Ladies in Beef will host the Guinness World Record-breaking attempt in a bid to showcase the best of British food and raise funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I.), which provides relief for farming families in times of difficulty.
The attempt, supported by farming organisations EBLEX, NFU and R.A.B.I. as well as retailer Asda, will take place on October 10 at the Bath and West Showground, near Shepton Mallet.
NFU President Peter Kendall said this would be a great way to raise the profile of British beef and wished this record-breaking attempt the best of luck. He emphasised that it was a was a chance to highlight more serious issues such as the good work that RABI does for those farming families in need and the importance of investment in our British beef herd.
“Raising the profile of British beef was outlined in the NFU’s vision for the beef industry, launched at the Livestock Event less than a year ago. A lot has happened since then but the fundamental challenges within the sector remain the same - tight global supply, production challenges and a lack of future support from CAP,” he said.
“In order to build a sustainable supply of UK beef, it’s clear the whole trade must work together to send out the right signals. We must incentivise beef production, particularly from the suckler herd, to encourage farmers to sustainably build supply and to ensure we have a productive and thriving industry in this country so people can enjoy quality British meat on their plates.”
EBLEX chairman John Cross, said: “Suckler beef production is a vital part of our beef production system. It not only gives us a high quality product renowned throughout the world and sought out by consumers at home but it also helps shape our landscape, giving us our wonderful countryside that we all appreciate so much.
“In many cases, suckler beef herds utilise grassland that could not be used to grow crops. They therefore help turn something that humans can’t eat, namely grass, into something they can eat - quality beef. The image of our traditional beef systems is something that is recognised across the world and helps tremendously when we are exporting our quality product.”
R.A.B.I. chief executive Paul Burrows said: “Suckler beef herds are the heart and soul of our beef production system in this country and the vast majority are owned and run as part of family farm businesses. To that end, they play a vital role in maintaining our rural economic structure, as well as the beautiful patchwork quilt landscape we have in this country.
“A vibrant and sustainable beef sector with traditional suckler beef production at its heart is essential for many family businesses.”
ABP will be providing the finest suckler beef for the event.
Tickets for the World’s Largest Roast Dinner, which are priced at £25 per head, are on sale now. Tickets can be ordered by calling 01749 813899, emailing dGlja2V0c0BicmFkc29ucy5jby51aw== or visiting www.bradsons.co.uk/tickets.
For more information about Ladies in Beef visit www.ladiesinbeef.org.uk