Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT) 2026
“Breeding solutions for a changing world”
Tickets available here.
Don't forget to book your place this November.
The full conference programme is available: Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT) 2026 – speakers announced below.
The SBRT conference is fast approaching with tickets selling well – if not done already, book your tickets soon! The programme covers a range of sheep breeding topics, all with a focus on use of selective breeding and genetics as the essential building blocks for the future of the UK sheep industry. We have great speakers lined up from across our industry, joined by a mix of commercial farmers and pedigree breeders, who will help to bring science to life through sharing their practical experiences. This is a one of a kind conference and we look forward to welcoming you there!
- Where: Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands, Derby, DE74 2TZ
- When: Friday 20th November, 2pm – Sunday 22nd November 2026
- The conference finishes after lunch on Sunday 22nd
- Group bookings (request the online form) or other queries - contact bridget@bridget-lloyd.com
The SBRT conference is fast approaching with tickets selling well – if not done already, book your tickets soon! The programme covers a range of sheep breeding topics, all with a focus on use of selective breeding and genetics as the essential building blocks for the future of the UK sheep industry. We have great speakers lined up from across our industry, joined by a mix of commercial farmers and pedigree breeders, who will help to bring science to life through sharing their practical experiences. This is a one of a kind conference and we look forward to welcoming you there!
About SBRT: Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT) is run by a small volunteer committee to organise a biennial conference that provides a stage for the UK sheep industry to come together to discuss the value of genetics. It involves farmers, geneticists, researchers, breed societies, breeding companies, industry bodies and other interested parties. The conference provides an ideal platform where, together we can learn, expand and share knowledge to debate relevant topics around sheep genetic awareness and improvement. Together we strive to continue looking to the future to ensure our sheep industry keeps one step ahead of change, continuing to produce viable, affordable and efficient products while working in harmony with our natural environment.
Friday afternoon – Breeding sheep for the environment & genomics
- Nicola Lambe, Karolina Kaseja, Joana Lima, Emma Dods, Karl Behrendt and Janet Roden (Chair) - the genetic influence on flock carbon footprint and environmental breeding goals.
- Samuel Boon, Pourya Davoudi and Melissa Marr – using genomics for breed improvement, with a breeder explaining how DNA parentage aids flock objectives.
- Aisling O’Mahony - modern ram marketing advice.
Saturday morning – Breeding objectives for environment and management choices
- Kim Matthews (Chair), Harriet Bunning and Ann McLaren - introduce important UK research initiatives using data to implement change within our sheep breeding decisions.
- Liz Genever leads a discussion on the place for “low-input sheep” in the UK.
- Simon Lillico illustrates how genes work in the ability to shed wool. Followed by three breeders who explain their quest to be productive maternal enterprises and go head to head in a virtual ram sale.
Saturday afternoon – Genetics worth the investment and performance measures
- Mark Ferguson explains the use of genetics to future proof a business, using performance data to identify traits that can help. Using case studies from a deep-dive into three different farming systems, Mark is joined by Bryce MacKellar, Dave Rendle and Sian & Llion Jones, to discuss their sheep enterprises alongside his suggestions to encourage a more productive breeding flock for each of them.
- Laura Eyles, Sean Godfrey with duo, Amey Brassington and Zoe Lloyd – benefits of commercial data for economic progress, with farm examples putting science into practice, for terminal sire genetics and ewe performance.
Sunday morning – Healthy genetics – sheep survive better with them!
- Rachael Tarlington, Eric Morgan, Heather Stevenson and Dave Bartley - current research in the quest to understand which parasites or pathogens are important and how genetics can break down barriers.
- David Coen, Eleri Thomas, Janet Roden and Samuel Boon with Mark Young (Chair) - the value of maternal traits for improved lamb survival, using hill sheep examples from across the UK.
Conference information:
- The full conference programme is now available
- Where: Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands, Derby, DE74 2TZ
- When: 20th – 22nd November 2026, from 2pm on Friday to lunchtime on Sunday
- Tickets are available at https://SBRT2026.eventbrite.co.uk
- More information Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT) 2026or scan the QR code
Any queries: bridget@bridget-lloyd.com
