Another jam-packed programme has been released for the Borderway Agri Expo which is set to take place at Carlisle next month, showcasing the best of the UK’s beef and sheep industries.
Organised by Harrison and Hetherington for the 18th year and taking place on Friday, November 1, this internationally noted event will attract breeders, exhibitors and visitors from across the UK.
With more than 400 exhibitors and 120 trade stands, Agri Expo also offers a full programme of seminars which will serve as a platform for the sharing of ideas and concerns, challenges, and solutions for an industry adapting to unprecedented change.
Just shy of 900 entries will head to Borderway, competing in 22 national prime sheep classes, the Mule ewe lamb class, 25 national suckled calf and cattle classes, and five breed society shows: the Border British Blue Club Calf Show, Simmental Regional Calf Show, Beef Shorthorn National Calf Show, Aberdeen Angus Winter National Show, and Hereford National Calf Show.
The return of the young vlogger competition invites those under 16 to submit a short video covering ‘A Day in the Life’ on their farm.
Steven Wilson will lead the sheep judging
Judges from the four nations
Harrison and Hetherington is delighted to have secured a panel of internationally respected judges representing Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland.
Scotland’s Craig Robertson, Newton of Logierait, Perthshire, will judge the baby beef classes and young handlers, while William Smith will be travelling from County Meath in Ireland to judge the cattle classes.
Representing England, Cumbria-based Steven Wilson will lead the sheep judging while the Mule classes will be judged by Welsh sheep farmer and breeder, Brian Davies.
Among the five pedigree breed society shows, the Aberdeen Angus classes will be judged by Tom Beadle of the Noir Herd; Beef Shorthorns by Kenny Mair of the Muiresk herd; British Blues by Jean MacKay Parker of the Harelaw herd; Gary McKeirnan of the Colismorepoll herd will be tackling the Herefords; and the Simmentals by leading Northern Ireland breeder, Paul McDonald.
Placing the cattle will be William Smith
Lifetime achievement award
The David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to an individual who has shown exceptional commitment and success within the livestock farming sector. This prestigious award honours the extraordinary life and legacy of David Thomlinson, a respected auctioneer, renowned farmer and Limousin breeder who dedicated 40 years of his professional life to Harrison and Hetherington.
Looking ahead to the event, Laura Millar, event organiser for Borderway Agri Expo, said: “The support Agri Expo has received over the years has been amazing and we owe a huge debt of thanks to all the sponsors, exhibitors and visitors who make the event so successful. We are, of course, incredibly grateful to the breeders and farmers who bring their world-class cattle and sheep to show here, and to our wonderful judges, who bring the highest standards of integrity and knowledge to their decision-making on such a big stage.
“The livestock are the stars of the show, but the schedule this year once again offers something for everybody, including huge encouragement to the younger generation of livestock farmers.
“This is an event which encompasses all sectors of the industry from breed societies to feed companies and machinery dealers, whose participation makes Agri Expo such a significant platform for showcasing the latest innovations and technologies designed to improve farming efficiency and productivity.
“Agri Expo 2024 will offer a unique opportunity for all those involved in the industry to see and share new ideas and new technology. At a time of fundamental change and challenge for agriculture in the UK, we hope this event will once again be a showcase for the excellence and optimism of our livestock industry, and an inspiration for the next generation who will take it forward into the future,” she concluded.
Gates open to the public at 8am. Entry and parking is free. For further information, full details please visit: borderwayagriexpo.co.uk.
Craig Robertson will be judging the baby beef classes and young handlers
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
(All times are approximate)
8.30am Baby Beef (six classes plus championship)
8.30am National prime sheep classes (22 classes plus championship)
9am National suckled calf and cattle classes (23 classes plus championships)
8.30am Aberdeen Angus winter national show (12 classes plus championship)
8.30am Hereford national calf show (14 classes plus championship)
10.45am Border British Blue club calf show (eight classes plus championship)
11am Simmental regional calf show (10 classes plus championship)
1pm Beef shorthorn national calf show (seven classes plus championship)
1.30pm Best pair of Mule ewe lambs
3.30pm Inter-breed pedigree championship
4pm Cattle championship awards and presentations
Brian Davies will be placing the Mule classes
OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE
Gift Ring Open from 9am to 5pm
David Allen Agri Expo Stocksperson of the Year –10am-2pm (winner announced in the livestock information sheep ring 3.30pm)
H and H Land and estates seminars – 11.30am-12.30pm
The David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award – 3pm
Trade stands, breed society stands, machinery stands, 4x4 vehicle stands – Best stand award 3pm
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