By Anna Burdett

Last updated at 15:06, Friday, 26 October 2012

Next week’s Agri-Expo in Carlisle is expected to attract more than 10,000 people to Borderway Mart on a day when 800 livestock will compete.

The sixth annual event has risen to national prominence and attracts farmers and traders from across the country.

David Pritchard, operations director at Harrison & Hetherington, said: “A number of years ago, we saw a distinct opening for an event like this in the north of England.

“It is competitive but also an educational insight into the very best of UK breeding for both sheep and cattle.

“We are bringing together the very best in the business and they are showing us just how it is done.”

There will be 150 businesses exhibiting at next Friday’s free day-long event, which will also host a number of breed society competitions. These include the Aberdeen Angus national winter show, the Border British Blue calf show, Beef Shorthorn national calf show and the Hereford national calf show. Entries to the beef shorthorn classes are up 30 per cent.

Frank Milnes, breed society secretary, said: “At the moment the Beef Shorthorn Society is going through a very successful period. We have increased registration and memberships thanks to the support received through Morrisons Traditional Beef Scheme. Events such as Agri-Expo all help to raise the profile of the breed and keep it in the public eye.”

Choosing who will get a share of a £12,000 prize fund will be judges from across the UK.

The sheep show includes 17 commercial classes and a special trophy will be awarded to the overall champion pair of lambs.

Bill McKinnon from Scotbeef in Stirling and Cumbrian mule lamb farmer Brian Ridsdale will judge the sheep section.

Gareth Corrie of Corrie Meats and Drumhilla Farm in Northern Ireland will judge the native and Continental cattle classes and Stirlingshire farmer John McAlister will pick a winner in the baby beef contest.

The YFC stockman of the year competition is an important part of the show, split into 16 and under and an over-16 class.

First published at 15:02, Friday, 26 October 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk