Organisers of the fourth Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships have reported a “record” number of entries.
The Back of Ireland-supported event will take place in less than a week on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021, at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn, in Northern Ireland.
This year, the event has a record number of entries, with over 250 livestock competing in the show rings for Championship titles.
New to the championships for 2021 will be the Dutch Spotted classes in the lamb section, while the young handlers’ competition, will return.
Furthermore, organisers have unveiled a new trophy, the ‘Sam Milliken Perpetual Cup’ in memory of Sam Milliken, a former member of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS).
This special cup will be awarded to the top-priced animal at the championships.
Beef and Lamb Championships
Rhonda Geary, operations director, RUAS, said:
“This year, we have over 100 entries, a record number for this popular event that showcases premium livestock.”
She continued, ‘‘Once again, we are delighted to have the generous backing of our principal sponsor Bank of Ireland. Their support has played a central role in enabling us to deliver this event.”
“This partnership highlights our own and the bank’s support of the local beef and sheep industries.”
“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to Eikon Exhibition Centre at Balmoral Park. Due to the popularity of the live stream last year, we have decided to stream the show and sale online at www.beefandlamb.org.uk.”
Richard Primrose, NI Agri Manager for Bank of Ireland UK, commented:
“With the beef and lamb industry playing such a vital part in the local economy, we’re looking forward to the show and sale taking place next week and the new online approach connecting the buyers and sellers with even more people this year.”
Show and sale
Last year, the spectacular show & sale attracted an unrivalled selection of premier beef cattle and lambs.
D & A McCrea from Bready secured the highly sought-after title of supreme champion of the 2020 show.
Tommy Jackson from Saintfield took home the coveted title of best butcher pair.
The reserve cattle champion, exhibited by Dermott Small & Blair Dufftown, received the top price of £9,200 on the night.
The premier beef cattle and lamb showing will commence on Tuesday, November 23rd, at 11 am. The “highly anticipated” auction will take place from 6 pm.
Tickets
Visitors are welcome to the showground throughout the day, and tickets will be available at the gate. You can find conditions of entry (proof of COVID-19 status) at beefandlamb.org.uk.
Admission is £5 for adults and FREE for under 12s when accompanied by an adult.
Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (UFCU) members’ admission is £2.50; you must present a valid membership card.
Furthermore, entry for RUAS members is free of charge. You can purchase tickets on arrival.
On the day, organisers will live-stream the show and auction at beefandlamb.org.uk.
Buyers can also bid for champion livestock through Beattie Livestock Sales on MartEye.
