The 2018 Winter Fair, organised by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS), takes place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn, on Thursday 13 December 2018, opening at 9am and closing at 6pm.

Recognised as the premier dairy event in Northern Ireland and attracting visitors from across the island, it is now in its 33 year and over that entire period has been supported by sole sponsor Danske Bank.

The bank has recently agreed to extend the partnership for a further three years.

The event in 2018 retains the same tried-and-trusted format of previous years, with top-quality livestock across four main dairy breeds (Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey and Shorthorn) competing for the title of supreme champion.

The judge this year is Brian Behnke from Brooklyn, Wisconsin, USA.

Trade space is fully booked out and includes a total of 221 exhibitors from across the farming industry, along with government, research and advisory bodies.

Added to the mix, Millfarm Hoofcare is returning this year and will be undertaking hoof trimming demonstrations.

In previous years the trade exhibits spilled over into a marquee structure, however, this year all trade will be housed in the two permanent buildings now situated at Balmoral Park.

As well as the 5,100 sq m Eikon building opened in 2015, the RUAS has added the 5,500 sq m Dr EF Logan Hall. It means there is now over 10,500 sq m of exhibition space at the former Maze prison site, the equivalent of three soccer pitches.

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