Entries have just closed for this year’s Annual Prime Stock Show which takes place at Central Marts, Knockaloe next Monday (November 23).

This will be another rare chance this year for the farming community to get together and enjoy an evening looking over some of the island’s best livestock and catching up with friends.

Carol Kennaugh is show secretary for the Royal Manx Agricultural Show and is also on the organising committee for the Prime Stock Show. She said: ’Given the unprecedented year that everybody has had to contend with, the Royal Manx Agricultural Society, in association with the Southern District Agricultural Society, is absolutely delighted to be able to run the Annual Prime Stock and Carcase Shows.

’Both societies are grateful to all who contribute in any way to the Prime Stock Shows, particularly Central Marts and Isle of Man Meats for hosting the events.

’Local prime stock shows are a great celebration of the British livestock industry and farming as a whole, giving farmers the opportunity to showcase the very best of their work from the previous year and allowing butchers the chance to buy and advertise top-quality stock in the run up to Christmas.’

Normally these would be taking place all over the British Isles but, just as with the Food Festival, the likelihood is that the Isle of Man is the only place such an event can be held this year.

Prime Stock Shows have been run in the island since 1866 and for the last 70 years the island’s two agricultural shows have taken it in turn to run the event each year.

Carol added: ’Last year the decision was taken that the two societies would amalgamate to jointly arrange the Prime Stock and Carcase Shows.

’A joint committee from both is responsible for the organisation of the Prime Stock Show at Central Marts and the Carcase Show at Isle of Man Meats.

’Given the number of magnificent trophies each society has, it was agreed they would present their own trophies on a biannual basis. 2020 will be the turn of the Royal Manx Agricultural Society to present theirs, alongside those that are presented on an annual basis.’

Carol revealed that we will definitely be seeing new champions for both the sheep and cattle sections as neither of last year’s winners is taking part. So those who have entered this year have everything to play for.

There are also classes for young handlers, (entries accepted on the evening) and the Young Farmers will be running their stock judging competitions.

New for 2020 is an Open Stock Judging Competition at both events for those who fall outside of the Young Farmers age bracket.

The showcase event for Manx meat, the Carcase Show, will be held at the meat plant with the permission of Isle of Man Meats on Thursday, November 26 with viewing from 6pm.

The main awards prizegiving will be at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available at both events.

All attending the meat plant will be required to complete a health questionnaire and wear protective clothing -there will be no exceptions to this.

The Prime Stock Show is generously supported by the following companies; the Manx Beef Producers’ Association, NFU Mutual, JW Kneen & Son, Keigs Agriculture Ltd, Sadlers Agricultural Supplies Ltd, Davisons, Milan Vets, Chrystals Ltd, PV Dobson, WF Leece & Sons, Carrs Billington, Shoprite and Mr RH Gelling, CP.

For further information, contact RMAS secretary Carol Kennaugh on 801850 or email [email protected]