Cattle
Cattle
The Cattle section is at the heart of Emley Show, bringing together exhibitors from across the region with a strong turnout of both familiar faces and new entrants each year.
With classes covering dairy, continental and native breeds, it’s a full and competitive section that reflects the strength of local agriculture. The day builds through individual breed classes before moving into interbreed championships, with young handlers and vintage handlers classes adding to the atmosphere in the ring.
It’s a well-supported section for both experienced exhibitors and those coming through the next generation.
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Classes
Classes are available for different ages, experience levels and animal types.
Full class details can be found in the schedule below.
There is a wide range of classes available across:
Beef Classes
Commercial Beef
British Blue
British Limousin
British Parthenais
Any Other Continental Beef Pure Breed
Dexter
Hereford
Belted Galloway
Highland
Any Other Native or Rare Beef Pure Breed
Interbreed Pairs
Supreme Beef Championship
Dairy Classes
Holstein Friesian
Dairy Shorthorn
Jersey
Supreme Dairy Championship
Young Handlers
Owners of the cattle must ensure the young person is capable of controlling the animal involved. The animal size must be in relation to the size of the handler and must be used to being handled. STRICTLY NO BULLS.
An experienced adult must be nearby (within the ring) during the event. The Judge or Steward has the authority to send from the ring any exhibitor not having sufficient control of their animal.
Dairy Handler
Beef Handler
Vintage Handlers
As a fun class for the ones who have passed the young handlers age category, there is no time to slack off.
Vintage Handlers
How To Enter
Entries for the Cattle section can be made in advance or on the day, depending on the class.
To enter, complete the official entry form and submit it ahead of the show where possible. A limited number of entries may also be accepted on the day, but early entry is recommended to help with planning and class organisation.
On arrival, exhibitors should report to the secretary’s tent with all required documentation, including cattle passports and proof of public liability insurance.
All cattle must be on the showground and unloaded by 9:00am, ready for judging to begin from 10:00am.
Entry fees apply per class and must be paid in line with the schedule.
If you’re unsure which classes to enter or have any questions, please get in touch ahead of the show and the team will be happy to help.
Judging
Cattle are judged throughout the day across multiple rings, with classes running in schedule order before progressing into championships and interbreed competitions.
Judging focuses on overall quality, condition, conformation and breed characteristics, with each class assessed against its own standards. Judges will also take into account presentation, handling and the suitability of the animal within its category.
Each breed section crowns its own Champion and Reserve Champion, with first place animals progressing through to interbreed championships. From there, the day builds towards the overall section winners.
Young Handlers classes are judged not just on the animal, but on the handler’s ability, confidence and control in the ring. Vintage Handlers classes bring a lighter, more relaxed close to the section, while still recognising skill and experience.
The day concludes with the Grand Parade, where champions return to the ring for final judging and presentation of awards.
Key Information
- Entries: Accepted in advance and on the day
- Entry fees:
- Breed & interbreed classes – £7 per entry
- Young & vintage handlers – £2 per entry
- Arrival: All cattle must be on site by 9:00am
- Judging begins: From 10:00am in ring order
- Grand parade & presentations: Approximately 4:30pm
Exhibitor Requirements:
- Minimum £1M public liability insurance
- Cattle passports required on the day
- Animals must be attended at all times
- Bulls must be handled in line with HSE guidance
- Hay and straw are not provided
Contact
If you have any questions about this section please email [email protected]