ALMOST 1,000 of the UK's most impressive livestock will compete at the 12th Borderway Agri-Expo at Carlisle next month.

Now established as one of the leading agricultural events in the UK, several cattle breed societies will stage their own national competitions while Harrison and Hetherington, event organisers, have introduced a number of new sheep classes. Blue Texel's will make their first appearance with a class to award the best pair of lambs while a new class for a pair of Herdwick cross lambs has been added.

Judging the main cattle classes is Alan Veitch, from Drumlone, in Co Fermanagh, will judge the main cattle classes. The Baby Beef Classes will be judged by Craig Malone, from Fife, and William McAllister, from Ballymena, will judge the sheep classes while Thomas Binns from Clitheroe will judge the best pair of Mule ewe lambs

Around 140 trade stands will exhibit machinery and equipment, livestock handling and management systems, as well as giving specialist advice on feed and nutrition and livestock genetics. There will also be demonstrations and a British Wool workshop to help sheep farmers maximise their wool’s potential.

David Pritchard, Harrison & Hetherington’s joint managing director and event organiser, David Pritchard, said: “The Agri Expo has become a unique event for the agricultural industry to come together to celebrate its achievements, meet with industry representatives to discuss current issues and gain knowledge and information about new innovations and technologies within livestock management.

“This year, more than ever, this event offers the farming community a valuable meeting point to remind ourselves, and our customers, about the fantastic successes of our industry and what we can offer global markets in the future.

“It also gives us the opportunity to encourage the younger members of our industry, who are full of optimism and energy and will take our products into new post Brexit era.

“I am very much looking forward to this year’s event and encourage anyone associated with the farming industry to attend, join the conversation and make this a truly positive and influential occasion which plays an important role in the direction of livestock farming.”

Borderway Agri-Expo is at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Friday, November 2.