Archive Article: 1997/11/21
Its that time of year again. Christmas is coming, the goose
is getting fat and around the country, farmers and
auctioneers are gearing up for Christmas primestock shows.
With the season getting in full swing next week, FW
remembers three of last years events…
Its all in the presentation… busy, busy, busy in the stock lines at Smithfield, as Andy Frazier applies a little TLC. As well as providing the chance to see some of the countrys best livestock, the event also featured a huge display of machinery and equipment. With no Smithfield this year, many of the visitors who, in the past made the pilgrimage to central London, may opt to visit other events. Many,
for example are expected
to attend the South-Eastern Primestock Winter Fayre
at Ardingly, Sussex, on
Wed, Nov 26.
A new era at Northampton, where the 103rd primestock show was held in conjunction with the opening of the new edge-of-town market. The supreme champion in the cattle section was awarded to K B Daviss 450kg Limousin cross heifer, which made £3.55/kg or nearly £1600. A respectable sum – but not as much as the first beast through the new auction ring, which, with the proceeds going to charity, made £3500. The big day this year at the venue is Wed, Dec 10.
Whats this, a meating of minds? The best of British meat on display at the Welsh Winter Fair at Builth Wells. Meanwhile in the carcass class, the champion – Robin Slades 20kg E3L Dutch Texel cross – made £320. Andrew Drapers top-spot Texel sheep went for £420 apiece. And you would not have guessed that the beef industry was still reeling from the BSE crisis watching Derek Winneys supreme champion steer sold – it made £10,000. If you are planning to visit the Welsh Winter Fair this Christmas, mark it down in your diary for Tue, Dec 2.