A Record-Breaking Day of Collaboration and Insight at Long Lane Development Farm
A Record-Breaking Day of Collaboration and Insight at Long Lane Development Farm
Earlier this week, we proudly welcomed over 400 guests to our 2025 Long Lane Development Farm Open Day—an event designed to help drive our industry forwards through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
Held across two days, our biggest open days yet, brought together farmers, veterinary professionals, and key industry leaders from across the UK and Ireland. With a packed itinerary of engaging talks and networking opportunities, the Open Day was a celebration of shared progress and a collective commitment to driving innovation in throughout the beef industry.
At the heart of the day was a clear objective: to help drive our industry forward through knowledge sharing, collaboration, innovation and transparency. The open day provided a unique opportunity to connect, learn and exchange ideas across all areas of the supply chain – from calf rearing and milk powder to data-driven decision making and regenerative farming.
Expert Insights from Industry Leaders
The day featured a series of expert-led talks, offering practical, evidence-based insight on key topics within our sector:
- Calf Rearing Standards & Housing Designs: Our own team shared learnings from Long Lane Development Farm, highlighting the importance of environment, structured protocols, preventative health, and attention to detail in producing resilient, high-performing calves.
- Regenerative Transitions: Independent consultant Marc offered practical advice on transitioning calves to grass-based systems for optimal health and growth.
- Milk Powder & Housing Innovations: Dutch milk powder specialists and our own team house specialists discussed the science behind milk formulation and the long-term impact of purpose-built calf housing.
- Colostrum & Immunity Testing: Two years on from its launch, the Immunigy test team shared real-world results and learnings, demonstrating how early-life health decisions continue to influence performance.
- Retail Supply Chain Perspective: Our retail partner offered valuable insight into the importance of genetics, early-life care, and data in delivering a consistent, high-quality eating experience.
- Herdwatch: The team demonstrated how digital record-keeping and data tracking is transforming calf management and supporting compliance, health and profitability on farm.
More Than Just a Farm Visit
Alongside the educational sessions, guests were given the opportunity to tour Long Lane Development Farm—rearing over 8,200 calves per annum—and see first-hand the investment, infrastructure, and innovation that underpin our integrated model.
With networking and a relaxed yet purposeful atmosphere, the Open Day also served as a valuable touchpoint for farmers at every stage of their journey with Buitelaar. Guests were encouraged to speak to our team, ask questions, and explore the range of opportunities available through our various programmes.
A Celebration of Progress – and Great Food!
After a morning of talks and farm tours, guests enjoyed a Longhorn steak sandwich lunch, followed by a selection of fantastic locally-made ice cream (from https://paletteandpasture.co.uk/) – the perfect way to round off a day of learning and networking.
Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who attended – from our farmers and vet professionals to our supply chain partners and industry exhibitors. Your engagement, questions, and shared enthusiasm made the day a huge success.
Big thanks go to our brilliant speakers and supporting partners – including Herdwatch, Schills, Elite Beef, Oxbury Bank, Duffields, Alltech, AHDB, Cultura Connect, Royal Agricultural Society of England and Innovation for Agriculture, & Bimeda Animal Health.
We’re proud that the Long Lane Development Farm Open Day is fast becoming a renowned event in the industry calendar, and we look forward to building on this momentum to continue driving positive change across British beef production.
If you missed the event or would like to find out more about our future events, please get in touch with the team—we’d love to speak with you.
