Strong Support for Livestock Classes at Countryside Live!
Livestock entries for Countryside Live!, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's new event, have exceeded all expectations.
As the entries for the cattle and sheep classes close, all livestock accommodation has been taken and there is now a waiting list. A total of 99 cattle and 261 sheep have been entered across the 18 classes. Countryside Live! takes place within the Yorkshire Event Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October. The event incorporates the Northern Counties Livestock Show and is sponsored by Yorkshire Forward.
Pam Wills, the Event Co-ordinator said: "We are absolutely delighted at the response from exhibitors, both locally and from further-a-field - there are a good number from Somerset, Wales, the Midlands, Lincolnshire and the North East as well as Yorkshire. When the idea of holding an event was first mooted, it was felt there was a definite need for something such as this, and clearly that is the case."
She continued: "The judges will have well filled classes before them, and it also means that our general visitors will gain an interesting and meaningful insight into the industry. One of our aims is to improve the interaction between farmers and consumers and this new event will help achieve that."
There are a total of nine live beef classes ranging from weight classes to those for calves, heifers and steers, with particularly good support for the heifer classes. Ian Anderson of Cumnock, Ayr is the judge.
In the sheep, where Robin Slade of Carlisle is judging, there are classes for native crossbred, longwool, continental and continental cross lambs, plus three classes for breeding ewe lambs.
Commenting on the entries, Miss Wills said: "As with the beef, the sheep classes will be well filled with two of the classes having more than 20 entries. Looking at the list of exhibitors, there are top names from the commercial showing world and well known names from the prize lists of the Great Yorkshire Show so there will be quality as well as quantity." One of the highlights of the two days will undoubtedly be the Championship presentations for the two sections which take place on Sunday.
Also included in the event is The National Festival of Meat, organised by the Royal Smithfield Club where ribs of beef will be judged, plus members of the Young Farmers organisation will hold stock judging competitions to test their knowledge of what makes the best animal. Richard Savory will be presenting his Sheep Show, highlighting the differences between the many breeds and there will be an exhibition of both modern and vintage farm machinery.
Tickets cost £5.50 for adults and £4 for concessions if booked before 17 October and £6 with £4.50 concessions on the day. Gates open at 9.30am. Car parking is extensive and free. For further information please contact the Yorkshire Agricultural Society on 01423 541222, or check out the web site: www.countrysidelive.co.uk where you can buy your tickets on line.
