Calf rearers select Sandy Park for annual national conference

CowManagement magazine brought its annual National Youngstock Conference to Sandy Park Conference Centre for the first time this week.

Nearly 400 delegates converged on the Exeter venue on Thursday, July 18, to attend a choice of 20 seminars offering up-to-date and practical information on all aspects of calf rearing for both dairy and beef purposes.

Seminar topics included 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.

Sandy Park also hosted a trade area for 34 stands where delegates could 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.

Jason Davies, co-owner of CowManagement, said: “We decided to move to a new venue after last year’s feedback revealed some producers were unable to make the long journey north to Shropshire from the south west.

“In comparison, Sandy Park 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 were also ideal, with both presentation and trade stand spaces all under one roof.”

The National Youngstock Conference took over the entire first floor of the venue using the Exeter Suite and Country Suite for the trade exhibition, while seminars were held in the Estuary Suite and Chiefs Suite on the second floor. Delegates were also provided with a packed lunch to eat at their leisure.

Mr Davies added: “I have nothing but good words to say about the facilities and staff at Sandy Park. From start to finish, nothing has been too much trouble, and our event went very smoothly, attracting a record turnout for our annual conference.”