More than 300 Entries Catalogued for Multi-breed Beef Showcase
4th November 2015
Region: National
The countdown is on ahead of next weekend’s Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo, and organisers have been overwhelmed by the number of entries catalogued and the level of interest from commercial trade exhibitors.
The inaugural multi-breed event takes place at the Balmoral Showgrounds, Belfast, on Saturday 14th November. Judging commences at 10.00am, with ten native and continental beef breeds coming under scrutiny from a line-up of national judges.
Organised in partnership with the Livestock and Meat Commission, and the National Beef Association, the one-day show is generously sponsored by Tesco, Isuzu, HVS Animal Health, Crystalyx, Bovipast RSP and Farm Wardrobe.
There will be two show rings in operation throughout the day, with judging scheduled to finish at 3.00pm when the senior and junior champions in each breed category will be revealed. A parade of champions will take place at 4.30pm.
Event organiser and chairman David Connolly said: “This show is the first of its kind in Ireland, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive response from pedigree herd owners, sponsors and trade exhibitors from across the province. We are pleased to announce that with over 300 entries catalogued the show is at full capacity, something which far exceeded our initial expectations
“Never before has the beef industry in Northern Ireland been given such a high-profile platform on which to display its superior pedigree young stock, whilst at the same time, discussing the important issues in the beef sector.”
The schedule for the Pedigree Calf Fair boasts six classes for each beef breed, with calves ranging in age from seven to fourteen-months-old.
Prize money in each class includes: 1st £100, 2nd £75, 3rd £50, 4th £30, 5th £20 and 6th £10.
The showmanship competition, judged by Alison Connolly from Saintfield, will get underway at noon, and boasts an entry of almost 40 competitors in three classes.
The judging panel features a high profile line-up of pedigree judges from throughout the UK and Ireland including:
Aberdeen Angus – John Coultrip, Wingfield Farm, Stalisfield, Faversham, Kent.
Beef Shorthorn – Carey Coombs, Weston Farm, Carnwath, Lanarkshire.
British Blonde – Desmond Greene, Hazelwood, Murrinstown, County Wexford.
British Blue – Jarlath Duggan, Rathdowney, County Laois.
Charolais – Archie MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, Glasgow.
Hereford – Albert de Cogan, Killamuckley, Castlemartyr, County Cork.
Irish Moiled – Christopher Ball, Manor House Farm, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.
Limousin – James Hazard, Saltby Heath Farm, Skillington, Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Salers – Jock Watson, Wynfield, Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Simmental – Hector MacAskill, Woodhall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar, East Lothian.
David Connolly concluded: “The theme for Beef Expo 2015 is ‘Beef Strategy 2020’. Seminars will be focusing on the way forward for the industry. Commencing at 10.00am, they will be running at fifteen minute intervals throughout the day.
“This event is specially tailored to promote the local beef industry, and showcase the very best young stock and genetics that Northern Ireland has to offer.”
Event secretary Ann Orr has confirmed that more than 65 trade exhibitors will be in attendance. “We have a full house, with commercial trade exhibitors and industry experts offering visitors an opportunity to view the latest products and technology focused at animal breeding and management.”
Admission includes £10.00 per adult; YFC members and OAPs £5.00; while children under 16-years are free of charge. Free on-site parking is available.
For more information on Beef NI Expo and the Pedigree Calf Fair please contact David Connolly or Ann Orr on [email protected].
ENDS
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