Every January the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) connects people in the UK and around the globe who want to transform our food and farming system.

As part of the 2024 Conference, the SFT will be chairing the panel discussion, ‘What role for livestock in a warming world?’.

What role for livestock in a warming world?

9am-10.30am, Friday 5th January 2024

Urgent action on climate change is needed, and reducing livestock production in the UK is often said to be part of the solution. But should reductions be focused on extensive grazing livestock, as is often argued? This session will bring together recent science with implications for how we understand the climate impacts of meat and dairy from different production systems. By considering this alongside the multiple social and environmental benefits that well-managed grasslands and grazing systems can provide, panellists will explore what role ruminants can play in a climate-friendly UK food system.

Speakers: Robert Barbour (SFT), Michael Lee, Karl Williams, Sophie Gregory; Chair: Lesley Mitchell (SFT)

More information and details of how to join can be found here.

Other recommended sessions at ORFC 2024 include:

  • Local abattoirs: Funding, future models and next steps
    4pm-5.30pm, Thursday 4th January
  • More than a by-product: Resetting the way we think about wool
    11am-12.30pm, Friday 5th January
  • Working with wool: Demonstration and skill sharing
    1pm-1.45pm, Friday 5th January

For details on these sessions and to view the whole programme of events for ORFC 2024, click here.

Book tickets