The UK’s agricultural sector’s attention is fast turning to the primestock show season.

It’s the time of year when producers all over the UK take part in stock shows for the Christmas markets, and the Isle of Man is no exception.

Local primestock shows are a great celebration of the British livestock industry and farming as a whole, giving farmers an 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.

Primestock shows have been run on the island since 1866 and from the mid-fifties, when the Fatstock became centralised by the government, the island’s two agricultural societies agreed to take it in turns to run the event each year.

This year, the members of the Southern District Agricultural Society are working with the Royal Manx Agricultural Society to organise the event.

Run in two parts, the first section of the show was held on Monday, November 25, at Knockaloe Mart, with the support of Central Marts.

There are classes for prime cattle and lambs. Judging will start at 6pm, and it is an open event so all are welcome to attend.

The showcase event for Manx meat, The Carcase Show will be held on Thursday November 28 at the Meat Plant with kind permission of Isle of Man Meats. Viewing will start from 7pm.

Numbers are limited at this event so anyone wishing to attend must notify the secretary in advance.

Hot food and drinks will be available at both events, and will be made with local produce.

Following the success of last year’s show, hosted by the Royal Manx Agricultural Society, this year’s event will follow the same format including classes for breeding heifers and ’baby beef’.

There are classes for young handlers and the Young Farmers will be running their stock judging competitions alongside.

Both societies are very grateful for all the support shown this year and for the sponsorship received from many local companies.

For further information about the agricultural shows, contact the secretary for the Southern Show on 494497, email [email protected] or the Royal Manx Show on 801850 email [email protected]