The National Beef Association (NBA) is pleased to announce the judges for the National Commercial Cattle Show, held as part of its flagship NBA Beef Expo, taking place on Saturday, 30^th May 2026 at the UK's largest town-centre livestock mart in Melton Mowbray.

Two highly respected Welsh cattle producers have accepted the responsibility of judging at the 2026 event. Glyn Howatson, of Denbigh, North Wales, will judge the Native and Continental classes and the Supreme Championship, while Tracey Jones, of Erwood, near Builth Wells, will judge the Baby Beef classes, Baby Beef Championship and Young Handlers classes.

 The National Commercial Cattle Show is one of the highlights of Beef Expo, attracting some of the finest commercial cattle from across the UK. Around 120 head of cattle are expected to compete across 10 classes for steers and heifers, with the overall winner taking home the Supreme Championship title.

 To support and encourage the next generation of commercial beef producers, the NBA will once again host Young Handlers classes, open to competitors aged 14–21, as part of the livestock section at Beef Expo.

 Judging such a prestigious competition demands extensive experience, technical knowledge and a deep understanding of commercial beef production, and the NBA believes that both Glyn and Tracey are an exceptional duo of judges for this national showcase.

 NBA Chief Executive, Neil Shand said, "The National Commercial Cattle Show is recognised nationally for the quality of livestock it attracts and therefore demands judges of the highest calibre. Glyn and Tracey bring exceptional experience, knowledge and credibility to the role, and we are delighted to have them judging at NBA Beef Expo 2026."

 Eminent Limousin cattle breeder Glyn Howatson, of Ty Newydd, Nantglyn, Denbigh, farms 1,200 acres with his son Gruffudd and in partnership with his father, running a 110-head suckler herd of predominantly pure, home-bred Limousin cattle, alongside 400 North Country Hill Cheviot ewes.

 A familiar face on the show circuit, Glyn has enjoyed significant success with home-bred cattle, including taking first place in the steer class at last year's Royal Welsh, and securing multiple awards at the Welsh Winter Fair, including first and second placings in Limousin classes and pairs.

 No stranger to the judging ring, he has officiated widely, including at the Welsh Winter Fair and at Borderway Agri Expo.

 Commenting on his appointment, Glyn said, "I'm absolutely delighted to be invited to judge at Beef Expo. It's a tremendous event with the highest calibre of cattle, and it's a real honour to be asked. I know there will be some outstanding cattle on show, and I'm very much looking forward to the challenge, and I know that the winner in their classes will all be stand-outs in their field."

 Tracey Jones farms with her husband Phil at Erwood, near Builth Wells, running a mixed beef and sheep enterprise with a 50-cow suckler herd of Limousin-cross and British Blue-cross cows, alongside a 450-ewe flock.

 Livestock has been central to Tracey's life from a young age. She previously kept a pedigree Hereford herd and competed successfully in Young Handlers classes at both the Royal Welsh and Three Counties Show. For more than 25 years, together with her husband she has produced show calves from their own suckler herd, winning on multiple occasions at the Brecon Show Potential Sale and securing Baby Beef Heifer Champion at the Welsh Winter Fair.

 Tracey has also judged at a high level, including the commercial cattle section at Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland.

 In being invited to take up the judging baton for the NBA Tracey said, "I'm very pleased and honoured to be asked to judge at Beef Expo. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Baby Beef cattle and assessing their potential. I'll be looking for animals that are smart, eye-catching and correct on their legs. In the show ring, I see standards continuing to rise year on year, so I know that judging will be a challenging task."

 NBA Beef Expo 2026 will take place on Saturday, 30^th May 2026, for more information on the event please visit: www.nationalbeefassociation.com/beef-expo