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Preparations for this year’s AgriScot event on Wednesday, November 16, are well underway on what will be the showcase’s first in-person event since 2019.

Organisers of this year’s AgriScot event are eager to welcome visitors back to the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston, where attendees can expect a packed schedule which promises something for everyone.

To include trade stands, demonstrations, competitions, a wide range of products, services, advice and information will be on offer for all sectors.

Event chair Robert Neill says: “Multi-sector events where everybody can interact are only set to become more important for the industry as we move forward. Looking at what we are trying to achieve in agriculture nowadays and it is the mixed farm that is going to come to the fore I think.�

Variety

More than 240 trade stands will be in attendance exhibiting a wide variety of products and services covering every aspect of agriculture, with AgriScot now encompassing four exhibition halls including the most recent addition; The Upland Hall.

There are also competitions for aspiring young agricultural professionals, including the silage and new product competitions, as well as the popular business skills final set to take place on the day.

Technical demonstrations and business seminars will also be underway, alongside the AgriScot dairy cattle classes attracting dairy herds from across the UK and Ireland as they compete to be in with a chance of winning a share of 25,000.

Mr Neill says: “It has been long time since our last event in 2019 and it is important for us to interact – farming is a lonely place and the AgriScot event provides the platform for a day away from the farm, bouncing ideas off one another and sharing problems which individuals are often not alone in experiencing.�

Any other dairy breed class added to dairy judging

In addition to the Ayrshire, Red and Whites, Holstein and Jersey categories, the dairy cattle show programme will also feature an any other dairy breeds class, welcoming exhibitors of in-milk heifers and cows from the likes of Brown Swiss, British Friesian and Dairy Shorthorn breeds.

Judging of the dairy classes will culminate with the Super Heifer and Super Cow awards, each offering a 1,000 prize for eligible cattle.

This year’s judge will be Niels Erik Haahr, a Holstein breeder from Denmark who runs a 600-cow herd. Mr Haahr also works with cattle across Europe, investing in high-quality genetics from across the world.

Speaking about what he will be looking for at AgriScot 2022, he says: “I follow a two-type model when it comes to assessing cows. I am searching for a well-balanced animal with super feet and legs, as well as an outstanding udder. The mammary system is very important for me and key for any dairy producer looking to get a good result from their herd.

“At my core, I am a dairyman who enjoys nice cows. It is a privilege to have been appointed as judge and I am looking forward to seeing some of the UK’s top breeders in action at the event.�