There will be a Fermanagh judge at this year's Royal Ulster Premier Beef and Lamb Championships.

The Ulster Housewife Champion and Lamb classes at this year’s Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships will be judged by Mr Andrew Burleigh, who runs a butcher's shop in Ballinamallard.

Andrew bought his butchers shop, Riverside Quality Meats in Ballinamallard, 31 years ago and runs a traditional type butchery using cattle from his own farm and matures them on the bone for 28 days.

Andrew buys lamb in from Dunbia and breaks it down himself for sale over the counter. The type of cattle Andrew likes are R+U grade with 3-4 in fat coverage and 280 kilo to 350 kilo deadweight. In lambs Andrew prefers them to be 22 kilo, U+E grade and with fat 3coverage.

When judging the Ulster Housewife’s Choice, Andrew will be looking for the champion to be long and clean on the middle with a deep loin and good fat cover, so that the animal can be hung on the bone for over 28 days. The animal should also have a round back end with a second thigh and not too heavy or rough on the front.

Andrew added; "I am delighted to have been nominated to judge at the RUAS Beef and Lamb Championship 2022 and I would like to thank the RUAS for asking me."

This year’s Championships will take place on Tuesday, 22nd November at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park. To keep up to date with the latest news visit beefandlamb.org.uk or follow the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The Auctioneer is Richard Beattie and the other judges are;

Mr Gavin Scott - Cattle Classes & Championship

Mr Ivan Lynn - Breeding Heifer

Mr Barry Gallagher - Calf Classes

Mrs Gail Matchett - Cattle Young Handler Classes

Ms Rachel Megarell - Lamb Young Handler Classes