Exhibitors wanting to take part in the inaugural Pedigree Calf Fair and Beef NI Expo 2015, are reminded that the closing date for entries is this Saturday, October 17.

The one-day show, the first of its kind in Ireland, takes place at the Balmoral Showgrounds in Belfast on Saturday, November 14.

Chairman, David Connolly said: ”We’ve had a positive response with entries flooding in from herd owners across the country. The event aims to showcase the premium quality calves, and the excellent bloodlines and genetics, available in local pedigree herds.

“It is not only a forum for pedigree beef in Northern Ireland, but an opportunity for industry related businesses to showcase and promote their products and services at this high profile event.” The schedule for the Pedigree Calf Fair boasts a variety of classes for calves aged between seven and 14-months-old. The multi-breed show is inviting entries from 10 native and Continental beef breeds.

Prizemoney in each class includes: 1, £100; 2, £75; 3, £50; 4, £30; 5, £20; 6, £10.

Two showrings will be operating throughout the day, with judging getting underway at 10am.

The showmanship competition, offering three classes for handlers aged from 12 to 25 years-of-age, will commence at noon, and will be judged by Alison Connolly from Saintfield, County Down.

Judging of the senior and junior breed champions will take place at 3pm, and will be followed by a parade of champions at 4pm.

Organised in partnership with the Livestock and Meat Commission, and the National Beef Association, it is generously sponsored by Tesco, Isuzu, HVS Animal Health, Crystalyx and Bovipast RSP.

The event has secured high profile judges from across England, Scotland and Ireland. Individual breed judges include: Aberdeen Angus – John Coultrip, Wingfield Farm, Stalisfield, Faversham, Kent.

Beef Shorthorn – Carey Coombs, Weston Farm, Carnwath, Lanarkshire.

British Blonde – Desmond Greene, Hazelwood, Murrinstown, County Wexford.

British Blue – Jarlath Duggan, Rathdowney, County Laois.

Charolais – Archie MacGregor, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, Glasgow.

Hereford – Albert de Cogan, Killamuckley, Castlemartyr, County Cork.

Irish Moiled – Christopher Ball, Manor House Farm, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.

Limousin – James Hazard, Saltby Heath Farm, Skillington, Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Salers – Jock Watson, Wynfield, Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Simmental – Hector MacAskill, Woodhall Farm, Innerwick, Dunbar, East Lothian.

Entry fees for the calf classes are £15 per animal, and £5 per person for the showmanship classes.

Schedules and entry forms can be downloaded from the Pedigree Calf Fair at Beef NI Expo 2015 website: www.pcf-beef-expo.co.uk.

Alternatively, contact your local breed society secretary for further information.

Completed entry forms must be accompanied by the relevant entry fees and submitted to PCF event secretary Ann Orr, on or before Saturday, October 17.

Trade stand application forms are also available on the website. Alternatively, contact PCF event chairman David Connolly on mobile: 07920 599422.