Harrison & Hetherington is continuing with plans to stage its first big winter agri-event in Carlisle next month.

As Borderway Magazine went to press, event organisers were hoping that restrictions imposed following the foot and mouth outbreaks in Surrey would be lifted in time for Borderway Agri-Expo 2007 on Friday November 2.

Farmstock board chairman Michael Scott, who farms at Greenhead, said: “We will be monitoring the situation closely and, if there is any doubt, we will re-consider our plans.

“However, we want to be optimistic and we hope that this event will be one of the first once restrictions are lifted and something that farmers will welcome as an opportunity to get together and see the best of livestock and machinery on display.”

Both trade stand and livestock entries have been coming in steadily for the all-industry show which will be the north west’s first big agri-event which has the backing of main-line sponsors Norbrook Laboratories and Carrs Billington.

Providing an exciting shop window for farmers in the region, interest is strong for the event with nearly 70 trade stands having applied to be part of this new venture.

Also 25 breed stands have applied to attend and the support from sponsors for the livestock classes is such that there are only a few classes available to be sponsored.

The machinery section has attracted good interest with the major dealers and agents wanting to be present.

The event will feature a national suckled calf and primestock show, a prime sheep show as well as other livestock attractions. There will be machinery demonstrations and competitions, including those for young farmers as well as a food fair for local producers providing a taste of Cumbria.

Facilities at Borderway and its easy accessibility from junction 43 of the M6 motorway make it an ideal venue for such an event.

Added features of the day are calf shows staged by the Solway Aberdeen Angus Club as well as the Hereford Cattle Society’s national event.

“The region is a big livestock producing area and we felt there was a gap in the calendar for a special event of this kind,” said Harrison & Hetherington operations director David Pritchard.

H&H’s farmstock team has wide experience of conducting events at the mart, now traditionally staging numerous sales and shows on one day to appeal to a wide range of prospective customers – such as major pedigree beef and dairy events.

“The centre is a focal point for livestock producers in the region and this was proved by the successful National Beef Association’s Beef Expo event last June which was attended by around 5,000 people,” he added.

Trade stand and livestock entries close on October 6. Anyone interested in supporting the event or requiring further information can contact event co-ordinator David Pritchard on 07778 623748; for livestock enquiries, Robert Addison on 07714 215627; machinery enquiries, Andrew Templeton 07778 808464; and sponsorship and trade stands, Heather Pritchard 07714 761311.

Plenty for young farmers

With an eye on encouraging the next generation of farmers, Borderway Agri-Expo will feature a number of events for young people.

The national suckled calf show will feature classes for young farmers in both the sheep and cattle sections.

Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs will be taking charge of the stock judging, culminating in the Stockman of the Year competition.

Entrants will judge beef, sheep and dairy cows before tackling an animal health questionnaire. Points from all sections will be added up and the YFC member with the highest score will be named Stockman of the Year.

Members from YFCs in Northumberland, Cumbria and South West Scotland will be invited to compete at the event.

Young farmers will also be encouraged to take part in the eXpo Factor auctioneering challenge – a competition open to everyone visiting the Agri-Expo event.
YFC members will compete against each other to impress a panel of judges with their auctioneering skills. There will also be an open section in the competition for non-YFC members.

For more information on the eXpo Factor contact Lynne Grieve, tel 07803 242344, David Holliday, 07710 189804, Anthony Skelton, 07808 588971, or James Little, 07872 840685.

National suckled calf show

Highlight of the competitions is the national suckled calf and primestock show which has a prize fund of £5,000.

A special award made by H&H of £500 over and above the £500 championship prize awaits the overall champion if the exhibitor has bought the animal through the ring at an H&H centre or if it is home-bred and subsequently sold through an H&H centre.

The reserve champion wins a cash prize of £250. Classes are for continental steers up to 400kg, 401-500kg and over 501kg; continental heifers up to 375kg, 376-475kg and over 476kg as well as for native steers and heifers of any weight. Classes will be judged by Great Orton farmer and butcher Jim Mulholland.

The prime lamb section, judged by Paul Barker of Woodhead Bros, Colne, has classes for Suffolk, Texel, Beltex, any other continental breed, Mule, Swaledale, Cheviot and Blackface sheep in two weight categories – up to 45kg and over 45kg. The champion will receive a prize of £100 with the reserve £50.

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