Mr Dunlop down for Expo judging

I see the Beef Expo committee have got the job right in asking Hugh Dunlop to judge the suckled calf classes at this year's Beef Expo 2007, which is to be held at Skipton Auction Mart on Thursday May 17.

To anyone that has followed commercial cattle judging, you will be aware how successful Hugh and his wife Lynne have been on the show circuit having won Smithfield in 1996 with Am Your Man, 2002 with Lip Gloss and 2004 with Dancing Queen which sold for the record price of £16,000.

They've also won both champion and reserve awards at the Scottish Winter Fair and in the commercial classes at the Royal Highland Show and Ayr.

Back home the couple run 140 beef suckler cows, 45 pedigree Texel ewes and 100 Texel cross ewes at Holehouse.

As for what Hugh is likely to go for on the day, I wouldn't say he will be particularly fussed for breed choice, providing the animal is sweet, clean, have a good top and present itself well in the ring, particularly if his recent exhibits are anything to go by.