Bringing together leading experts, businesses and the UK Chief Veterinary Officer, the SRUC Bovine Health Hub at NBA Beef Expo 2026 will support farmers in improving herd health, efficiency, and profitability at a critical time for the UK beef industry.

Reinforcing its commitment to supporting a more efficient, sustainable and profitable British beef sector, the National Beef Association (NBA) has announced the launch of the SRUC Bovine Health Hub at this year's flagship NBA Beef Expo 2026.  With a focus on herd health and performance, and delivered in partnership with SRUC, the hub will provide farmers with direct access to leading expertise, practical advice and the latest research.

Created to help farmers improve herd efficiency, reduce disease risk and boost long-term profitability, the SRUC Bovine Health Hub will bring together SRUC's team of specialist vets, consultants and livestock researchers, alongside a range of leading industry businesses showcasing the latest health solutions and technologies.

NBA Beef Expo is taking place at Melton Mowbray on Saturday, 30^th May 2026 and this section of the event, will give visitors the opportunity to explore practical tools and innovations to support herd performance. Other companies represented in the same building as the SRUC Bovine Health Hub include Meadow Quality, Boehringer Ingelheim and Bimeda.

Giving further background Neil Shand, Chief Executive of the National Beef Association, said:

"The Bovine Health Hub will be a key element of this year's NBA Beef Expo. With the support of SRUC, we are providing a dedicated platform where farmers can have their questions answered in one place, on one day. With everything currently happening in the industry, including the Government's new welfare bill and the ongoing consultation on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, this couldn't be more timely.

"The consultation closes just ahead of Expo, making this a valuable opportunity for cattle breeders to come together, engage with their partners and better understand how these changes could impact their businesses. We're also delighted that UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, will be part of the Bovine Health Hub. She has committed time during the day to meet with farmers directly and discuss the issues that matter most to them."

The main feature of the Hub will be a series of engaging presentations and panel discussions throughout the day providing insights from leading researchers, veterinary services and industry stakeholders. Visitors to the Hub can also access one-to-one advice on herd health planning, livestock health schemes and funding opportunities through DEFRA's Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, alongside guidance on business efficiency and carbon reduction. There will be practical support on biosecurity, disease testing and reducing production losses, helping farmers maximise returns from breeding, rearing and finishing systems.

A key focus will be raising awareness of the Premium Cattle Health Scheme (PCHS), licensed by Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHECS), and how it can support both commercial and pedigree herds. Infectious diseases such as BVD, Johne's, IBR and leptospirosis continue to present significant risks to beef enterprises, often impacting productivity without obvious clinical signs. The PCHS provides a structured and cost-effective framework to reduce disease risk and build long-term resilience.

With herd health status becoming increasingly important in livestock marketing, SRUC specialists will also be on hand to advise on safe sourcing of cattle, effective biosecurity protocols, quarantine best practice, and testing strategies that deliver value, as well as how to maximise the value of high health status when selling stock.

Anne Seaton, Head of Veterinary Diagnostic Services and Livestock Health Schemes at SRUC added, "The SRUC Bovine Health Hub is about giving farmers practical, evidence-based advice that can make a real difference on farm. By bringing together expertise in animal health, nutrition and business management, alongside leading industry partners, we can help farmers take a more proactive approach to herd performance.

"Improving herd health isn't just about reducing disease, it's about improving efficiency, resilience and ultimately profitability. We're looking forward to speaking directly with farmers at Beef Expo and helping them identify the steps that will have the biggest impact in their own systems."

NBA Beef Expo 2026 remains the flagship gathering of the UK beef industry, bringing together farmers, industry leaders and innovators from across the country. Visitors are encouraged to visit the SRUC Bovine Health Hub, speak directly with experts and discover how livestock health schemes can support a more productive and profitable future for their business.