THERE is nothing quite like the livestock classes at the Royal Highland Show and this year will be no exception with record entries in many sections.
Indeed, the parent society had no option other than to request some exhibitors to scale down their entries. Space is most certainly at a premium.
There are 15 separate sections for beef cattle with the largest being that for the Highlanders with
130 entries of these unmistakable animals with shaggy coats and long horns. Highland cattle are regarded by some as no more than ornaments, but this breed will live where no other could thrive. In recent months the overseas demand for this breed has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Next in line come British Limousins with 129 entries. This breed, originally from Central France, is now the dominant sire within the UK beef industry and many of the leading herds are based in Scotland. But Scotch beef in the eyes of most consumers is invariably linked with the Aberdeen Angus. This breed, with its shiny black coats – though there are occasional red cattle as a result of a recessive gene – will have 113 entries forward.
Another continental import – Simmental, which originates in Germany, Austria and France, will have 92 head forward. These cattle are renowned for their docility and milk production.
The Beef Shorthorn, which 20 years ago came very close to being listed as a rare breed, has made a remarkable recovery and this year the entry of 81 is almost double the figure at last year's show. More and more commercial breeders are seeking to run closed herds and avoid buying in replacement females. A Beef Shorthorn bull has been the solution for many. In total 1,062 beef cattle will be on parade – an increase of 155 on last year.
The sheep rings will be equally busy with 1,652 animals forward, representing 23 individual breeds in addition to classes for cross-bred sheep.
Texels lead the way with a massive entry of 237 – up by almost 50 on last year. The judging of those classes will take some time.
Beltex entries total 187 – again well above the 2008 total. This breed, which is a close relative of the Texel, was originally imported from Belgium. It is extremely well muscled and many of the champions at prime stock sales are sired by Beltex rams.
The Blackface, which is still the most numerous breed in the UK, will have a highly respectable 88 entries forward. This figure is matched by the North Country Cheviot entry.
The minority breeds have many dedicated supporters and none more so that those who rear Shetland sheep with a turnout of 109 entries. They are not the biggest sheep around, but they do produce high-quality wool, which is much in demand by the specialist small textile industry.
Meanwhile, there are three sections for goats – adults, kids and milking – with a total entry of 140 animals. Goat's milk is increasingly popular in health food outlets as well as for cheese making.
Light horse numbers run to almost 1,600 entries split into a range of sections. In addition there are classes for carriage driving and heavy horse turnouts.
But for many visitors the greatest attraction over the four days will be the Clydesdale horses. They were once the only source of power on Scotland's farms, and while numbers are vastly reduced from 70 years ago, they still remain a fascination for many. The sight of a Clydesdale magnificently turned out in all its pomp symbolises the very spirit of the Royal Highland Show.
