Breeding for a Brighter Future

British Cattle Breeding Conference 2027. Three days of science, practical experience, discussion and debate.

About the conference

Bringing science and practical cattle breeding together

25 to 27 January 2027, Telford Hotel & Golf Resort. Theme: Breeding for a Brighter Future.

The British Cattle Breeding Conference brings together farmers, breeders, vets, students, scientists and industry professionals for three days of science, practical experience, discussion and debate.

Every January, BCBC provides a unique opportunity to connect the latest science and research with practical cattle breeding, exploring what new developments mean for breeders and farmers and how they can be applied on farm.

Breeding for a Brighter Future

Our 2027 theme explores how breeding and new technologies can help us make better, faster and more informed decisions.

From genomics and fertility tools to data systems and precision breeding, new technologies are reshaping what is possible in cattle breeding. But understanding the science is only part of the story. The conference will explore how these tools can work in practice, sharing experiences and discussing how they can be used to improve the health, efficiency, sustainability and performance of cattle for the future.

Monday: Interactive workshop

A networking lunch, then an interactive workshop on embryo transfer organised by the British Embryo Technologies Association.

Tuesday: Beef Day

Sustainability, genomics and feed efficiency, closing with a bovine inbreeding panel discussion.

Wednesday: Dairy Day

The Sir John Hammond Award Lecture, heat stress, lameness resistance and breeding strategies for the future.

Book your place at the 2027 conference

Early bird rates apply to bookings made before 1 December 2026. Delegate fees include BCBC membership for 2026.

Book your place online

The programme

What’s on the programme?

Monday: interactive workshop

Start the conference with a networking lunch before joining an interactive workshop on Embryo Transfer, organised by the British Embryo Technologies Association (BETA).

Aimed at vets, farmers and industry professionals, the workshop will provide an opportunity to explore the practical application of embryo transfer, bringing together knowledge, experience and technology to consider how it can contribute to modern breeding programmes.

Tuesday: Beef Day

Our dedicated Beef Day will look at some of the key challenges and opportunities facing beef breeding, combining research and practical experience across topics including:

Beef sustainability
Genomics
Feed efficiency
Breeding efficient and resilient cattle
Putting breeding decisions into practice

The day will conclude with a bovine inbreeding panel discussion, bringing together different perspectives and encouraging open discussion on an important issue for the future of cattle breeding.

Wednesday: Dairy Day

Dairy Day will feature the Sir John Hammond Award Lecture, alongside presentations exploring the latest developments in dairy breeding and their practical application, including:

Genetic tools to manage heat stress
Breeding for improved lameness resistance
Breeding strategies for the future
New technologies and how they can be used on farm

Chris Bailey presenting at the conference

Programme highlights

The programme below is confirmed so far. Further sessions and speakers are added as they are announced.

Time	Session, speaker and topic
Monday 13.00	Networking lunch
Monday 14.00	Interactive workshop: embryo transfer
Tuesday 09.00	Beef Day: breeding to meet consumer needs
	Javier Peris, SAI Global: European Roundtable for Beef Sustainability
Tuesday 11.05	Beef Day: breeding for efficiency
	Dr Harriet Bunning, AHDB: Limousin genomics
	Craig Hays, Leachman Cattle: Stabiliser feed efficiency
	Graeme Mather, Aberdeen Angus breeder: breeding efficient cattle
Tuesday 13.35	Beef Day: breeding for sustainability
	Jock Gibson, beef farmer: eating quality
	Simon Farmer, Beef Shorthorn breeder: breeding bulls for integrated supply chains
Tuesday 15.35	Bovine session: managing genetic diversity, measurable but is it manageable?
	Dr Daniel Pitt, AHDB: introduction to inbreeding
	Panel: Chris Orrett, CRV
	Panel: Prof. Philippe Wilson, One Health
	Panel: Craig Hays, Leachman Cattle
Wednesday 09.00	Dairy Day: breeding to meet consumer needs
	Dr Mike Coffey and Marco Winters, SRUC and AHDB: Sir John Hammond Award recipients 2026
	Annie Williams, Arla: sustainability
Wednesday 11.05	Dairy Day: breeding to improve outcomes for cows
	Dr Zoe Barker, University of Reading: heat stress and future climate impact
	Chris Orrett, CRV: genetic tools to help manage heat stress
	Dr James Wilson, Map of Ag: genetic tools to improve lameness
Wednesday 13.30	Dairy Day: different goals, same challenges
	Matthew Cleveland, Genus ABS: breeding strategy for your farm

The conference experience

Bringing people and ideas together

BCBC is about more than presentations. It is a place where science meets practical experience, where farmers and breeders can question researchers, share their own experiences and discuss what new developments could mean for their own herds.

Alongside the programme, there will be plenty of opportunities to meet fellow breeders, farmers, researchers, students and industry professionals, share ideas and continue the conversation.

With networking opportunities, evening events and the Annual Club Dinner, there is plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make new connections.

Programme and booking

The full programme and delegate information will be added to this page as details are confirmed. Check back regularly for programme updates and speaker announcements.

Booking is open for 2027. Early bird rates apply to bookings made before 1 December 2026, and delegate fees include BCBC membership for 2026.

See the rates and book your place