All roads head to Thainstone for Spring Show on March 2

The first such event in two years, following last year's cancellation due to Covid restrictions, this year's show is expected to attract one of the biggest crowds along with a bigger array of outdoor and indoor trade stands

The event, organised by the Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) in conjunction with Aberdeen and Northern Marts, is also set to stage other major competitions including cereals, silage, stock judging and Young Farmers exhibits.

Champion breeding sheep at the last Royal Northern Spring Show in 2020, Beltex crosses from Willie and John Brown (right) pictured with the judge, James Warnock (left)

John Angus, head of livestock for Aberdeen and Northern Marts, said: “Once again, we are privileged to be hosting this prestigious event in the agricultural calendar and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Thainstone.

“We are pleased to have entries in from old and new exhibitors who will be showcasing the very best of livestock from the north-east and around Scotland.”

This year’s exhibition cattle section, sponsored by NorthLink Ferries, has attracted 50 entries from well-known commercial cattle producers and will be judged by David Blair, Littleinch Farm, Balmerino, Newport-On-Tay, Fife.

Forward in this section will be teams from Blair Duffton, Huntly; John and Craig Robertson, Newton of Logierait; Jim and Balfour Baillie, Sebay; Jack Hendry, Heads of Auchinderran; The McConnachie family, Lethendry; and many others including Young Farmers.

Islavale Jester, topped the bull sale selling for 8500gns for the Stronach family's Simmental herd from Berryleys, Keith

Meanwhile, the show and sale of pedigree bulls, sponsored by Azets, has more than 80 entries including eight pedigree Limousin females from the Shannas herd, Clola, Peterhead.

Judging the classes of Aberdeen-Angus, Limousins, Charolais, Simmentals, Beef Shorthorn and Salers bulls is Liam Muir, Upper Onston, Stenness, Orkney.

Prime hogg champions from Roddy and Hugh Thomson, West Park, Aberfeldy

In the sheep sections, Jim Hunter of Wedderburn, Huntly, will be tasked with putting some 18 pairs of prime hoggs through their paces, while Jonnie Campbell, Bardnaclavan, Thurso, will head up the 14 pens of breeding sheep.

The 60 carcase cattle entries will see Alistair Mitchell, Kemnay, select the top winners in the hoof section, while Jim Holden, Colne, Lancashire, will be tasked with judging on the hook cattle and prime hoggs the following day.

In 2020, the overall champion was awarded to a Limousin cross heifer from John and Craig Robertson, Newton of Logierait, Pitlochry, which went on to sell for the top price of £5000.

The pedigree bulls peaked at 8500gns for a Simmental from the Stronach family’s Islavale herd at Keith.

Supreme horse was the miniature Shetland, Milday India Jane, from Rachel Beattie

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

8.00am Judging commences of pedigree bulls in the Exchange Hall, concluded by parade of breed winners and selection of overall champion

9.00am Judging of horses and ponies in outside show yard.

9.00am Judging of sheep

9.00am Judging of cereals, roots and fodder in the upper concourse

10.00am Judging of carcase cattle in Ring 1

10.00am Judging of SWI cookery competition

10.00am Young Farmers’ industrial and box of produce in the upper concourse

11.00am Presentation of the pedigree bull champions trophies

11.30am Judging of the exhibition cattle in the Exchange Hall

12 noon Sale of pedigree bulls within Ring 2

12 noon Judging of the champion of champions in horse & ponies

1.15pm Young Farmers’ stock judging competition – Registration in Ring 1

1.30pm Young Farmers’ stock judging competition – Ring 1

2.00pm Address by RNAS president, followed by presentation of the RHASS Long Service medals in Ring 2

2.30pm Presentation of exhibition cattle trophies, prior to the sale of exhibition cattle in Ring 2

Collessie Kirsty from Ronnie and Pete Black, was champion Clydesdale at the 2020 Royal Northern Spring Show