Beef Expo promises tapestry of breeds

MORE than 350 cattle of 22 beef breeds will be on display at Beef Expo 2010, the UK's national event, writes Andrew Arbuckle.

Organised by the National Beef Association, the event is held at a different venue each year and attracts thousands of beef farmers and industry professionals from across the UK and Ireland, as well as from overseas.

This year, the event will be held at Hexham Auction Mart, on 27 May.

"Beef Expo provides the ideal opportunity for pedigree and commercial beef producers to assess and compare the rich tapestry of breeds which contribute to the UK's world-leading beef industry," said Hexham and Northern marts' auctioneer, Scott Donaldson, who chairs the local organising committee.

"All breeds of commercial significance in the UK will be represented in what will be the most comprehensive display of beef cattle ever seen at a Beef Expo.

"We are grateful to all the beef breed societies who are supporting the event and appreciate the tremendous platform Beef Expo offers to promote their breeds. In addition to the pedigree and cross-bred cattle on display, breed experts will be on hand to discuss the particular advantages of their breed for commercial beef production."

Other features of Beef Expo will include more than 120 trade stands, technical and practical demonstrations, stock-judging competitions, comprehensive seminar programme and the National Spring Spectacular Show.

A novel bull judging competition will also give breeders entering bulls a one-in-sixteen chance of winning 10,000 for a 500 stake and competitors the opportunity of winning the bull placed first.

The following beef breeds will be represented: Aberdeen-Angus, Beef Shorthorn, British Bazadaise, British Blonde, British Blue, British Charolais, British Limousin, British Parthenais, British Piemontese, British Simmental, Galloway, Hereford, Highland, Lincoln Red, Longhorn, Luing, Murray Grey, Red Poll Salers, South Devon, Stabiliser and Whitebred Shorthorn.