Final preparations are underway at Balmoral Park for Northern Ireland’s first socially-distanced agricultural show; The Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships.
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) winter beef and sheep event will take place behind closed doors tomorrow (November 24).
Attendance for the event will be limited to just 300 people with social-distancing strictly enforced on-site. But that number is quickly taken up between exhibitors, buyers, RUAS staff, caterers, and security.
As a result, buyers and spectators are asked not to turn up on the day as those not already registered to attend will be turned away.
Speaking to AgriLand, a spokeswoman for RUAS confirmed a total of 115 entries had been received with 90 buyers registered to attend in person. Buyers can also place bids remotely using the online sale system.
To facilitate distancing, chairs have been placed around the main ring well spaced apart.
Judging classes begin at 11:30am with the calf classes and cattle classes. Followed by the lamb classes at 3:00pm. The auction begins at 6:00pm and will be streamed online.
AgriLand’s Richard Halleron will also be there on the day to cast an eye over the champion animals so readers can follow the action from home.
