Gildernew completes tour of agricultural shows

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has completed a tour of each of the agricultural shows in the north of Ireland with a visit to the 104th Antrim Agricultural Show.

The Minister was welcomed to the show by Robert Chesney, President and James Clements, Chairman, of the Antrim Show Committee.

During a tour of the showgrounds in the Shane’s Castle Estate, the Minister viewed the cattle and sheep judging and visited the Gourmet Food Village where she chatted with trade exhibitors and members of the public.

Speaking after her tour the Minister said: “Agricultural shows are a great opportunity to celebrate our strong roots in agriculture and catch up on the latest trends in agriculture and rural business. Antrim Show, like all the others throughout the country, is an important event for the local agri-food industry and a great showpiece which attracts visitors of all ages from both town and country.”

Praising the efforts of the show organisers and exhibitors, she added: “During my visit to each of the shows, I have been struck by the commitment and pride of the livestock exhibitors and the exceptional amount of work they put into getting animals ready. Their dedication is mirrored in the enthusiasm of the show organisers and the many people who work behind the scenes, devoting many hours of their time voluntarily to build a great family day out and I commend each and every one of them.”

Since 2007, the Minister has visited Balmoral, Ballymena, Lurgan, Omagh, Coleraine, Armagh, Enniskillen, Ballymoney, Limavady, Castlewellan, Saintfield, Newry, Clogher, Enniskillen and Antrim shows. In addition she has also visited the Rare Breeds Show at Gosford Park and the Ploughing Championships north and south.

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