The sixth Alltech Global 500 is making its European debut this October in the RDS, Dublin, Ireland.

Celebrating a rich history in agriculture and boasting world-famous dairy and beef production, Ireland is an ideal location for the world’s most progressive dairy and beef producers to network with peers and explore the most pressing issues facing both industries today, according to the organisers.

At the top of the agenda is how to farm an efficient, profitable and sustainable (EPS) future, beginning with an overview of the current industry and looking at future trends, specifically addressing how farmers and producers can stay ahead of the curve. Breaking out after this into dairy and beef tracks, talks will focus on industry specific issues, debating a roadmap for the industry through interactive discussions. Topics will include:

  • Forages and maximising return from the land
  • The war against protein prices
  • Sustainability
  • Mineral management
  • Mycotoxin management
  • Innovations in the industry
  • Managing your investments for the future
  • Big picture view on the global landscape

In addition, attendees can take  advantage of Global 500’s location with a full programme of farm tours. The tours will take attendees on a journey to some of Ireland’s most unique farms, showcasing Montbeliarde, Limousin and Holstein cattle as well as top-quality forages produced on-farm.

“Each year Alltech’s Global 500 strives to bring the top experts in the agriculture industry together to shape the future of beef and dairy worldwide. This year, for the first time ever, we are bringing them to Ireland to focus on EPS: efficiency, profitability and sustainability,” said Dr Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech.

“This is a crucial time for the agriculture industry as demand for dairy and beef products is growing worldwide. The potential profitability has never been greater, which is why we must make production leaner in order for it to endure.”

Last year’s Global 500 saw more than 700 delegates from 30 countries come to Lexington, Kentucky, and this year Alltech hopes to top that as part of The Gathering Ireland.

Continuing the theme of showcasing international agriculture, Global 500 2014 will have a distinctly French flavour as attendees follow Alltech to France for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, continuing their global dairy and beef journey against the backdrop of these landmark games and centuries of French culture and cuisine. For event details and online registration visit Alltech’s website here.

Pictured Dr Pearse Lyons and Orla McAleer of Alltech