CUMBRIA’S Borderway Agri Expo returns on October 28 with hundreds of livestock entries.

Dedicated to the UK beef and sheep industries, Borderway Agri Expo will bring over 850 head of livestock entries across the commercial cattle, sheep and pedigree shows.

Drawing livestock, crowds, and exhibitors from all four corners of the UK there is a packed schedule, including the trade event and seminars dedicated to livestock farming.

Exhibitors from Cumbria include Matthew Benson from Pennington, Ulverston; Jack Bland from Westward, Wigton; DW Charlton from Skelton, Penrith; the Ellis family from New Hutton, Kendal; Ian & Nathan Granger from Glasson, Wigton; the Priestley’s from Kirkcambeck, Brampton; and Neil Slack from Newby, Penrith.

Organised by the UK’s leading livestock auctioneers, Harrison & Hetherington and taking place at its Borderway Centre in Carlisle, Agri Expo has established itself as a key agri industry event. 

Commenting ahead of the 2022 event, Scott Donaldson, Managing Director for Harrison & Hetherington, said: “The return of Agri Expo last year highlighted just how important this showcase and exhibition is for the livestock sector as a whole.

“Once again, this year we have an exceptional line-up of judges to judge an incredible entry of quality cattle and sheep – a task I am never enviable of.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, judges, and exhibitors for ensuring Agri Expo continues to go from strength to strength.”

With mainline sponsors, Morrisons, Norbrook, and Carrs Billington, highlights of the day include the 22 National Prime Sheep classes, the 25 National Suckled Calf and Cattle classes, Pedigree classes, Young Handler classes and the David Allen Stockperson of the Year Competition.

Agri Expo will also host five breed society shows; the Border British Blue Club Calf Show; Simmental Regional Calf Show; Beef Shorthorn National Calf Show; Aberdeen Angus Winter National Show; and the Hereford National Calf Show.

In the region of 850 head of sheep and cattle will pass under the watchful eye of a talented line-up of judges; Allan Wight of Crawford will judge the Sheep classes, Michael Alford from Collumpton, Devon, will judge the Commercial Cattle classes, and Duncan Semple of Argyllshire will judge the Baby Beef. Judging the Mule Gimmer Lamb class is Cumbrian farmer, Trevor Foster. Pedigree judges are Fraser Cormack, Pamela Nicol, Chall Pearsons, William McMordie and Varrie Loggie.

Following last year’s inauguration, the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award will, for the second time, be awarded to someone recognised for their passion for the industry and its future. Last year’s winner John Gent was the first to receive the award and described it as overwhelming and an honour.

Also returning this year is the David Allen Stockperson of the Year competition which is being run in conjunction with David Allen, The British Charolais Cattle Society, NEMSA and Cumbrian Young Farmers. The competition is open to pairs of young farmers club members ages 12-26 who will be put through their paces in three classes for stock-judging, EBV’s and stock valuation. The top three pairs will receive a cash prize and the overall winners will be presented with a trophy. Registration takes place on the day.

Gates open to the public at 8:00am. Entry and parking is free. For further information please visit: borderwayagriexpo.co.uk.