Borderway Agri-Expo will return for its 10th anniversary show on Friday, October 28 in Carlisle.

Last year, this showcase event, which is organised by Harrison and Hetherington, saw in excess of 840 cattle and sheep compete in various classes.

The Agri-Expo also attracts in the region of 12,000 spectators, as well as trade stands and exhibitors from the length and breadth of the country.

This autumn event has firmly established itself as one of the leading one-day agricultural events in the UK, and plays a fundamental part in endorsing the success of British beef and sheep production.

Event organiser, H and H's operations director, David Pritchard, said: “ Over the last nine years, the event has gone from strength to strength.

“Each year, the quality of the livestock exhibited and the class of trade stands grows, which in turn attracts an amazing number of visitors to our Borderway site. With the support of our sponsors we are looking for another outstanding year.”

Those who attend Borderway Agri-Expo have the opportunity to view some of the UK’s most impressive livestock and take full advantage of the knowledge-sharing network via breeders, exhibitors and traders showcasing the latest industry trends and developments.

Besides this, the Agri Expo attracts some of the major sheep and cattle breed societies, many hosting their own annual championships at the event.

Highlighting the skill and commitment shown by the younger generations, an important part of the day is the Young Farmers classes and the recently introduced young handlers' classes, both of which are highly contested.

Traders will be exhibiting machinery and equipment, livestock handling and management systems, as well as providing specialist advice on feed and nutrition and livestock genetics.

High calibre judges selected

WITH a prize fund of £15,000 and entries increasing year-on-year, this is now a leading autumn livestock event in the UK. More than 800 head of the highest calibre of cattle, including sections for pedigree breed society calf shows, and sheep will be showcased.

Renowned local butcher and cattle breeder, Jimmy Mulholland of Great Orton, will judge the main cattle classes, the baby beef classes will be judged by livestock farmer Michael Durno of Auchorachan.

Taking up roles in the sheep section are Haig Murray, procurement manager in Scotland for the Dunbia Group, who is judging the main sheep classes.

Bluefaced Leicester and Mule sheep breeder, William Wallace, of Gapshields, will judge the Mule gimmer lamb class.

Jimmy Mulholland runs a family butchery business, and also breeds a small number of pedigree Limousin and commercial cattle to sell, is a regular on the judging scene at English, Scottish and Welsh winter fairs.

Since judging at the first Agri Expo 10years ago, Jimmy has experienced a vast shift in consumer demand and believes that uniformity and consistency is the key to judging such highly contested classes. Commenting on his return to Agri Expo, Jimmy said:

“I am honoured to be invited back to Borderway Agri Expo. Obviously there have been a lot of industry changes since I first judged there 10 years ago, but I will be looking for similar qualities in the animals in terms of style and correctness, as well as meat in the right places.

"This event is very important for the industry as a whole and its central location makes it accessible for breeders all over the UK to bring livestock. I think that, for the showman, this is the major UK event to win."

Judging the baby beef classes is pedigree Charolais and Simmental, and commercial cattle, breeder Michael Durno of Auchorachan, Glenlivet, who brings with him a lifetime’s experience of showing calves.

Although attending Borderway Agri Expo as a judge for the first time, Michael is no stranger to Carlisle having previously judged the Charolais May Sale and Limousin Bull Sale. Looking forward to seeing the outstanding quality of calves presented for judging at Agri Expo and will be looking for an animal with the potential to go forward and ultimately be a good, correct beef animal with a bit of flair.

Haig Murray, who will judge the main sheep classes, was brought up in the Lockerbie area and has been involved in livestock all of his life. He is well known on the judging circuit and in being invited to judge at Borderway Agri-Expo he said: “It is a great honour to be invited to judge the sheep at this major livestock event. The needs of the market are changing and I would just like to reiterate that I would like all farmers to focus on producing what the UK and worldwide markets require today; a lamb that is of good conformation and not over fat. This is what I will be looking for, an animal which is fit for purpose and fit to supply today’s food service and retail markets.”

Swaledale and Mule sheep breeder, William Wallace of Gapshields, Carlisle, will judge the Mule gimmer class. Farming alongside his wife, Christine, William manages a flock of 650 Swaledale ewes and 25 Bluefaced Leicesters.

Having attended Borderway Agri Expo as a spectator annually since its launch in 2007, William said: “I am delighted to have been asked to judge at Borderway Agri Expo as the quality of livestock on show really is fantastic. I will be looking for a well matched pair, full of breed characteristics, colour and skin.”