| Smithfield
2016 Smithfield Festival appeals to all sectors
With a wide range of technical seminars, trade stands, top class livestock and free entrance, this year’s Smithfield
Festival on the 15 and 16 November in Peterborough, promises to offer something for everyone involved in the UK
agricultural industry.
estival show manager William
Haire, is determined to add
focus on the future issues
within the industry, and says
this year’s event is better than
ever, having built on the
success of last year’s festival.
“Visitors this year, will not only be able to see
some of the best primestock in the country, but
will also have the opportunity to gain valuable
information on the latest technologies and
developments in agriculture.”
F
The 2016 festival will also see the
introduction of three new livestock classes
There will be plenty to see and do with an
expanding industry tradestand area, along with
a programme of seminars and a packed line-up
of competitions.
“We have an incredible line up of speakers
this year including Ed Reynolds from
Sustainable Soil Management on soil health,
Carolyn Hogan from Zoetis, on best practice for
handling and administering vaccines and Mike
Donovan from Practical Farm Ideas, on
introducing grazing livestock onto an arable
farm,” explains William.
“And to support the growing number of
44 | Farming Monthly | November 2016
young attendees to this event, this year will also
see a new ‘Careers in Agriculture’ workshop.
Individuals from a diverse range of agricultural
companies will discuss the huge opportunities
the livestock sector offers new graduates and
young people interested in a career in
agriculture.
Smithfield has always attracted the best
livestock in the UK and this year is no
exception, with renown judges keen to be
involved. Andrew Mutch, director of Mutch
Meats in Oxfordshire, will lead the sheep
judging and the commercial cattle will be
judged by Gavin Scott, from Gateside Farm,
Linlithgow. Iain Green from the well-known
Corskie Simmental herd in Scotland will be
judging some of the pedigree cattle
championships.
We are also delighted to have Martin Irvine,
star of the BBC Two series, “This Farming Life”,
in the judging hot seat for the Young
Stockperson of the Year competition,” says
William.
The 2016 festival will also see the
introduction of three new livestock classes.
“This year’s event has an incredible line-up,
and is packed with the best talent from the
livestock industry,” enthuses William. “Entry is
free and I believe anyone working in the
livestock or related industries, will benefit from
attending the event. I’m so proud of the
immense talent and enthusiasm we have
coming into the industry, and I encourage
anyone to come along and share the positives
our industry has to offer,” he concludes.
Full details of all classes can be found at
www.eoesmithfield.co.uk
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk