THE ROYAL Agricultural Society of England has announced that following the demise of the Royal Show it is, after all, planning a brand new event for livestock breeders, writes Ewan Pate, farming editor.

It is to be known as RASE Livestock Champions and will be held in the first week of July 2011.

Speculation all week amongst exhibitors about such a move was as to whether it would be viable or popular.

But as he announced the new event in a letter to exhibitors on the last day of the final Royal Show, RASE chief executive Brian Warren, said that detailed research among livestock exhibitors and breed societies had indicated a very clear desire for the continuation of prestigious pedigree classes at Stoneleigh Park.

“That was a very clear steer which was matched by an equal desire within the society to keep alive the great tradition of livestock showing at RASE events,” he said.

“However, we have decided not to rush into a launch in 2010 but to spend more time in the planning and development stages in consultation with others in the industry to ensure that when we open the gates on the new event in 2011 it is innovative, exciting and takes livestock showing into the 21st century.

“We also aspire to stage an event that is relevant to a wider audience than just those who are passionate about pedigree breeding—both at home and from overseas.”

Mr Warren acknowledged that the greatest challenge was to make this event both technically innovative and financially viable and to this end the RASE would continue to canvas ideas and suggestions from the livestock industry.