Entries are well up for all classes on the year at Turriff Show as it celebrates its 160th anniversary, with more than 350 cattle, nearly 900 sheep, and over 700 horses and ponies.
All will be eyeing their share of the Turriff Show prize money which exceeds £88,000 across the two-day agricultural event – which is set to take place on Sunday and Monday, August 4 and 5.
All smiles in the sheep lines Ref:RH310723042
Having attracted more than 24,000 visitors at last year’s event, the show will be hoping to do the same again this year. With 300-plus exhibitors’ stands, witnessing the impressive vintage and classic vehicle display, sulky racing and dog showing, while tasting the very best of Scottish food and drink, it will keep visitors busy.
Turriff Show is highly regarded on the show circuit for a host of livestock, equestrian, small animal and dog classes, awarding one of the largest prize pots in the UK. In total, 330 trophies are presented and over £88,000 is paid in prize money across 1,500 exhibitor classes.
Animal classes include prime cattle, sheep, horses and ponies, rabbits, cavies, dogs, and pigeons. Industrial and craft classes are for skills including baking, vegetable growing and flower arranging.
Erin Irvine(7) won the overall young handler champion last year Ref:RH310723064
The full entry number breakdown by sections is cattle (356), sheep (891), horses and ponies (700), goats (65), pigeons (179), rabbits and cavies (886), Clydesdales (39) and Collie dogs (11) – there certainly is something for everyone.
Turriff is always popular for national breed shows and this year is no exception with three breeds taking place. First is the Scottish National Simmental Show, which is being judged by Dorothy Moffat of Dunbar.
For the sheep, the Scottish Region’s Bluefaced Leicester Progeny Show will be judged by Ian Smith, Alnwick (Traditional Type) and Jack Kay, Lauder (Crossing Type).
David Allan, president of Turriff Show, said: “We are delighted to host the Scottish Simmental and Bluefaced Leicester national shows this year. It is a great opportunity for the respective breed associations and their members to showcase the two breeds and for the general public to learn more about them.”
The Scottish National Simmental Show will commence at 8am with the remaining beef breeds starting at 8:30am, the Scottish Region Bluefaced Leicester Progeny Show also begins at 8.30am, with the other breeds commencing at 9am.
“It’s also really encouraging to see such strong entry numbers for all classes again – it really is what makes the show. We’re very grateful for the time and effort these exhibitors spend in preparing animals for the show and are ready to welcome them all with some great prizes to be won,” he added.
Judge Dougie McBeath taps out the Charolais as his overall cattle champion at Turriff show Ref:RH310723078
Adding to the celebration of the region’s beef farming, the presentation of prizes for the show’s annual carcase cattle and butchery lamb classes will take place at the Woodhead Brothers stand on the Sunday at 1pm. These classes have proven to be as popular as ever, with an increase of entry numbers from commercial breeders and finishers from across the North East of Scotland.
The prestigious role of judging the champion of champions will be held in the main ring on Monday, and rests in the capable hands of Dennis Gall of Lockerbie. Judging the overall cattle championship is Drew Hyslop, Girvan, while Gavin Ross, Strichen, will do the same honours in the sheep lines.
All the way from Crufts to Turriff, Kipperridge Gundogs are set to retrieve the spotlight in the main ring this year, as they demonstrate world-class canine displays. Some woolly performers will also be also taking to the stage in the sheep section, with The Sheep Show to provide entertainment over the two days.
“There is nothing quite like Turriff Show – it is a fantastic family day out to experience a range of activities, and dive into the world of farming with a taste or tipple of its produce,” said Gail Greig, Turriff Show secretary.
Pat Machray OBE looks over the breed champions during the inter-breed sheep competition in 2023 Ref:RH310723066
New to the showground this year is a horseshoe-shaped marquee combining the arts and crafts display, shopping mall and exhibition all in one and located next to the food and drink stands.
The EQ Food and Drink Pavilion continues to be one the largest growing attractions, as exhibitors showcase a rich supply of the region’s finest food and drink including meat, dairy, fruits, home bakes, preserves, and local drinks – beer, gin, and whisky.
“I hope this year’s show will be a light at the end of a tunnel, for what has been a wet and soggy start to the year,” Mr Allan continued.
“While good weather is always warmly welcomed to Turriff’s agricultural event, it is the dedication and commitment from our wonderful volunteers, members on the committee, exhibitors and sponsors, and large attendance from our visitors that truly make the magic happen.
“We want all visitors to be able to attend whether it be for one day or two, so our advice is to purchase your tickets online via our website to save money and ease showground entry on the day,” Mr Allan concluded.
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