Thor Atkinson Commits Support to NBA Beef Expo
19th March 2024
The National Beef Association (NBA) is delighted to be able to confirm that Ulverston based Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications has committed its full support as main sponsor to this year’s National Beef Association’s Commercial Cattle Show.
Attracting some of the UK’s finest commercial cattle, this presentation and show is a major element of the NBA Beef Expo, taking place at the North West Auction’s Rural Auction Centre, near Kendal, on Saturday 27th April 2024.
Thor Atkinson which recently celebrated 25 years in business provides steel fabrication services to the quarrying, recycling, water and agricultural sectors across the UK. Steel fabrication for the agricultural sector is a major and growing part of the business as it is the company’s ability to design, manufacture and install bespoke farm buildings that particularly resonates with farming customers.
Recently the company has expanded to deliver cattle handling systems for the beef industry – something very close to founder and CEO Thor Atkinson’s heart as a multiple championship winning breeder himself.
“I’m delighted to be able to sponsor the NBA Beef Expo, especially as it is being held in Cumbria this year. From a business perspective, the event will allow us to showcase our own steel-framed farm buildings to both regional and national farmers. But as a cattle breeder, I am backing this event to highlight the importance of the British beef industry to a wider public. Our livestock farmers and their cattle are among the best in the world, and it is a privilege for our name to be associated with this outstanding event.”
The team shows across the country at the highest of levels and in 2022 the Blonde Cow Hallfield Netta and her calf Newland Tanza were Blonde National Champion, Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh show Interbreed Beef Champion. The Limousin bull owned by the herd, Upperffrydd Power was National Champion.
NBA Beef Expo’s National Commercial Cattle Show will see in the region of 120 head of cattle compete in the 10 cattle classes for steers and heifers with the overall winner taking home the Supreme Championship title. To support, encourage and highlight the next generation of commercial breeders and farmers, stars of the future aged between 14- 21 are invited to take part in the Young Handlers classes as part of the livestock section.
For this highly anticipated show of cattle, Northamptonshire’s Frank Page will judge the Native and Continental classes and the Supreme Championships, while Lincolnshire’s Jonathan Lyon will judge the Baby Beef classes, the Baby Championship and Young Handler classes.
Commenting on the support received Neil Shand CEO for the NBA said, “We are immensely grateful to Thor Atkinson, as we are to all our sponsors, and their support is very warmly appreciated by all those involved in Beef Expo and beyond who understand the importance of making the event as successful as possible.”
National Beef Expo 2024 will be held at North West Auctions, J36, Rural Auction Centre, Kendal, on Saturday, 27th April 2024. Further information about NBA Beef Expo, along with details of the cattle classes, sponsorship opportunities and stand and exhibition space can be found on the National Beef Association’s’ dedicated event web site – www.beef-expo.co.uk.
