Highland Cattle Society set for spring show and sale
THE HIGHLAND Cattle Society hosts its 126th spring show and sale at Oban Livestock Centre, Oban, this weekend (February 11-13).
The iconic nature of the Highland breed continues to generate great interest.
Despite the challenges facing the agricultural industry, recent reports have indicated changing customer trends demanding smaller portion sizes and therefore smaller carcases, favouring the native breeds and the Highlander in particular.
Breed secretary Sian Sharp said: ‘There is constant pressure within the industry to lower input costs and maximise outputs and this is where the Highland breed comes to the fore, with the females being the ideal suckler cow for today’s market. Our breed is a traditional breed that meets modern requirements.’
The weekend begins on Saturday (February 11) with the annual general meeting at The Royal Hotel, Oban, at 5pm. This is followed by a drinks reception sponsored by the Provost of Argyll and Bute Council at 6.30pm to welcome new members, existing members, vendors and buyers to Oban.
The show is held on Sunday February 12 at 10am at Oban Livestock Centre where 106 animals will be exhibited in front of veteran judge Jimmy Laing.
There will be 34 bulls forward with excellent bloodlines from proven stock, nine yearling bulls who will be eligible for full registration from the age of 14 months of age onwards and 63 females who would complement any pedigree or commercial herd and would provide an excellent foundation on which to base a new fold of Highland Cattle.
The Highland Cattle Society is conscious that the enthusiastic young stock men and women are the future of our breed and a young handlers’ class will be held prior to the female championship class.
This year the young handlers will be split into two age groups – Under-12 and 12-18 years of age. The senior competitors will battle to win The Woodneuk Cup, presented by Wil- liam and Margaret Thomson of the Woodneuk Fold, and the juniors will compete for the Thistle Fold Shield, presented by Mrs Annie Perkins of the Thistle Fold.
Judging the young handlers is Miss Helen Laing.
Trophies will be presented at the society’s dinner and ceilidh at The Royal Hotel on Sunday evening, for which tickets are still available.
The finale of this weekend is the premier sale to be held on Monday February 13 at Oban Livestock Centre, Oban, at 10am.
Buyers from near and far will congregate to bid for their chosen beasts.