The Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society is set to host its 15th annual winter fat stock show in Carrick-on-Shannon this Sunday 24 and Monday 25 November.

The event has become the highlight of many commercial breeders’ calendar, attracting the best of the best from throughout Ireland, and is likely to see some of the top commercial prices of the year also.

Judging starts at 11am on Sunday with the young stockperson class.

31 classes

Following this class, two rings will be used for the 31 classes, where spectators are assured to see quality commercial stock of all breeds being exhibited across eight breeds, namely Charolais, Limousin, Belgian Blue, Simmental, Blonde, Angus, Shorthorn and Hereford.

However, Sunday’s judging is just the tip of the iceberg, with most of the animals forward hitting the sales ring on Monday morning from 11am. This sale offers a prime opportunity for prospective buyers looking for next summer’s show animal or for top breeders.

Success

Last year's event was a remarkable success, when, despite a tough trade across most of the beef sector, a very strong trade was witnessed throughout the sale.

Numbers last year settled at 390 entries, whereas this year sees numbers rocket to 500, to set a new winter fair record.

Last year's sale topper, which sold for €6,200 from Sean Walsh with Shane McGreal. \ Tricia Kennedy

While the beef sector continues to struggle, carrying with it a number of major concerns, a number of elite commercial cattle sales held over the past few months have still been rewarded at the upper end of stock.

Organisers are hoping this trade will be mirrored in Co Leitrim this Monday, where spectators are expected to flock from all corners of Ireland and indeed further afield.

Pedigree editor Shane Murphy will be in Carrick over the two days, so stay tuned to www.farmersjournal.ie and @FJ_Pedigree on Twitter for live updates and to see if last year’s top price of €6,200 is surpassed.