FIVE years ago, Hatherleigh was at the heart of the devastating outbreak of foot and mouth in Devon in 2001. Now in September 2006, this historic town will be staging the second Beef and Growing Cattle South West, spearheading a new era and renaissance in quality beef production. On Thursday September 7 from 9am to 5pm, this dynamic one-day event at Hatherleigh Livestock Centre will be full to capacity and brimming with hundreds of prime beef cattle and thousands of producers, processors, butchers and businesses. It provides a unique opportunity to source, compare and find out more about the South West beef industry in virtually every aspect of production and new technology. The programme of events and list of speakers, breeders and companies taking part, reads like the ?Who?s Who? of the South West beef industry. More than 2,000 visitors attended the first Beef and Growing Cattle South West in 2004 and even more producers, butchers and beef buyers are expected to attend this year. Show organisers, the National Beef Association South West, are determined to fly the flag for the region?s beef industry and promote its world class eating qualities and production systems to a wider audience, to secure new markets and a sustainable future for beef and dairy beef producers. This enthusiasm is matched by show president Sir John Cave, an active supporter of the South West farming industry. Bill Harper, chair of the organising committee said: ?The 2004 show triumphed in putting South West beef back on the map and this year?s event is even bigger, with some exciting new innovations and developments, including a new Primestock Show as well as a Beef Butcher of the Year competition. ?If you?re serious about beef production or keen to find out more, then Beef and Growing Cattle is a must.? An impressive line up of 200 prime beef cattle will be centre stage, offering producers the chance to compare the many beef breeds, cross-breeds and dairy beef calves for the store or finished market. Many of the major breed societies will be featuring pedigree and crossbred cattle on their stands, generating tremendous interest. The Primestock Show has classes for commercial cattle, including owner-bred cattle classes and young farmers? stock judging. The Field Science Moorland Challenge for spring born suckled calves returns and will showcase the breeding expertise of Dartmoor, Exmoor and Bodmin Moor producers. Meanwhile, the importance of quality carcass production will be in the CMA Hoof and Hook Carcass competition, giving producers and meat buyers the chance to evaluate 20 continental and native breed carcasses. Butchers will have the opportunity to purchase the sides of beef after the event. Following the opening ceremony, all the latest on the regional, national and global beef market will be presented and debated in the Mole Valley Theatre. Close by, a farmers? market will give visitors the chance to go home with a selection of mouth watering food and drink from West Country producers. A record breaking 120 companies, organisations and breed societies are taking part in Beef and Growing Cattle South West. Entry is: adults £7, Students £5, Children up to 16 years old £3 (Under 5s free).
