Growing popularity in junior beef cattle shows and in particular the Stars of the Future Calf Show, has resulted not only in the introduction of two new breed sections but also a record entry for this year's event.

The show, which is this year celebrating it's 10th anniversary at United Auctions’ Stirling Agricultural Centre on Saturday, November, 9, boasts an entry of 410 pedigree and commercial calves from 164 exhibitors – the show's largest line-up to date. The calves will be paraded in 66 classes at this one-day event which also features young handler competitions, so the organisers and judges certainly have their work cut out for them.

"The event will be a real showcase for the future stars of the pedigree beef industry in Scotland," said Robert Paterson, new chairman of the Stars of the Future Calf Show.

"This show acts as a spring-board for calves and handlers to gain a bit of experience and confidence, with previous entries seen to go on and top shows and sales the following year. This is definitely seen as the show to be at this winter and we are looking forward to welcoming people from across the length and breadth of the UK," added Robert.

The two new sections making their debut at this year's event include breed classes for Salers, which has attracted a total entry of 17 head and will be judged by Iain Livesey from Cleuchhead, Hawick.

The second section is dedicated to commercial cattle, and is expecting 39 calves forward on the day to be judged by Hugh Dunlop, Holehouse, Ochiltree, Ayrshire.

Commenting on the two new sections, Robert stated: "We were approached by breeders looking for there to be dedicated classes for both Salers and commercial cattle with the increased interest in the French breed and cross-bred calves. Young Farmers rely on commercial cattle for Calf Rally's and we felt it would be a good opportunity for them to get calves out of the shed and showcase them in the winter."

This year, the native breeds appear to be dominating the cattle lines, with both the Aberdeen-Angus and the Highlander sections reaching the 70 head mark. Highland cattle numbers, in particular, have exceeded corresponding years and organisers expectations.

"The Highland cattle breeders are looking for an event to showcase their young stock, and the Stars of the Future Calf Show acts as their national, so it makes sense that the numbers are as high as they are, which is brilliant to see," said Robert.

With the backing of an enthusiastic committee, Robert who is in his first year as chairman also believes the show can look towards a long and successful future.

"The show has gone from strength to strength and it makes the job worth while when you see stock go on and stand champion at shows or set a record price. We are here to showcase the potential in every calf from day one, which is why I believe the show remains as popular as it is." Robert stated.

Classes will be judged simultaneously within three show rings, beginning at 8.30am, with the commercial and breed classes being judged first. The young handlers’ senior and junior sections will follow behind, with the pairs competitions, winning continental and native pairs then competing for the Joe Watson memorial trophy.

The show will conclude with the individual inter-breed senior and junior championships.

Judging of the continental inter-breed championships and pairs will be by past chairman of the show, Adrian Ivory from Strathisla Farms at Meigle, with pedigree livestock breeder and well-known stockman, Dennis Gall from Lockerbie, selecting the native inter-breed championships and pairs.

Calf entries and judges

Breed No Judge

Aberdeen-Angus 71 Robert Clarke, Shadwell Estate, Norfolk

Hereford 24 Robert Clarke, Shadwell Estate

British Blue 32 Ross Pattinson, Temon Farm, Brampton, Carlisle

Charolais 27 Katreen Malone, Pitcairn, Cardenden

Highland 70 Donald Dempster, Monzie, Crieff

Limousin 58 Michael Massie, Mains of Elrick, Ellon

Beef Shorthorn 30 Dean Anderson, Mayne, Elgin

Commercials 39 Hugh Dunlop, Holehouse, Ochiltree, Ayrshire

Salers 17 Iain Livesey, Cleuchhead, Hawick

Young handlers 22 Elaine Pattinson, Temon Farm