The outlook for the weather may be pretty bleak but for the red meat industry it is more favourable.
Just how favourable depends which part of the industry you're in and these differences along with forecasts will be at the heart of a conference on April 14.
The annual Outlook Conference by BPEX and EBLEX used to be held at the end of
January but last year was postponed due to bad weather.
The new date in April proved so popular the event has a new home in the
calendar from now on - a date to get in your diary now.
This year's event will be looking at climate change and how it affects
consumer perception and the working of the supply chain as well as forecasts
covering the rest of the year and beyond.
Senior Economic Forecaster with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development
Board Market Intelligence Mark Topliff said: "This is an invaluable event for
the industry, government, retailers, processors and consultants.
"The really hot topic at the moment is climate change and that will feature
heavily in the programme.
"The speaker list has yet to be finalised but we are hoping to get it
finished very soon."
The event is still being held at 1 Gt George St in London. Details of how to
book will be available at the beginning of March.