More than 100 Aberdeen-Angus calves and yearlings are set to parade at the 20th annual Black Beauty Bonanza show in the Thainstone Exchange at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie on Friday 23rd of November.
The final entry for the show, organised by the North East Aberdeen-Angus Club, is 108 from 29 herds spread geographically from Bonar Bridge to Perth.
Main sponsor for the fourth successive year is oil tycoon, Alasdair Locke’s Glenrinnes Estate at Dufftown.
The show was the first of its kind when launched in 1998 and has since been replicated in other areas throughout the UK and Ireland. The aim is to highlight younger stock coming through in the Aberdeen-Angus breed.
“The entry is slightly down on last year but the show is still the premier show of Aberdeen-Angus calves anywhere in the British Isles,” said club chair, Angela McGregor, owner of the Newcairnie herd at Auchenhuive, Whiterashes, and also the current president of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.
“The large entry demonstrates the ever increasing popularity of Aberdeen-Angus in today’s modern beef industry. Those attending the show will have an ideal opportunity of viewing the latest genetic material in the breed and next year’s potential show winners and stock bulls.”
Exhibitors will compete for more than £4000 of prizemoney in 11 classes of bull and heifer calves and yearling bulls and heifers, with a championship and reserve awarded in each of the four sections.
Championship awards include a salver presented by Glenrinnes Estate for each of the four section champions and generous prizemoney of £75 for a championship, £25 for reserve and £100 for first prize in each class.
“We are greatly indebted to Glenrinnes Estate and all our sponsors for their tremendous support which enables the club to provide a real incentive to exhibitors to participate,” said club secretary and organiser, Janelle Anderson.
The show will be judged by one of the leading Aberdeen-Angus breeders in England, Rob Bishop, owner of the well-known Warrenho herd at Wokingham in Berkshire, who this summer chalked up seven breed championships and two reserves at shows south of the border.
The show will also include a young handlers’ competition which will be judged by veteran cattleman, Bert Taylor, Northmuir, Kirriemuir. Entries from youngsters of all ages interested in learning how to prepare and parade cattle for show and sale can be made in advance or on the day. The club will arrange an Aberdeen-Angus calf for showing if required.
The show starts at 11.00am and will conclude with the junior showmanship competition at 4.00pm.
Full details are available from club secretary, Janelle Anderson, on 07974 449806 or e-mail [email protected].