Royal Northern Agricultural Society Spring Show announces judges and new sponsors
Judges are gearing up for their work at the forthcoming Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) Spring Show.
It will be held in partnership with ANM Group at its headquarters at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie on Wednesday, February 26.
With trade stand space sold out, the event is shaping up to be a great success as it heralds the start of the show season.
The one-day event attracts a high quality display of cattle, sheep, horses and ponies and includes a show and sale of pedigree bulls in conjunction with Aberdeen and Northern Marts.
As part of an on-going programme of improvements by the society, trade stand bookings, show entries and ticket purchases can now be made online, easing the process for competitors, members and show organisers.
An early bird discount for entrance tickets purchased online will apply until midnight Tuesday, February 25.
RNAS president Cameron MacIver said: “Feedback from exhibitors regarding the new digital system has been really positive, with an increased number of entries particularly in the horse and pony classes.
“We are grateful to our existing sponsors who have supported us for a number of years and are delighted to welcome Caledonia Farm Vets and Nethermill Seeds on board this year in the sheep and cereal sections respectively.
“Arrangements are well in hand and in preparation for the show, an enormous amount of work and effort is undertaken by the staff at ANM Group and the society is extremely appreciative of their support and enthusiasm.”
Grant Rogerson, chief executive of the ANM Group, said: “The show is a key platform for the sector and our staff are delighted to be involved, look forward to the day and are proud to be partners in this prestigious event.”
Highly respected exhibitor of hunter horses, Freda Newton has been tasked with selecting the overall champion and best bred by exhibitor in the horse and pony sections.
Past major wins include the champion ridden and small show hunter at the Horse of the Year Show and supreme hunter champion at the Royal Highland Show, both very prestigious events.
Ms Newton appreciates how much work is involved in getting them in peak condition for showing, particularly in winter and said: “With record entries of horses and ponies, I’m looking forward to the task ahead of me and I know that they will be of a very high standard.”
First time judging Clydesdales at the show is Mark Noble, Inverurie. An enthusiast from a young age and now on the society’s judging panel, he said: “It’s good to encourage some of the younger generation to get involved with Clydesdales and keep the breed going.”
Travelling from Kilkeel, County Down, Northern Ireland is exhibition cattle judge Dermot Small.
No stranger to the showring, Mr Small is a renowned breeder and exhibitor of commercial cattle, who has won all the major championships including Smithfield, Scottish Winter Fair, Agri Expo, Royal Highland and Balmoral shows to name a few over a span of more than 30 years.
When pushed on a few favourites, he named Strawberry Blonde his homebred Charolais cross heifer which won Agri Expo in 2018 and many consider one of the greatest animals to grace a show ring. Another favourite was Jon Snow, purchased from Thainstone which notched up many wins in the UK and Ireland.
Mr Small said he’s looking forward to the show and added: “I'll be looking for an animal with plenty of width, good plates and legs and a little bit of a wow factor."
Carcase cattle on the hoof will be judged by Gray Gall, Home Farm, Kininmonth followed by Simon Gilmour of Edgefield Butchers, Edinburgh who will judge on the hook.
Increased prize money in the sheep section from new sponsors Caledonia Farm Vets is creating interest in these classes where William Cameron, Burnside of Edingight, Keith will judge the carcass hoggs on the hoof whilst Allan Ross, Wardhead, Strichen will preside over breeding sheep.
Caledonia Farm Vets clinical director Seb Batchelor said “We are delighted to sponsor the sheep category at the RNAS Spring Show.
“All of our team are passionate about Scottish farming and livestock and this is a great opportunity for us to support the industry in our region.”
“We have a rapidly growing ovine advanced breeding division, offering AI and embryo transfer, so the sheep classes are perfectly aligned.
“We very much look forward to seeing the outstanding stock that will be on show and seeing new and old faces.”
New sponsors of the cereals section is Nethermill Seed. Harry Smith said: “We are pleased to support the Spring Show, it’s a great opportunity to showcase the spring barley varieties we have this year.”
“As arable farmers and newly established independent seed merchants, we hope to build relationships and highlight the benefits of working with a local independent.
“Sow, grow, maintain, harvest, process, retail - it’s all done by us, on our farm.”
