Beef will feature more prominently at The Livestock Event in response to positive exhibitor feedback and visitor demand for more livestock at the show, to be staged at The NEC, Birmingham on 2 and 3 July. The British Charolais Cattle Society’s national show is returning for a second consecutive year with a 25% increase in stall numbers to 100 places, whilst a further 100 stall places have been allocated for the British Blue Society’s new national show and the Aberdeen Angus Society’s UK junior championship. In addition, the main show ring is being relocated from the Livestock Hall to the centre of the Genetics Zone in the adjacent trade hall.

Judging will take place on the first afternoon. The breed judges are: Aberdeen Angus, J Russell Taylor, Inchture, Perthshire; British Blue, Gail Ellis, St Ives, Cornwall; and British Charolais, Archie MacGregor, Kilsyth, Glasgow. The Charolais Youth Stock Judging will take place on the second day.

“Last year’s we welcomed the British Charolais Show, the first ever beef classes at the event. They proved to be a resounding success for a number of reasons including the breed society’s offer of free stall places within a temperature controlled environment at the heart of the event, first class facilities for both stock and stockmen, together with easy access for breeders and enthusiasts from throughout the UK and beyond. Added together, and the event proved to be the best equipped in the UK,” explains Nick Everington, chief executive to organisers, RABDF Events.

“In turn we received very positive feedback not only from Charolais, but also from other pedigree societies, which led us to agree to expanding the beef section, with two new breeds and increase the space for Charolais. We also took into account the responses to the Livestock Event’s visitor survey in which one third of the respondees indicated they would like to see more livestock.

“Furthermore, this year’s new arrangements for the show ring will enable the cattle to be even more prominent and enhance the experience for both exhibitors and visitors travelling from UK and beyond. The 2013 event attracted representation from 23 overseas countries.”