Royal Ulster Agricultural Society say attendances at Balmoral Show well on target to hit 100,000

Provisional figures suggest that each day has been progressively busier and with Saturday traditionally the biggest day of the show, the record attendance of 120,000 could be surpassed.

A record 3,000 animals and 550 trade exhibitors are actively participating in this year’s event. And despite the slow start to the spring of 2023, the many farmers attending have been in upbeat form.

There is a growing recognition amongst farming families that agriculture has a key role in meeting the climate change challenges that face society as a whole.

It was a point picked up by Livestock and Meat Commission chief executive Ian Stevenson.

Ian said: “Our Balmoral stand reflects the very positive communicated the very positive climate change related messages already associated with beef and sheep production. But more than this, I am very encouraged by the messages coming from other organisations attending Balmoral Show this week.

Meanwhile, out in the show rings, Hereford cattle breeders have been enjoying a week to remember.

Demand from breeders to exhibit at this year’s show more than exceeded the number of stalls made available to them by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.

“This reflects the growth in pedigree cattle numbers on the ground in NI at the present time,” said UK Hereford breed president David Smyth. “There are currently 200 pedigree registered herds in Northern Ireland. We are the fastest growing region in the UK, where new registrations are concerned.”