The best of British genetics are scheduled to be showcased in front of a line-up of international judges and spectators along with the UK’s largest audience of farmers at the Livestock Event, staged at The NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 July.
 
The record entry for the National Brown Swiss Show will be judged by Jake Hushon, Wisconsin, the National British Friesian Show by Bill O’Keefe, County Kilkenny, Ireland and the Guernsey classes by Chris Lang, Ohio. Other dairy judges include Iwan Thomas, Swansea for the National Ayrshire Show, David Booth, Barnoldswick, Holstein and Jersey, James Strachan, Saxmundham.
 
Brian McAllister, Ballymena, Antrim will be travelling over the water to judge the National Charolais Show, Neil Wattie Jnr, Alford the Aberdeen Angus Junior Championship and CJ Edwards, Tavistock, the inaugural South Devon Performance Championship. The National Lleyn Sheep Competition will be judged by John Geldard, Kendal.
 
“Once again, we’re responding to visitor requests with more livestock and in turn the Livestock Event is attracting new entrants from throughout the country along with numerous old friends returning to exhibit their animals,” comments RABDF livestock co-ordinator, Sian Mercer. “The National Dairy Show featuring six different breeds is going from strength to strength with a record three national shows, the beef section for performance recorded only cattle is welcoming for the first time the South Devon Herdbook, whilst the Lleyn Sheep Society national competition will include Texel x Lleyn in the classes for the first time at the event.
 
“Exhibitors are once again looking forward to showing their animals at The NEC – renowned as the UK’s best equipped venue with its temperature controlled environment and first rate handling facilities. We’re looking forward to welcoming a visitor audience of over 17,000 including international cattle breeders seeking out the best British genetics.”
 
www.livestockevent.co.uk