After a year of many show cancellations, the return of Borderway Agri Expo saw an estimated 11,000 visitors celebrate this event, again hosted by Harrison and Hetherington, in Carlisle.

Richard Rankin, chief executive of the H and H Group said: “Our aim has always been to put on an event that represents the livestock industry as a whole and following last year’s disappointing cancellation, this year has proved that Borderway Agri Expo does just that. Bringing together all sectors of the industry, it has been a spectacular showcase celebrating everything that the agricultural sector is good at.”

Read more: Bigger and better Borderway Agri Expo at Carlisle - October 29

The new addition of a series of seminars hosted by H and H Land and Estates this year proved very popular, with key industry figures speaking to a packed audience on subjects of current note in Agriculture.

Neil Shand and Phil Stocker, Chief Executives of the National Beef Association and National Sheep Association, gave insight into UK consumption trends, challenges and opportunities facing the industry and what they see for the future of livestock trading (see also our Business section, page 20).

Lloyds Bank’s ‘farming ambassador’, Adam Henson, chaired a Young Farmer’s Special seminar, all about maximising opportunities for new entrants and young farmers, while a discussion on the ‘Future of Rural Support Schemes’ was chaired by H and H Land and Estates’ associate director, Tim Sedgewick.

Also new to the agenda this year was the David Allen Stockperson of the Year Award, which saw 25 pairs of Young Farmers challenged across four areas of livestock farming – stock-judging, EBVs, carbon emissions and stock value. Taking home the top award was Chris and Sophie Mitchell, from Walton YFC; second place went to Jack Robb and Josh Geary, from Woburn YFC; and third to Taylor Charlton and Henry Crocker, from Skelton YFC.

The award for the best outdoor trade stand was given to Johnston Tractors, Dumfries and Carlisle, with the best indoor trade stand award going to AW Jenkinson, Penrith. The best breed society stand was the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.

Summing up, H and H’s managing director, Scott Donaldson, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better return of Agri Expo. It has been incredible.

Read more: A big day at Agri Beef Expo at Carlisle

“Agri Expo has yet again brought together people from across the UK and the feedback received is that the future of the industry is exciting for those prepared to embrace change.

“We must pull together now more than ever to take on the industry challenges as we head into uncertain times, but farmers are resilient, and we will prove that once again.”