Harrison and Hetherington’s 2019 Borderway Agri-Expo continues to grow its formidable presence in the UK’s livestock industry and has attracted another stellar line-up of livestock and a sell-out number of exhibition and trade stands.

This year’s event is set to be held at Carlisle’s Borderway Mart, on Friday November 1, attracting thousands of visitors. It highlights livestock trends, equipment, technology and of course, this year being the day after the current Brexit deadline it is sure to provide a major platform for discussion and debate.

There will be no fewer than 900 head of livestock battling it out for the £14,000 prize fund throughout the 57 classes and five breed society shows. The national suckled calf and cattle show, features 31 classes – baby beef, continental and native bred cattle, and the national prime Sheep Show has 23 continental and traditional bred sheep classes.

The culmination of both the sheep and cattle classes is the judging and awarding of their supreme championship. Casting their eyes over the classes this year are four noted judges travelling from Ireland, Scotland and England. Wilson Peters, from Monzie Estate, near Crieff, an exhibitor and reserve champion winner in 2016, will judge the main cattle classes and the overall champion of champions. The baby beef classes are being judged under the watchful eye of Shropshire’s Paul Tippetts, whilst Gregor Ingram, from Aberdeenshire, will judge the main sheep classes and Andrew Hunter, from Hexham, will be judging the Mule ewe lamb class.

Speaking ahead of this year’s event Mr Peters said – “It is a total honour and I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to judge at what is one of the greatest shows in the country.  I am looking forward to it tremendously as I know that some of the finest commercial animals in Britain will be presented.”

On top of the commercial classes, they are also set to host five pedigree calf shows which will include 350 head of stock being shown by their associated societies/clubs.

The breed shows comprise of

  • Aberdeen-Angus winter National Show – Judged – John McEnroe, the Liss Herd
  • Beef Shorthorn National calf Show – Judge – Vic Watson, Balliefurth Farm
  • Border British Blue club calf Show – Judge – Andrew Phillips, Drift Herd
  • Hereford regional calf Show – Judge – James Graham, Portadown
  • Simmental regional calf Show – Judge – William Young Skerrington

The future of the industry is in the hands of our young farmers and breeders which plays a key part in the success of Agri-Expo. The two classes – the young farmers and the young handlers – both provide platforms for competitive showing from an early age with individuals and students not only competing but learning about the trade.

Along with this, the exhibition trade’s also provide networking opportunities and an educational showcase, where they can learn about the wider agricultural industry, genetics and job opportunities.

Harrison and Hetherington’s joint managing director and event organiser, David Pritchard, explains its increasing role in promoting and supporting the industry.

“Representatives from all walks of the agricultural sector can join us to have a conversation about current trends and issues, gain knowledge on new innovations and technologies and simply network with like-minded individuals.”

Held immediately after the sheep judging in the sheep ring, AHDB’s master butcher, Martin Eccles will show off his butchery skills of beef and lamb to the audience. The exhibition trade area is always a key element, which showcases the latest technology, equipment and information, with the diverse range of indoor and outdoor trade stands exhibiting machinery and equipment, livestock handling and management systems.

Visitors can also benefit from specialist advice from the many breed societies along with feed, nutrition and livestock specialists. The newly introduced gift ring will provide opportunities for retail therapy, from a range of Cumbria’s rural and farm businesses. “I am very much looking forward to it and encourage anyone associated with the farming industry to attend to see just how much this agricultural showcase has to offer,” concluded David Pritchard.

Programme of Events - 2019:

8.30 am National suckled calf and cattle classes (23 classes plus championships)

8.30 am National prime sheep classes (22 classes plus championship)

8.30 am Beef Shorthorn National calf show (8 classes plus championship)

9.00 am Baby beef classes (6 classes plus championship)

9.00 am Simmental regional calf show (8 classes plus championship)

10.00 am Stock judging competition – Agri-Expo stockperson of the year

10.45 am Aberdeen-Angus winter national Show (12 classes plus championship)

10.45 am Hereford National calf show (8 classes plus championship)

1.30 pm Border British Blue club calf Show (8 classes plus championship)

1.30 pm Best pair of Mule ewe lambs

4.30 pm Championship awards and presentations