A NEW hoof and hook commercial beef class is being introduced at this year's Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from Sunday, June 29, to Wednesday, July 2.

The new class, with £6,500 prize money, will combine live and carcase judging.

Prizes will go to the top steer and heifer in both the live and carcase competitions, as well as to the overall winners.

Debbie Dann, livestock specialist for the RASE, said the new class would help complete the loop in the story of British livestock. "The pedigree classes at the Royal are only half the story," she explained. "Most pedigree bulls go to commercial herds to produce prime beef. This class will help highlight the second half of the industry and demonstrate how pedigree stock have a direct influence on the commercial beef industry."

She added: "It will also showcase how commercial beef producers put these superior genetics to good use to produce top quality finished beef animals, as well as highlight the importance of accurate selection of beef animals for slaughter." Animals will be judged on the hoof on June 29 and then as carcases on July 1. Winning carcases will be auctioned at the show.