Show has rules overhaul
Major changes to the annual National Primestock Show and Sale have been announced by organisers the Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society.
Mr George Greaves, show chairman, said the event will still be held at Bingley Hall, County Showground, Stafford, on the weekend of November 17-18 but under the new identity of the 'English Winter Fair Show and Sale'.
"A concern has been that the championships that normally conclude on a Saturday afternoon conflict with the need for some visitors to return home and tend to livestock," explained Mr Greaves.
"The show schedule will change, with most championships - with the exception of the Baby Beef competition - being moved to Sunday morning. This will culminate in the supreme show champion beast being announced shortly before lunch."
There will also be an important rule change for exhibitors to observe. A significant step has been taken by the show committee to ensure meat buyers - a key component of a successful show - are given a realistic opportunity to purchase the supreme champion.
"We have to recognise this is a show celebrating the very best of prime livestock destined for the food chain. We have therefore taken steps to ensure the supreme champion enters the ring for that purpose, should be put up for auction and allow meat buyers - many of whom remain loyal and supportive of the show - to compete and win the beast for their customers.
"We are aware in previous years this has been prevented by exhibitors wishing to take their beast away from the show for whatever reason. The champion will automatically be entered into the show's auction of prizewinners and will be sold to the highest bidder; that person will have to pay the winning bid and all commission charges that become due.
"Where the committee finds an exhibitor has intentionally instructed the auctioneer to set an unattainable reserve or withdraws the beast from sale they will face a suspension from showing at this event for two years. I repeat: this is a primestock show and we want to encourage and reward those genuinely committed to producing top quality livestock for the meat sector," he said.
Picture: George Greaves, show chairman, and Mr Richard Williams, SBAS chief executive, with the new event logo.
