The Rare Breed Survival Trust Northern Ireland (RBSTNI) Support Group’s 27th Annual Show and Sale will be held at Gosford Forest Park on Saturday 7th September 2013.
Schedules and entry forms for all sections are now available to download from the Group’s website at www.rbstni.co.uk to meet the closing date for entries of Saturday 3rd August.
Schedules contain a wide range of cattle, pig, poultry, sheep, goat and equine classes to accommodate the huge diversity of native and traditional breeds. The Annual Show and Sale is the main Show for a number of breeds including Kerry Hill sheep, Irish Moiled cattle and Dexter cattle, demonstrated by the large number of exhibitors and animals. In addition there is a special entry of Wensleydale sheep for show and sale. Judging of cattle and sheep commences at 10.00am and the sale commences at 1.00pm.
The culmination of a season of qualifiers across a number of county shows takes place via the TESCO Derbies for cattle, sheep and pigs where previously qualified animals compete for significant prize money donated by the sponsor.
Wool enthusiasts can enter their fleeces for judging and display in the exciting fleece marquee alongside demonstrations and workshops by the Ulster Spinners and Weavers and by Felters Ireland. The Fleece Competition is one of only two such competitions at shows in the island of Ireland. A wide range of rare and native Breeds are represented. There is also a Fleece Archive which is a comprehensive collection of fleece of sheep breeds of Britain and Ireland.
The Poultry Show and Sale has 61 separate classes and attracted over 650 entries last year with highly positive comments from Poultry Convenor Olive Mercer on the overall quality of the birds. Poultry judging commences at 9.30am and the sale starts at 11.00am sharp.
For those with an eye for an artful composition there is also a photographic competition. And those with crafts for sale can book stands in the craft marquee. This event is also a great family day out if there are any budding animal enthusiasts in the family. No-one should miss the delights of the pig young handlers class as the young exhibitors show whether they have got what it takes to keep their frisky charges under control.Enthusiastic exhibitors and committee members will be on hand to answer any questions about the breeds and point enquiries in the right direction.
RBST is the only charity dedicated to supporting British native livestock genetics and any monies raised will go towards this cause in NI and the rest of the UK. Visit the NI Group’s website at www.rbstni.co.uk. RBSTNI are always looking for new members.
(Source – Farming Life – 23/07/2013)
The Annual Show and Sale includes classes for eight different native and traditional pig breeds.