The number of sheep entered to compete in next month’s Royal Highland Show is at a 10-year high.
Organisers the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) yesterday revealed that 2,031 sheep were entered for the show, which takes place on June 22-25. This is up from 1,842 entries in 2016.
The Beltex section is leading the way with 216 entries, with the Texels close behind at 201.
Zwartbles entries are at their highest in 10 years with 131 forward, largely due to the Highland being the venue for the breed’s national show in 2017.
This year’s show will feature a new sheep section for Blue Texels and Northern Irish judge Elizabeth McAllister will have 32 lots to assess.
In the cattle section, 985 beef cattle and 116 dairy cattle are entered.
Salers entries are at their highest level since 2007 with 40 forward for judging, while the Aberdeen-Angus section has the highest number forward with 144 beasts entered for assessment. This is largely due to the Highland taking place at the same time as the World Angus Forum being staged in Scotland.
Limousin entries are down slightly to 104, from 126 previously, while entries in the beef breeder classes are up to 90, from 85 before.
Dairy entries are up by 10 on last year with Holstein entries at 41 and Ayrshire entries at 29.
The horse section will feature a new Horse of the Year Qualifier – the Junior M&M Ridden class for large and small ponies.
In the light horse section, 1,635 entries are forward, while the heavy horse section has a record 408 entries.
Goat entries are at a record high of 137.
Show manager David Jackson said: “The Highland prides itself on showcasing the very best the livestock industry has to offer, and this year is no exception. We continue to increase numbers, and introduce new classes, with amazing support from our exhibitors. And with around £180,000 prize money at stake, we will see some fierce competition for a winning class placing.
“As an event, we continue to develop and remain true to our roots as an agricultural show and work hard to be truly relevant to all aspects of farming and rural life. The fact that we have a waiting list for beef and dairy cattle, sheep are at record breaking numbers and we have no less than 42 HOYS (Horse of the Year Show) qualifiers to be competed for this year, surely reflects how the Show is held in high regard and recognised as the foremost agriculture Show in the UK.”