Impressive line-up for 2016 Smithfield Festival

Once again the 2016 Smithfield Festival has attracted the biggest names in the cattle and sheep industry to judge this year's prestigious event, which will be held at the East of England Showground on the 15 and 16 November 2016.
William Haire, Smithfield Festival show directorWilliam Haire, Smithfield Festival show director
William Haire, Smithfield Festival show director

The Smithfield Festival leads the way in bringing all aspects of livestock management to one event, and showcases the very best of modern day agriculture.

Andrew Mutch, director of Mutch Meats in Oxfordshire, will lead the sheep judging this year and brings a wealth of knowledge in market demands. Andrew offers a unique combination of farming knowledge and market insight, which is crucial to profitable sheep farming and gives him a highly valued place in the judging team.

Commercial cattle will be judged this year by an individual hugely respected in the cattle industry; Gavin Scott, from Gateside Farm, Linlithgow. Gavin brings invaluable experience in cattle judging and livestock production, and will ensure a world class animal takes the prestigious title in 2016.

Also confirmed for the 2016 Smithfield Festival, is Iain Green from the well-known Corskie Simmental herd in Scotland, which has itself seen tremendous success in the show ring. Iain, who will judge the Pedigree Calf Show Interbreed Championship and the Duke of Norfolk Pedigree Calf Group of 3, promises to bring his wealth of cattle and judging knowledge to his role at this year’s event.

“Andrew Mutch, Gavin Scott and Iain Green are fantastic assets to the event team and have enormous experience in judging the best show animals in the UK,” says William Haire, Festival show director.

“The Smithfield Festival continues to evolve as the industry changes,” adds Mr Haire. “We acknowledge the changing landscape of livestock farming in the UK and farmers have to be closer to the consumer and produce what the market demands.

“This event puts the future needs of livestock farmers first and provides a venue that offers information and tools to ensure the longevity of our industry,” he says.

“We plan to continue with our focus on innovations and technical advancements within the livestock sector, bringing together the industry’s leading representatives to share their views and thoughts on the future,” he concludes. “2016 promises to be an exciting and thought provoking event and one that will benefit anyone wanting to be successful in the livestock industry of the future.”