SOUTH west entries are headed to a popular livestock event this Friday (November 1). 

Farmers from the area will be travelling to the Borderway Agri Expo in Carlisle. 

Entries from the south west include Lin Calcraft from Upton Ley Farm, Honiton, Devon; M. Kirby from Blackberry Farm, Holsworthy, Devon; Edward Davies from Silverbanks, Ilminster, Somerset; and HG Perkins & Sons from Heywood Hill, Bath, Somerset. 

The event, organised by Harrison & Hetherington and supported by headline sponsors Carr’s Billington, Go Low Carbon, and Norbrook Laboratories, will bring together breeders, exhibitors and visitors from across the UK and Ireland. 

There will be more than 400 exhibitors, 120 trade stands, and nearly 900 livestock entries. 

Farmers and breeders will compete in 22 national prime sheep classes, 25 national suckled calf and cattle classes, and five breed society shows, including the Aberdeen Angus Winter National Show, Simmental Regional Calf Show, British Blue Club Calf Show, Hereford National Calf Show, and Beef Shorthorn National Calf Show. 

William Smith will be travelling from County Meath in Ireland to judge the cattle classes, Scotland’s Craig Robertson will judge the baby beef classes and young handlers; representing England, Cumbrian based Steven Wilson will lead the sheep judging; and the mule classes will be judged by Welsh sheep farmer and breeder Brian Davies. 

The Borderway Agri Expo will feature two seminars: 

  • The Future of Farming & Food Production – exploring sustainable agriculture and consumer demand for high-quality, local food, featuring speakers such as Jim Shanks and Tom Hargreaves.
  • Succession Planning & Intergenerational Farming – discussing legal and financial planning for farm transfers, led by Agri Influencer Tom Pemberton, Emma Armstrong, and Victoria Ivinson. 

Laura Millar, event organiser, said: “Agri Expo remains a beacon of excellence in the British livestock industry.

"We’re thrilled to welcome the world-class livestock, dedicated farmers, and talented judges that make this event so special. Agri Expo not only celebrates the industry’s past and present but also provides a platform for the future.” 

One individual will be presented with the David Thomlison Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the UK livestock industry. 

Harrison & Hetherington will be raising funds for RABI during the event.