More prizes on offer for butchers and farmers as Winter Fair draws near
Butchers and farmers have much to gain from competing at the 2017 English Winter Fair in November, according to a member of the show’s organising committee.
Antony Key, a goat farmer with a passion for carcase quality, says the show is a huge opportunity for butchers to talk to some of the country’s leading livestock farmers while also showcasing their wares to the public.
The prestige of winning in the carcase hall or one of the many accolades up for grabs in the products competition is just part of the appeal, he said.
“Our refrigerated carcase hall is the only one of its kind on the show circuit, allowing visitors and exhibitors to see up close the differences between breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry,” Mr Key said.
“Engagement with the public and with farmers is always a major benefit of attending. No other winter fair offers such a strong platform linking producers, butchers and consumers.
“The quality of entries is always strong, meaning that the winning one of the classes is a real feather in the cap.”
And this year the event has been strengthened by the addition of a partnership with the Royal Smithfield Club which will see beef ribs and saddle of lamb classes at the show for the first time.
“It’s a huge honour to be associated with the Club and the new competitions will no doubt draw in even more high-quality entries,” Mr Key said.
Running parallel to the carcase hall is the products competition.
Butchers are encouraged to enter categories including traditional pork sausage, pork speciality sausage, lamb/beef sausage; traditional pork pie, speciality cold eating pie, speciality hot eating pie, home cured bacon and home cured gammon.
Each class winner is awarded a cut glass trophy and the supreme champion will receive the overall trophy.
Mr Key added: “We also invite butchers to compete in an end-of-show auction where they will be able to buy some of the finest livestock in the country.
“Beef, pork, lamb, turkey and geese carcasses, which have been on display in the show’s refrigerated exhibition hall, will all be sold off in a live auction hosted by Bagshaws.”
The English Winter Fair takes place on November 18 and 19 at the Staffordshire Showground.
Tickets and competition entry information can be found at: www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk/english-winter-fair
