And this year it has a fresh new look, brand new competitions and innovative activities.
It will take place on Friday, October 29, at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, with over 800 head of sheep and cattle entered from across the UK.
Exhibitors will include some local faces from Dumfries and Galloway, including Ross Campbell, of Carsewalloch near Newton Stewart, and T N Cavers & Co, Hoghill Farm, Langholm.
There are 54 classes for commercial and pedigree cattle and sheep culminating with the prestigious Supreme Championship Award. There are three classes for young handlers and Agri Expo will host five breed society shows; The Aberdeen Angus Winter National Show; The Beef Shorthorn National Calf Show; The Simmental Regional Calf Show; The Border British Blue Club Calf Show; and The Hereford National Calf Show.
After the event was cancelled last year due to Covid-19, the team behind Agri Expo have worked tirelessly to make this year’s comeback event even bigger and better than previous years with a number of new additions.
With a focus on farming for the future, collaboration with H&H Land & Estates sees the reveal of a series of thought-provoking seminars, with speakers including chief executives of the National Sheep Association and the National Beef Association, and a DEFRA policy advisor. These interactive sessions aim to shine a light on a range of topics which are pertinent to livestock farming at the current time and offer farmers the chance to have their questions answered.
Sticking with the theme of farming to the future, The David Allen Stockperson of the Year Award is a brand new competition aimed at testing the skills, knowledge and capabilities of the progressive livestock farmer. This competition welcomes entries from pairs of Young Farmers Club members with first place taking home £500 plus a special trophy and £250 and £100 going to second and third places respectively.
The David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented for the very first time this year to mark the legacy of one of the UK’s most noted auctioneers, who spent his lifetime’s career working as part of the Harrison & Hetherington team.
Commenting, Scott Donaldson, director for Harrison & Hetherington, said: “Agri Expo has proved itself to be not only a true celebration of British livestock, but an invaluable opportunity for people to learn and share important new innovations and developments, as well as network and meet others within the industry.
“The livestock on show really is incredible and testament to the dedication of our British breeders and producers. The work that goes into Agri Expo, from everyone involved, is incredible and it would not be what it is today without the backing of our livestock exhibitors, trade stands, sponsors and spectators, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support.”
