Borderway Agri Expo 2025: Making meat and money in farming

Britain’s leading winter livestock showcase returns to Borderway Mart, Carlisle, this autumn for a full day of competition, innovation and industry insight.

This year’s theme, “Making Meat and Money,” focuses on profitability, productivity and resilience across the livestock sector, core ideas reflected throughout the judging rings, trade stands and seminar sessions.

Taking place on 31st October 2025, Borderway Agri Expo, organised by Harrison & Hetherington, brings together leading figures from across the UK livestock industry to discuss the future of farming and celebrate excellence in livestock production.

© Borderway Agri Expo

Nearly 1,000 head of beef cattle and sheep will compete across 33 national cattle and suckled calf classes, 20 sheep classes, and five breed society shows.

Judges include Gavin Scott (Linlithgow) for the main cattle classes, Berwyn Hughes for the Baby Beef section, and Andrew Mutch for the National Prime Sheep classes.

Breed society judges include Iain MacInnes (Border British Blue), James Griffin (Simmental), Alice Haigh (Beef Shorthorn), Rob Bishop (Aberdeen Angus), and Joe Clark (Hereford).

Two major discussions headline the day’s seminars.The Big Debate, hosted by H&H Land & Estates, tackles the motion: “This house believes that farm subsidies do more harm than good.”

Tim Farron MP, Liberal Democrat DEFRA Spokesman, will argue against the motion, while Northumbrian farmer Pip Robson will argue in favour.

Adam Day, Managing Director of The Farmer Network, will chair what promises to be a lively exchange on the future of government support in farming.

© Borderway Agri Expo

The seminar “Hungry Land, Hungry People – Can We Feed the Future?”, chaired by Scott Donaldson, Group Director of H&H, will explore how British agriculture can balance food production with environmental responsibility.

The panel includes Robbie Moore MP, Daniel Zeichner MP, regenerative farmer Nicola Rennison, Julia Aglionby of the Foundation for Common Land, and Sion Williams of Buccleuch Estate.

Robbie Moore, MP Shadow Farming and Rural Affairs Minister © Borderway Agri Expo

Alongside the livestock competition, a major trade exhibition will feature over 120 businesses, showcasing the latest in genetics, machinery, technology, equipment, and environmental innovation.

The exhibition, livestock showcase, and seminars together provide a comprehensive look at both the practical and strategic dimensions of modern livestock farming.

Supported by Carrs Billington and Lloyds Bank, Borderway Agri Expo has become a vital platform for sharing ideas, promoting best practice, and debating the key issues shaping the future of British farming.

The 2025 theme underscores the dual challenge facing UK producers: remaining profitable while meeting rising environmental standards and consumer expectations.

The event also celebrates the people behind the industry, with Young Handler and Young Farmer classes highlighting emerging talent, and the David Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award honouring outstanding service to livestock farming.

© Borderway Agri Expo

Event details

Borderway Agri Expo takes place on 31st October 2025 at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

Gates open to the public at 8.00am. Entry and parking is free. For further information and details please visit: borderwayagriexpo.co.uk.

© Borderway Agri Expo