SHEEP and cattle will be travelling from the South West to a popular autumn livestock event next week.  

There will be more than 900 livestock entries at the Borderway Agri Expo in Carlisle, Cumbria, on Friday, October 27. 

Exhibitors travelling from the South West include Lin Calcraft from Upton Ley Farm, Honiton, Devon, M Kirby from Blackberry Farm, Holsworthy, Devon, Haydn Lloyd from Lodge Farm, Walterstone, Hereford and Owen Philips from Sarnesfield, Hereford. 

Organised by Harrison & Hetherington, there are 22 national prime sheep classes, the famous mule gimmer lamb class and 25 national suckled calf and cattle classes at the show this year. 

North Wales farmer and breeder Gwyn Edwards will judge the commercial cattle classes, Donegal’s Pearse McNamee will be judging the baby beef classes, John Sinnet who farms in the Welsh Borders will judge the 2023 sheep classes, and judging the highly anticipated mule gimmer lamb class is noted Lancashire farmer and mule breeder, Will Sedgley. 

The five breed society shows will be judged by: 

  • Barney Morgan from the Alemeley Blues will judge The Border British Blue Club Calf Show
  • Heather Duff from Pitmudie Farm near Dundee will judge the Simmental Regional Calf Show
  • Twm Jones from Gwastadgoed, Powys will judge the Hereford National Calf Show
  • Andrew Hodge of Rulesmains Farm near Duns will judge the Aberdeen Angus classes

Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Agri Expo event organiser Laura Millar said: “We have been bowled over by the support Agri Expo has received over the years, and I would like to offer my wholehearted thanks to all the exhibitors, the judges, and the visitors.

"I would also thank the many trade stand exhibitors, from breed societies to feed companies to machinery dealers, who make Agri Expo such a brilliant showcase for the latest research, developments and technology that helps farmers improve efficiency and production back at home.” 

There will also be a silage competition, sponsored by Watson Seeds. It will include three classes: Class 1 - Beef Clamp; Class 2 - Big Bale; Class 3 - Whole Crop. 

The David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award will once again be presented by David’s wife, Sheila Thomlinson, to someone who has a passion for the future success of the livestock industry and is an inspiration to others.  

There will also be young handlers classes and the David Allen Stockperson of the Year Competition – a specialist event at Agri Expo which test the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of aspiring livestock farmers. The Young Vlogger Competition will also be running again, encouraging those under 16 to submit a short video of ‘A Day in the Life’ on their farm. 

Speakers on the day will include CEO of the British Limousin Society Alice Swift and Barrie Turner, CEO of the Suffolk Sheep Society. 

“Clearly the livestock are the stars of the show, but the schedule this year once again offers something for everybody, including huge encouragement to the younger generation of livestock farmers," Laura added.

"Once again Agri Expo will offer a unique opportunity for all those involved in the industry to see and share new ideas, innovations, and new technology. In the current climate of uncertainty and change we hope we can offer not only a showcase for excellence, but advice and information that will help the industry move forward into the future.” 

Cancer Research will be the official charity of this year’s event and the headline sponsors are Norbrook, Woodheads and Carrs Billington.