, such as colostrum, milk feeding or weaning, and those wanting an update on the latest research and technology, or how to manage more challenging issues such as mycoplasma, will not be disappointed.
Topics up for discussion during the day include genomics and genetics, colostrum and milk feeding, weaning, nutrition, using data to monitor and meet growth-target milestones, health and welfare, and housing and ventilation. And there will also be a trade-stand area where delegates can network and talk to nutritionists, vets and other calf-rearing specialists, to find out more about the latest products, services and the technology and ideas on offer to improve calf and youngstock rearing management and outcomes.
New award
We’ll also be presenting the Calf Rearer of the Year award, sponsored by Wynnstay, at the event. This competition is new to this year’s conference and more details can be found on page 42 of this issue. Take a look and see if you, or someone you know, should enter and be in with a chance of winner the top prize.
The event’s ‘actionable insights’ competition will also be repeated this year. Conference delegates are encouraged to make notes about the key things they’ve learned during the day and that they plan to put into action when back on farm.
More than 50 delegates entered the competition at 2023’s conference, for the chance to win one of several prizes including a half day of on-farm consultancy. The winner and their calf-rearing system will be featured in CowManagement later in 2024. Demand for tickets in 2023 was such that there was a waiting list, just as there was in 2022. The packed one-day programme, which was run across two lecture halls, delivered 16 technical presentations to a sell-out audience.
Sandy Park Conference Centre is just five minutes by car from Exeter airport, has excellent road and rail links, and there are plenty of hotels and pubs close by for accommodation.
The venue’s facilities are also ideal, with both presentation and trade stand spaces all under one roof. The presentation rooms are on the same floor and adjacent to each other, which will help delegates to find their way around the conference.
To purchase tickets please follow this link.