The Balmoral Showgrounds in Belfast is set to stage a multi-breed beef calf show and industry forum on Saturday 14th November.

Billed as the first of its kind in Ireland, the one-day show will be known as Pedigree Calf Fair @ Beef NI Expo 2015, and is organised in partnership with the Livestock and Meat Commission and the National Beef Association.

Launching the inaugural Pedigree Calf Fair and Beef NI Expo 2015 at the Balmoral Showgrounds are event chairman David Connolly, and secretary Ann Orr, with industry partners Colin Smith, Livestock and Meat Commission; and Chris Mallon, National Beef Association. The event on Saturday 14th November will host classes for pedigree calves from ten native and continental breeds.
Launching the inaugural Pedigree Calf Fair and Beef NI Expo 2015 at the Balmoral Showgrounds are event chairman David Connolly, and secretary Ann Orr, with industry partners Colin Smith, Livestock and Meat Commission; and Chris Mallon, National Beef Association. The event on Saturday 14th November will host classes for pedigree calves from ten native and continental breeds.

The schedule features classes for ten beef breeds, both native and continental, and also includes showmanship classes for handlers 12 to 25-years-old. Judging will commence at 10.00am, and with two showrings operational throughout the day, and separate judges for each breed, the event will reach a climax with a parade of champions at approximately 4.00pm.

Prize money in each class includes: 1st £100, 2nd £75, 3rd £50, 4th £30, 5th £20, 6th £10.

The event has attracted sponsorship from Tesco, Crystalyx, Isuzu, HVS, and Bovipast RSP, and will give pedigree breeders from throughout the province an opportunity to showcase their high-calibre beef calves.

Michael and Jack Loughran, Cookstown, with their Limousin calf Millgate Lucy
Michael and Jack Loughran, Cookstown, with their Limousin calf Millgate Lucy

Throughout the day, a number of seminars will be on offer to consider the way forward for the beef industry. The theme for Beef Expo 2015 is ‘Beef Strategy 2020’, and inputs are expected from all sectors of the industry.

Organisers are encouraging visitors to come along and get involved. This is a chance for farmers to engage and view the latest products and technology within the beef sector.

Commenting on behalf of the 20-strong stakeholder organising committee, chairman David Connolly 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, and have already filled 60% of the trade space available available”.

The Limousin section includes six classes for calves born on or after 1st September 2014, and will be judged by James Hazard from the Mereside Herd, Saltby Heath Farm, Skillington, Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Schedules, entry forms and trade exhibitor information is available to download from the website: www.pcf-beef-expo.co.uk . Entry forms are also available from your local breed club secretary. Click the following link for  Entry Form PCF FINAL pdf

Entries close on Saturday 17th October. Completed entry forms must be accompanied by the relevant fee, £15 per animal, and sent to event secretary Ann Orr, 47 Cloghtogle Road, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh BT94 5EJ.

For further information contact chairman David Connolly on 07920 599422 or email: info@pcf-beef-expo.co.uk

Full programme of Event : Programme of Events