Weight limit changes have been announced for the ninth Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships to be held in November.

The weight limits will apply to all the calf classes, as well as the Ulster Housewife's Championship.

The organising committee has increased the weight limits for all calves to 400kg, while the maximum weight for eligible cattle in the Ulster Housewife's Championship has increased from 590kg to 600kg.

Commenting on the changes, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society's cattle/beef & lamb committee chairperson, William McElroy said:

"I'm delighted that this year's schedule will feature revised weight limits and adjustments to several classes, creating a more balanced and inclusive programme that caters to livestock of all ages.

"We look forward to continuing to develop the event and ensuring it remains a key highlight of Northern Ireland's agricultural calendar," he said.

With just over three months to go, the heat is on for the Royal Ulster Agricultural Show, which will kick off on November 24.

Entries for the 2026 Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships will open on Wednesday, October 14.

This will be the competition's ninth edition and it will take place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, Co. Antrim.

Last year, the competition started at 10am, with the lamb, calf and beef cattle auctions taking place in the evening.

The highlight of last year's event was the crowning of the McKenna family of Clogher in Co. Tyrone's Charolais heifer, Sadie, as Supreme Championship winner by Scottish judge, Stewart Dunlop.

Declan McKenna told Agriland at the time that: “The heifer was sired by the Charolais bull, Doon Ultimate. She is out of a Limousin cross Blue cow".