Festive fatstock classic show

FExhibitors will compete for an impressive cash prize fund and silverware

atstock show enthusiasts from across Scotland are gearing up for the Aberdeen Christmas Classic at Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ (ANM) Thainstone Centre on November 28-29.

The two-day show, which is run in conjunction with the Aberdeen Fatstock Association, regularly attracts quality pedigree and commercial cattle and sheep.

ANM’S prime and cull cattle manager, Tim Mcdonald, said: “Over the two days, exhibitors will compete for an impressive cash prize fund and an array of silverware, giving spectators and prospective buyers the chance to view and source top-quality stock.

“We encourage those who have not yet entered prime stock to get their entries in as soon as possible.”

The strong line-up of judges chosen for the event includes Scott Watson from Muirdrum, Carnousite, and Harry Woods of Bowland Foods Ltd, Preston, who will judge the open haltered beef cattle and butchers’ cattle.

The unhaltered beef cattle will be judged by Nigel Cumming of Scotbeef,

Inverurie, while Bill Mackinnon from the same firm will be tasked with heading up the open prime sheep and young farmers’ prime sheep.

Jim Smith from Wester Campfield, Glassel, Banchory, will judge the young farmers’ haltered and unhaltered beef cattle, as well as the best presented and paraded class.

In the pedigree sheep section, Jenna Ballantyne from East Cauldcoats Farm, Strathaven, Lanarkshire, will judge the Texels; Helen Goldie of Harpercroft, Dundonald, Kilmarnock, the Suffolks; and Simon Stephen, Meikle Geddes, Nairn, the Beltex.

Derek Nelson from Mains of Lundie, Edzell, will judge this year’s “rising stars” exhibition calf show on the Monday evening.

In last year’s Aberdeen Christmas Classic, a Limousin cross heifer named She’s A Belter from Andrew Anderson, Smallburn Farms, ruled supreme and sold for the top price of £6,200 to The Station Hotel, Rothes, Aberlour.

The overall champion award in the prime lambs section went to the winners of the open section, a pair of 51kg Beltex lambs from William and David Moir, Home Farm, Cairness, Fraserburgh.

They sold for the top price of £420 each to IJ Mcintosh Butchers, Fraserburgh.

STRIKE A POSE: Exhibitors try to get their sheep to stand correctly for judging at last year’s event, and left, enjoying the festive spirit as cattle enter the ring.

Tim Mcdonald.