The National Beef Association (NBA) Beef Expo 2014 is set to eclipse previous years’ events thanks to the sheer number of animals on display and record numbers of exhibitors and entries expected to attend.

This is an event bringing together the cream of pedigree and commercial animals from across the country from breed associations, the prestigious National Spring Spectacular Show, farm tours, demonstrations and commercial trade stands.

With a prize fund of £6,000, The National Spring Spectacular Show has attracted 140 head of Beef Cattle, including Young Handlers and novice exhibitors. Exhibitors are coming from all over the UK with many exhibiting for the first time in 2014.

In addition there are 22 breed societies from Aberdeen Angus through to Welsh Black Cattle.

Commenting in advance Chris Mallon, NBA Director, said: “The calibre of breeding in the British Beef industry is phenomenal and we’re delighted to be displaying the very best at this year’s NBA Beef Expo”.

“This event really is a shop window for everyone involved in the British Beef industry and we are covering every aspect of the sector, with something for everyone from the professional farmer to interested members of the public. We’re looking forward to welcoming a huge crowd and our international missions from Norway and Canada and Northern Ireland to Hexham Mart to join in our festival of British Beef.”

Beef Expo is also a venue for networking and knowledge-sharing and a number of special events have been organised with a special focus on beef from the dairy herd. A demonstration, supported by EBLEX and XL Vets, will spotlight bull beef and dairy-based Continental heifers and calves.

Seminars will also be held on Know the Health Status of your Herd and Maximising your Cattle’s Potential, highlighting this year’s over-arching theme of ‘British Beef feeding our nation’.

Farmers will have the opportunity to find out more about best practice for better returns at 140 commercial trade stands displaying the latest cutting edge technology and the best in beef cattle genetics. Machinery demonstrations will also form part of the event including a showcase by Zetor Tractors.

Another highlight is The Young Show Stars Challenge for competitors aged 14 to 23. There are nine teams including young people from Wales, North East, the UK and Canada to compete in classes preparing, presenting and parading cattle, plus stockjudging.

Finally, visitors will be able to find out more about preparing and cooking nutritious beef-based meals in a fun Ready, Steady, Cook-style contest which will pit auctioneers from the region’s top marts against each other.