BBC’s Countryfile presenter Adam Henson will open Beef South West 2010 on September 29.

Show organisers of the National Beef Association South West, have arranged for the BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson to attend Beef South West 2010 and to officially open the dedicated one day event, meet visitors and exhibitors as well as present coveted prizes in the cattle showing classes.

A respected farmer and ambassador for the industry, Adam appears regularly on national television, presenting a wide range of farming topics and issues. He has made numerous guest appearances on Sky Television, Central News and Top Gear as well as presenting BBC Radio 4’s On the Farm and more recently, the hit BBC 2 series Lambing Live with fellow presenter Kate Humble. Beef South West 2010 takes place at Exeter Livestock Centre on Wednesday, September 29 from 9am to 5pm. Main sponsors include AMC, EBLEX, Mole Valley Farmers, St Merryn Foods and Shearwell Data, enthusiastic and dedicated supporters of the South West beef industry. The event has been moved to Exeter from Hatherleigh to benefit from the excellent transport links, making it easier than ever for beef producers from all over the UK to come and have a great day out.

Entries are now open for the Primestock Show sponsored by Southern Counties Fresh Foods. With over £3,000 in prize money, event organisers anticipate a high calibre of entrants and some keen competition. There are ten classes and the overall beef South West champion will receive £500 in prize money. cattle breeders across the board will get their chance to shine with a new champion bred and Fed category with £250 in prize money to be won.

With a major focus throughout the event on young farmers and beef producers of the future, there are specific classes to showcase young talent including Mole Valley Farmers’ Young Showman of the Year competition, Young Farmers Stock Judging competition and Best Steer or Heifer shown by a Young Farmer. Show president John Lee said: “The region has some of the best beef farmers in the country which is why the showing classes are going to be one of the highlights of the event with generous prize money to encourage producers of all ages to take part.”

In addition the South West Young Bull of the Year competition sponsored by Exeter Market Auctioneers and the Suckled Calf classes will attract top commercial and pedigree breeders. New for this year is a knowledge and technology transfer area sponsored by Asda with a wealth of information and hands on demonstrations on carcase classification, dairy beef, gene tenderness testing as well as forage and grass management for profit. There will be cattle handling and EID demonstrations sponsored by Shearwell Data. Meanwhile, the cookery and butchery theatre sponsored by EBLEX will showcase a lively programme of South West chefs and butchers using the finest prime beef from the Westcountry, with a Steak of the Year competition sponsored by Southern Counties Fresh Foods.

Don’t miss the Event Farm Walk on Tuesday, September 28 with a visit to the Killerton Herd of pedigree Limousins and commercial beef cattle of Patrick and Sheila Greed, farming on the river pastures of the Culm Valley at Rewe near Exeter.

Without a doubt, Beef South West 2010 is shaping up to be one of the top ‘must go to events’ of the year.

For more information visit beefsouthwest.co.uk or email Lisa Vanstone, event organiser, at lisa@beefsouthwest.co.uk or telephone 01392 278801.