The Balmoral Showgrounds in Belfast is set to stage a multi-breed beef calf show and industry forum on Saturday 14th November.
Billed as the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the one-day show will be known as Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo 2015, and is organised in partnership with the Livestock and Meat Commission and the National Beef Association.
The schedule features classes for 10 beef breeds, both Native and Continental, and also includes showmanship classes for handlers 12 to 25-years-old. Judging will commence at 10.00am with two show rings operational throughout the day and separate judges for each breed. The event will reach a climax with a parade of champions at approximately 4.00pm.
Prize money in each class includes: 1st £100, 2nd £75, 3rd £50, 4th £30, 5th £20, 6th £10.
The event has attracted sponsorship from Tesco, Crystalyx, Isuzu, HVS, and Bovipast RSP, and will give pedigree breeders from throughout the province an opportunity to showcase their high-calibre beef calves.
Throughout the day, a number of seminars will be on offer to consider the way forward for the beef industry. The theme for Beef Expo 2015 is ‘Beef Strategy 2020’, and inputs are expected from all sectors of the industry.
Organisers are encouraging visitors to come along and get involved. This is a chance for farmers to engage and view the latest products and technology within the beef sector.
Commenting on behalf of the 20-strong stakeholder organising committee, chairman David Connolly said:”We are delighted to have this opportunity to bring together the best that Northern Ireland has to offer and promote the beef industry. We are delighted with the positive response from sponsors and have already filled 60% of the trade space available available”.
The Aberdeen-Angus section includes six classes for calves born on or after 1st September 2014 and will be judged by John Coultrip from Wingfield Herd, Stalisfield, Faversham, Kent.
Schedules, entry forms and trade exhibitor information is available to download from the website: www.pcf-beef-expo.co.uk. Entry forms are also available from your local breed club secretary.
Entries close on Saturday 17th October. Completed entry forms must be accompanied by the relevant fee, £15 per animal, and sent to event secretary Ann Orr, 47 Cloghtogle Road, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh BT94 5EJ.
For further information contact chairman David Connolly on 07920 599422 or email: [email protected]