MORE than 10,000 visitors passed through the gates to witness a true celebration of British agriculture when the Borderway Agri Expo returned for another year.

And for the first time ever, the event was livestreamed with a trio of guest commentators – Libby Clarke and Andy Frazier presenting the commercial cattle classes, and Scott Brown presenting the sheep section.

Also new this year was a vlogging competition to encourage the next generation to get involved in promoting British agriculture.

Open to individuals 18 years or under, this inaugural competition was won by 12-year-old, Honor Graham from Midtown Farm, Dumfries and Galloway. Judge Will Roobottom, who is the face of Cowley Hill Farm was blown away by Honor’s confidence and ability to interact with her audience.

As part of her prize, Honor was given the opportunity to film a vlog alongside Will at Agri Expo. Runner up was 14-year old Georgia Silvester from Staffordshire.

The highlight of the day was the crowning of this year’s Supreme Champion, awarded to ‘Sassy Girl’, a 16 month old Limousin heifer from Little & Shortt, Reserve Champion went to ‘Prime Suspect’ the British Blue cross heifer from Duffton, Small & Wilkinson.

Allen Shortt said: “I’ve always dreamed of winning an event like Agri Expo and to do it with a homebred animal is the icing on the cake. We won first at the National Show in Ireland and she has been over here in Cumbria with Katrina and James since July, they have done a fantastic job with her.”

Judge Michael Allford said: “Both Champion and Reserve have fantastic conformation and tremendous fat cover. They are just what the market wants right now. Both have tremendous tops, but for me, the winner has a fantastic body of beef which is what tipped it.”

Throughout the day, commercial and pedigree cattle and sheep competed in 127 classes, which included the five breed society shows.

To test the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of the progressive livestock farmer the David Allen Stockperson of the Year Award saw pairs of Young Farmers Club members battle it out across three classes. This year’s winning duo were Chloe Brough and Macey Rumney; followed by Sophie Mitchell and Katie Bell, and taking third place was Rosie Winter and Joe Pattinson.

There were 140 trade stands representing all aspects of the agri industry, judged by Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman, the best breeds stand was awarded to the British Wagyu; G Shepherd Animal Health scooped overall best indoor stand and Carrs Billington the best outdoor stand.

Cumbrian farmer and judge,Trevor Foster, had the difficult job of casting his eye over the Mule Gimmer Lambs. The NEMSA Perpetual Trophy, presented to the best pair of NEMSA tagged lambs, was Carnforth’s James Robinson, who also scooped first in the Single Mule Gimmer Lamb class. The reserve in both classes was Philip Elliott from Mungrisdale Penrith. Trevor said of the day, “It was a privilege to come and judge the show today. These are some of the best Mules from all over England all together and it’s a very difficult job to judge them as every single one is so good. At the end of the day you do have to make a decision and I hope I got it right!”

Speaking after the event, H&H Group Chief Executive, Richard Rankin, said: “The 2022 Borderway Agri Expo has been a spectacular showcase of British agriculture and we are exceptionally proud to be able to deliver this event. It has always been our aim to represent everyone within the industry, and I believe that with such a full and varied programme we achieved this.

“It’s wonderful to be able to bring together so many people from all sectors of the industry and work collaboratively to promote the strength and innovation of farming in the UK.”

The H&H Land & Estates seminar series returned after its successful launch last year. To a packed ring both seminars included a question-and-answer session which provoked some very interesting questions on Live Exports, Future Payment Schemes, Food Security and challenges faced by the next generation within the agricultural industry.

In debating and discussing ‘The importance of Farm Support and Food Security’ Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and The Borders said: “We have to support all aspects of food security and funding schemes must reflect this.”

Dr Julia Aglionby, Executive Director of the Foundation for Common Land and Armathwaite farmer, said: “We need to produce and support high health quality food production with high animal welfare at its heart.”

H&H Managing Director, Scott Donaldson said: “This year we reached a new milestone with our fifteenth event and on behalf of everyone here at H&H I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support. Each and every person that attends, whether they be livestock exhibitors, trade stand holders, or simply just visiting the event, plays a part in making the event as successful as it is today.

“Agri Expo has gone from strength to strength over the years and the sheer volume of people through the doors, and the quality of livestock exhibited, is testament to that.

“Once again, Agri Expo has brought together people from within the industry across the globe and the new livestreaming has highlighted just how far and wide our audience spans which is incredible. The feedback we have received is phenomenal and highlights that events such as these really are cornerstones in bringing people together and steering the future of British agriculture.”