Festive show at the auction mart

12:53pm Monday 17th November 2008

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Skipton Auction Mart’s popular annual Christmas prime livestock shows and sales are to be held for the first time this year on a Sunday.

The event on December 7 will hopefully recreate some of the festive atmosphere of the former Smithfield Christmas Fatstock Show in London, say organisers.

General manager Jeremy Eaton said: “We are seeking to replicate some of the atmosphere of this famous occasion here in the north, at the same time promoting retail interest in livestock among our customers from the regional meat trade.

“Butchers are busy in their shops during the week, so often miss out on the opportunity to attend the mart in person to view prime livestock and meet farmers. A Sunday fixture will allow them to do so.

“In addition, prime lambs will be batched in trios for the first time, which is better suited to the requirement of our butcher buyers, as they seek to source prime quality locally reared meat for customers’ Christmas tables.

“It will be a real social occasion and appears set to spark interest reminiscent of the heyday of Smithfield.”

The first-ever CCM Stock Person of the Year will also be crowned on the day, following the introduction of a new annual award to recognise the contribution of regular vendors – and honour a champion among them.

Points have been awarded at livestock shows throughout the year and the inaugural winner will be announced after results of the Christmas shows have been evaluated. The CCM Stock Person of the Year will receive £500, courtesy of sponsors, the Silsden-based West Riding Motor Group.

There will be a 10 butchers’ cattle classes, with the best of the breeds competing for male, female and supreme championship success. A prize for the best home-bred animal will also be awarded and there will be a special class for young handlers.

There are also 10 butchers’ sheep classes, with individual championships for both lowland and hill sheep trios at stake. A brace of cast cattle classes completes the line-up.

Judging begins at 4pm, ahead of sales at 5.30pm, both in the prime cattle ring. The event culminates with a festive roast supper for customers, at which the winner of the CCM Stock Person of the Year Awards will be announced.