Embark on a transformative journey with an event that transcends conventional narratives to illuminate the multifaceted roles of livestock in shaping a sustainable future. Explore how responsible livestock management practices foster biodiversity conservation, harmonising ecosystems and safeguarding endangered species. Discover the transformative power of a circular bioeconomy, spotlighting livestock's pivotal role in creating value, minimising waste, and promoting sustainability. Delve into diverse economies, from biomethane production to sustainable phosphorus extraction, pharmaceutical development, and the utilisation of livestock-derived ingredients in clothing and cosmetics industries. Join us as we foster dialogue, innovation, and collaboration towards a more sustainable future powered by the untapped potential of livestock.

 

Attendees

This event caters to a broad audience interested in sustainability, agriculture, and innovation. Farmers and agricultural practitioners seeking sustainable livestock management techniques will find practical solutions. Researchers exploring biodiversity conservation, circular bioeconomy, and resource recovery will discover cutting-edge advancements. Professionals in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, clothing and renewable energy will learn about livestock-derived applications. Policymakers and environmental advocates can gain insights into shaping sustainable agricultural policies. Ultimately, this event welcomes all who wish to explore the transformative potential of livestock beyond food systems and contribute to a sustainable future.

 

Call For Posters

Contributions are invited from early-stage researchers and PhD students working on the fields of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and environmental health and resilience, circular economy, renewable energy, resource management, pharmaceuticals, clothing and cosmetics. Abstracts should demonstrate how livestock, and its waste or co-products, are a key component within their project and the relevant industries.

The objective for the competition is to identify posters which best explain the outcomes of the research, and also in the context of the potential application of the results by the industry and consumers. There will be voucher prizes of £100 for 1st place and £50 for 2nd place. An abstract of maximum 250 words (250 words does not include author names, affiliations, references or figure captions) indicating title, authors, institution included with the Poster, should be sent to conferences@soci.org by Monday 18 November 2024 with the subject line “Livestock beyond food - poster submission” You can download an abstract template here.

For further information and prices, please email conferences@soci.org.

 

Programme

10:00   Registration and refreshments

10.30    FAO's Livestock Agenda for ecosystem services and circular bioeconomy 

Prof Michael Lee, Harper Adams University, FAO’s Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) technical advisory group

 

Session 1: Livestock as partners in ecosystem health and resilience

10:45    Promoting healthy and resilient livestock systems: A holistic perspective 

Dr Lisa Norton, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology 

11:00   The multidimensional role of livestock in supporting ecosystem services and biodiversity 

Prof Davy McCracken, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) 

11:15   A policy-based view on the role of livestock on nature-friendly food production 

Speaker to be confirmed

11:30   Panel discussion

11:50   Refreshment break 

Session 2: Unlocking the hidden potential: Transforming livestock slurry into valuable resource

12:15   The place of biogas from slurry in the future role of bioenergy in the UK 

Lucy Hopwood, National Non-Food Crops Centre (NNFCC)

12:30   Biomethane solutions for nutrient management 

Dr Chris Johnston, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)

12:45   Microanaerobic solutions for small livestock farmers 

Dr Ilan Adler, University College London & EcoNomad Solutions

13:00   Panel discussion

13:20   Lunch, posters and exhibition

 

Session 3: From waste to wealth: Exploring bio-based products from livestock  

 

14:15   The role of animal by-products in bio-based industries and circular economy 

Dr Stephen Woodgate, Beacon Consulting

14:30   Unlocking the vital role of animals in biopolymer pharmaceuticals 

Prof Vitaliy Khutoryanskiy, University of Reading

14:45   Wool revolution: Enhancing British flocks for premium fibre and profitability 

Andrew Hogley, British Wool

15:00   Panel discussion

15:20   Networking reception

16:30   Close of conference