The Royal Highland Showcase has revealed excellent livestock entry figures for its sheep, cattle and goat classes.
More than 1100 entries have been confirmed for the innovative hybrid event, which is being held in partnership with Royal Bank of Scotland, when it takes place at Ingliston from the June 14 to 20.
The showing and judging of the livestock will be livestreamed during The Showcase to the usual home-based audience, but also accessible globally in a free hook up to the internet, shining a spotlight on some of the best of the country’s livestock.
There are 241 beef cattle entries, with the largest class being British Limousin (37) with Highland cattle close behind (33). Other classes which have seen high entry figures include Aberdeen-Angus (21), British Charolais (18), Hereford (17), and Belted Galloway (16).
The dairy section, which will not feature adult cattle, has attracted 78 entries, with classes in dairy showmanship (28), Holstein dairy calves (32) and coloured dairy calves (18) taking place this year.
Sheep entries have hit 775 in total, with Texels leading the way on 96 entries. Close behind is the Shetland section (77) and Blue Texel (63). Other classes which have seen significant entry numbers include Beltex (55), Zwartbles (46) and Bluefaced Leicester traditionals (41).
Goat classes have brought 84 entries overall. Competitions this year will be between dairy adults (39), dairy kids (15), pygmy (7), Boer (18) and goat young handlers (5).
The Scottish Championships for produce also have strong entry figures for dairy products (180), handcrafts (163) and bread-making (69).
RHASS competitions manager, David Tennant, said: “We have been spurred on by the number of entries we’ve received for The Showcase, which highlight the eagerness of competitors to get back into the show rings.
“The country's livestock and Scottish produce will truly be on the world stage this year, with classes livestreamed online and available to watch around the world. We know there is an appetite from our international community to get involved with The Showcase and there will be breeders from Sydney to Canada with eyes on the event this year.
“In common with other show years, some classes will not take place due to the minimum number of entries not being achieved, however we hope to see Swaledale, Scotch Mule, Cheviots and more breeds back in the ring for 2022.”
The entries by breed:
Sheep 734
Beltex 55
Blackface 33
Bleu du Maine 27
Blue Texel 63
Bluefaced Leicester crossing 17
Bluefaced Leicester traditional 41
Border Leicester 35
British Berrichon 26
Charollais 29
Commercial 23
Hampshire Down 25
Hebridean 36
North Country Cheviot 50
Ryeland 26
Shetland 77
Suffolk 18
Texels 96
Zwartbles 46
Young handlers 11
Goats 84
Dairy adults 39
Dairy kids 15
Pygmy 7
Boer 18
Goat young handlers 5
Beef cattle 241
Aberdeen-Angus 21
Beef Shorthorn 11
Belted Galloway 16
British Blonde 8
British Blue 12
British Charolais 18
British Limousin 37
British Simmental 11
Commercial 26
Galloway 7
Hereford 17
Highland 33
Lincoln Red 5
Salers 13
Young handlers 6
Dairy cattle 78
Dairy showmanship 28
Holstein dairy calves 32
Coloured dairy calves 18
Produce 412
Scottish bread champs 69
Scottish dairy produce 180
Scottish handcrafts champs 163
Technical Innovations 18
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