Following the resounding success of Borderway’s first Agri-Expo event last November, plans are now well advanced for this year’s event on Friday October 31.

2007 Borderway Agri-Expo cattle
being judged by Jimmy Mulholland

The inaugural event organised by auction company Harrison & Hetherington at Borderway, Carlisle, attracted an estimated 5,000 visitors and almost 120 exhibits of machinery demonstrations, breed society and trade stands.

Harrison & Hetherington operations director and event co-ordinator David Pritchard said: “Last year’s event was a credit to the beef and sheep producers who exhibited animals, demonstrating the high quality of livestock in the UK.

“We received some most favourable comments that this event was greatly needed for the north west area which has spurred us on with plans for the 2008 event which we hope can be bigger and better.”

Mainline sponsors this year are Carrs Billington, Farmers Guardian, Norbrook Laboratories (GB) and LTS (Livestock Technology Solutions).

Once again this year’s event will feature a national suckled calf and primestock show with a total prize fund of £7,000 with classes for both continental and native breed steers and heifers.

The overall champion prize is £500 with a special award made to the champion animal by Harrison & Hetherington, subject to qualification. The reserve supreme champion attracts a £250 prize.

Other key livestock shows on the day include a national Hereford Society calf show, an English national Aberdeen Angus calf show and a Border British Blue calf show.

A national prime sheep show with £100 prize money for the champion pair of lambs and £50 to the reserve has classes for continental and native breeds.

Last year more than 130 head of cattle and 60 consignments of prime lambs were forward for judging.

Cattle judge is well known showman John Peckitt, from Thirsk, and judging the sheep will be Paul Barker, of Woodhead Bros, Colne.

Young farmers continue to be involved, staging competitions. There will also be a machinery show and demonstrations as well as a 4x4 show.

As well as trade stands and educational exhibits there will also be a food fair.

Visit the website for details.

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