Limousin breeders from across Scotland will gather in the north-east next weekend for the breed’s Scottish Grand Prix competition.
The prestigious contest will take place at Echt Show on Saturday, July 14.
Limousin entries at the show are significantly up on the year with 56 entered for the Grand Prix, which will be judged by Brian Wills of Tannadice, Forfar.
Last year’s winner was three-year-old cow Burnbank JoJo from the Graham family – Dougie, Lynda, John and James – of Mains of Burnbank, Blair Drummond.
Echt Show secretary Emma Ruxton said cattle entries at the annual event are at a record high, and the show is set to be the biggest yet.
She said as well as the usual display of livestock and horses, the event would feature an education tent, children’s races and various competitions including bale rolling and sheep shearing.
The other cattle judges are: Hendry Durward from Alford for Aberdeen-Angus and Charolais; Alistair Smart of Alford for British Blue and British Blonde; Murray Rainnie from Aboyne for cross cattle; Charles Bruce from Turriff for Highland Cattle and young handlers; Andrew Sleigh from Tarves for Salers and Simmental; and Robert Marshall from Lumphanan for Shorthorn and any other breed.
The prizes for best beef cow, best cow and calf, best calf in show, best group of three and best handler in the parade, will be decided by ANM Group chairman Pete Watson from Banchory.
The sheep judges are: Irene Fowlie from Strichen for Suffolk; Alan Alston from Brechin for Texel; Angus Greenlaw from Huntly for Charollais and any other continental breed; Louise Glass from Alford for Bluefaced Leicester and junior young handlers; Grant Ireland from Huntly for Beltex; Samantha Stewart from Drummuir for Zwartbles; Philip Stewart from Drummuir and Steven Smith from Alford for any other breed; Ewan Gordon from Huntly for cross sheep and senior young handlers; and Callum Keir for young farmers’ stockjudging.
The native horse judges are: John Graham from Stirling for Clydesdales; Leslie Melville, Croy, and Andrew Baird, Perth, for Highland Ponies; and Derek Burnett from Ellon for Shetland Ponies. The goats will be judged by Ailene Charlton from Perth.