The Royal Ulster Winter Fair has been characterised as a unique occasion within the Irish agricultural showing calendar.
Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) president, John Henning made the comment to coincide with the official opening of livestock entries for the 2024 event.
A large turn-out of elite dairy cattle breeders from across the island of Ireland is expected to take part again this year.
John Henning said: We are also expecting a large turn-out of commercial exhibitors plus many farmer visitors from across the island.”
The RUAS president confirmed the involvement of show judges with international standing as a unique selling point of the Winter Fair.
“The decision was taken back in 2000 to ask one person to adjudicate on all of the show classes, across the various breeds,” he said.
“Elite pedigree dairy cattle breeders around the world are striving to obtain showing standards that are very global in nature. And, again, these criteria are mirrored across all the dairy breeds.”
The RUAS has committed to securing judges for the Winter Fair who are recognised on this international stage.
“We have been able to achieve this objective over the last number of years. In fact, judges of the highest calibre are, actually, volunteering to participate in what is now a true celebration of all that is dairy, held in the run-up to Christmas.”
Judge for Royal Ulster Winter Fair
Judging all the classes at the 2024 Winter Fair will be Nathan Thomas from Triple T Holsteins, based at North Lewisburg in Ohio.
The Triple T herd has been at the very heart of driving forward dairy genetics across the United States and Canada for the past decade and more.
This year’s Winter Fair takes place on Thursday, December 12.
Throughout the one-day event, visitors can look forward to observing top quality livestock compete for the coveted title of Supreme Champion as well as visiting almost 200 trade stands.
Rhonda Geary, RUAS group operations director commented: “We are delighted to launch the 38th Royal Ulster Winter Fair in association with sole sponsor Danske Bank.
“Their generous financial backing has supported the evolution of the event into one of the most prestigious dairy shows across the UK and Ireland.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors, exhibitors and industry leaders back to this year’s show as we celebrate the strength and bright future ahead of our local dairy industry.”
