Details revealed for return of Agrifest event

A PREMIER industry event for the region’s livestock farmers will be returning next month.

Cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Agrifest South West is gearing up to bring farmers, traders, professionals and researchers back together under one roof at Westpoint Exeter.

Organised for the first time by the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) and proudly sponsored by Mole Avon Country Stores, the event on Wednesday, November 3 expects to welcome more than 200 pedigree and prime livestock exhibits, with classes for both cattle and sheep.

A further series of awards will recognise the tastiest steaks and burgers, with the prestigious Royal Smithfield Club competition for beef ribs and saddles of lamb.

Away from the judging, visitors will be able to browse around 50 agricultural tradestands including machinery, animal health and nutrition, professional services and breed societies.

Traditionally offering a platform for debate, Agrifest South West will once again welcome a panel of leading speakers to share their views on the challenges currently faced by the industry, as well as the opportunities moving forward. They include Andrew Branton, former South West NFU dairy board chairman; Luppo Diepenbroek, Regenerative Farming Applied in the UK; Neil Shand, chief executive of the National Beef Association; Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association; and Rebecca Cavill, associate director of Torch Farm Vets and British Cattle Veterinary Association board member.

Tickets are £10 each and can be purchased online at the website www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk.