The launch of the inaugural Northern Ireland Beef Event, Beef NI Expo and Pedigree Calf Fair, has just been announced and it will take place on Saturday 14th November 2015.
The event, to be held at the old Balmoral Belfast venue, will bring together the very best on offer for Northern Ireland Beef Producers. Key suppliers across all sectors will attend; there will be knowledge-sharing seminars and leading Producers from UK and Ireland will be judging the new model Pedigree Calf Fair Competition.
David Connolly, commenting on behalf of the 20 strong stakeholder committee behind the event, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to bring together the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer and promote the beef industry we are delighted with the positive response from sponsors. We have already filled 60% of the trade space available at the event. We are also very excited by this response and look forward to welcoming businesses and visitors to the new event.”
Throughout the day, a number of seminars will be on offer to consider the way forward for the Beef industry working in partnership with Livestock & Meat Commission (LMC), and National Beef Association (NBA). The theme for the event is “Beef Strategy 2020” and inputs are expected from all sectors of the Beef Industry. Organisers are encouraging visitors to come along and get involved, this is your chance to engage and view the latest products and technology within the beef sector.
“There is strength in numbers,” said Chris Mallon Chief Executive of the NBA and Expo Partner, “this is giving us the forum to have useful discussions about the future of our beef business, with a number of seminars to be hosted throughout the day, which will be themed with the “Beef Strategy 2020”. It is essential to work together to showcase the wonderful beef industry we have in Northern Ireland, and we are expecting visitors on the day from across the UK.”
Leading suppliers for the Beef Industry have already recognised the importance of the event and have pledged their support for the event with sponsorship being provided by the leading companies Tesco, Bovipast RSP, Crsystalax, HVS Animal Health and Isuzu Dealership reflecting the strong commitment to the beef and indeed wider agri-food industry in Northern Ireland.
The Beef NI Expo will also provide the opportunity to display some of the finest genetics from top herds across Northern Ireland at the Pedigree Calf Fair. Pedigree Beef Show classes are being arranged for Aberdeen-Angus, British Blue, British Blonde, Beef Shorthorn, Charolais, Hereford, Irish Moiled, Limousin, Salers and Simmental calves born from the 1st September 2014. First prize winners will go on to compete for accolade of Champion in breed. This will be a first for Northern Ireland, as it is the first show where the 10 major beef breeds have come together to showcase all that is on offer in the region.
The day will also focus on the next generation of beef farmers with a Young Showmanship Competition. This is sure to attract significant interest from the young people across the province who continue to develop and grow their ability to promote their livestock.
With trade space for up to 100 exhibitors, the show will also have a broad range of suppliers on site to provide information and advice to the beef industry; this will provide some new and interesting concepts for visitors.
Within the Grand Ring, judging will commence at 10am, culminating with the Grand Parade of Champions at 4pm.
