The Farmers Mart Jun/Jul 2015 - Issue 40 | Page 20

Events

York proves a hit
for NBA Beef Expo
»»Held at the York Auction Centre,
2015’s NBA Beef Expo had its view firmly
fixed on the future. Its theme was focused
on technology and its power to improve
day-to-day farming.
Taking place in York for the first time ever,
Beef Expo featured over 380 head of cattle,
19 breed societies, 170 trade stands and in
the region of 7000 visitors (including a party
of 50 farmers from Northern Ireland).
A highlight of the day was the
announcement of the overall Supreme
Champion of The National Spring
Spectacular Show. This was Sooty, a
Limousin Cross Heifer, bred by Bowen
and Bowen and owned by Welsh farmers
Rhidian and Cai Edwards [T C Edwards
& Sons]. Reserve Supreme Champion
was Midnight Black, a limousine cross
steer, owned and bred by TA & LC Lyon
& Sons.
The £5,000 prize-funded NSSS
continues to grow from strength to strength
with entry numbers in the 15 classes
featuring 152 head of cattle. The judges

20 Jun/Jul 2015 www.farmers-mart.co.uk

were leading Scottish Beef Breeders
from Perthshire, Wilson Peters and Craig
Robertson.
The Baby Beef Classes judged by Craig
Robertson also attracted entries from
across the UK with the overall Baby Beef
Champion being awarded to Black Beauty,
a Limousin Cross Heifer owned and bred
by Tecywn Jones.
NBA Beef Expo 2015 Chairman Richard
Tasker, who is also Director of York Auction
Centre said: “NBA Beef Expo is without
a doubt the best opportunity of the year
for people in the industry at all levels to
network, meet potential new customers
and take home new ideas that can help to
add to the bottom line.”
One of Britain’s most famous farmers,
Adam Henson, judged the breed society
stands, and was on hand, meeting visitors,
discussing issues, and presenting awards.
The Young Handler Classes 12-16 years
old went to Ellin Wyn Roberts, showing Eye
Style and the winner of the Young Handler
Classes 17-21 years old was awarded to
Hannah Donaldson showing Hoity Toity.
This year’s event also saw the launch
of The Future Beef Farmer Challenge, set
and sponsored by EBLEX, the Charolais
Cattle Society, XL Vets and Thompsons
of York. The individual winner receiving
the Frank Nomber Perpetual Trophy was
James Bonnar, from Northampton, aged
25, who works on his family’s beef and
arable farm. The group prize and the
Duke of Northumberland Trophy went
to Askham Agrics, 4 Girl Students from
Askham Bryan College – sisters, Emily and

Amanda Watson
from
Durham, Becky Green from Derbyshire and
Nicola Terry from Ripon. Organiser of the
Challenge, Steve Dunkley from EBLEX said,
“This competition showed the tremendous
ability of the youngest generation and their
strengths in the industry.”
Mike Powley, who chaired the three
Technology seminars said: “They were
exceptionally well attended and a high
level of interest was