Scottish livestock exhibitors are being encouraged to continue their December foray to the South of England in pursuit of over £50,000 worth of prize money and valuable trophies at the Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair.
Following Quality Meat Scotland’s announcement of a £1,000 programme to give payments of £20 per beast and £5 per pen of lambs entered into this year’s Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair Competitions, to help with transport costs., the number of entries has soared.
And to make sure that every Scottish exhibitor receives the same support for their entries, well known Borders farmer and livestock buyer, Hugh Veitch, has offered an additional £500 to help fund the array of Scottish challengers attending the new event which takes place at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset on December 1st and 2nd.
The support will help offset the transport costs for farmers bringing their livestock down south to the new event which takes place at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset on December 1st and 2nd.
The Fair – centred round the prestigious Royal Smithfield Club livestock competitions – is being organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society and the Royal Smithfield Club.
The two day event concludes with a major auction sale, where competition for the champions and class winners is intense. In 2004 record prices of £16,000 were paid for The Merial Supreme Champion Beast and £1,000 per head for the Supreme Champion Pen of Lambs.
Over 770 of the country’s very best primestock cattle and sheep will be competing with 26 of the 197 exhibitors coming down from Scotland, bringing 55 cattle and 25 sheep entries.
Mr Veitch, a stalwart supporter of the Royal Smithfield Livestock competitions, said he was pleased to be able to help. He said he has been contemplating sponsoring a class but then decided to pledge support for the transport costs instead as he felt it would benefit the Scottish exhibitors all round.
Mr Veitch who farms 240 acres in Berwickshire said: “Everyone up here is very positive about the event – it is going to be a brilliant show and we are all looking forward to it.
“This event is very necessary for the good of the livestock and meat industry. It is essential we have a national show. Smithfield was always looked on as the best – I think this new event will be just as good if not better!”
QMS Chairman Donald Biggar said: “Scotland’s reputation for breeding world class cattle is important for our whole farming industry.
“Scotch Beef has strong links with Smithfield, indeed the Scotch name came from the historical practice of driving Scotch Oxen - down to Smithfield for sale to discerning London consumers. For years the show had prizes for the best Scotch Cattle.
“Supporting Scottish farmers in attending such a high profile show not only respects the historical significance, but helps raise awareness of the high standards of care and attention of not only show animals, but all parts of the Scottish production chain.
“It’s also a good way to highlight the great skill in stock handling and husbandry that has been built up over generations of Scottish farmers.”
In welcoming the extra support, Chairman of Royal Smithfield Club John Coultrip said: “It is marvellous to receive this endorsement for our new event from Scotland, and in particular from Hugh who has been a staunch Smithfield supporter all his life.
“Scottish exhibitors have always been a major part of the Smithfield Show and we hope to see even more at Shepton Mallet on December 1st and 2nd .
Full details of the Show being held at the Shepton Mallet Showground on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December are available from The Royal Smithfield Club
Tel: 01225 837904
The show opens from 8.30am to 6pm each day. Advanced Saver Tickets (price £10 for adults, £8 for senior citizens, disabled and students, and free for children and members of the Royal Smithfield Club and the Royal Bath & West of England Society) can be booked now on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222. For tradestand enquiries and further information about the Show ring the Bath & West Showground on 01749 822 200
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Support for Scottish Livestock Exhibitors
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