Despite the current beef crisis and the uncertainty that exists around the sector, the livestock section at the Ploughing Championships was a hive of activity on Tuesday with crowds streaming through the livestock displays all day.

Dovea Genetics beef programme manager John Lynch said the company had one of their busiest days at the Ploughing in years.

"Our beef weanlings on the stand were the star attraction on the day with a lot of interest also in beef AI sires.

"Everybody thinks suckling is dead, but from our enquiries yesterday, they will be around for a while yet."

Limousin Breed Society secretary Paul Sykes said that visitors to the stand were asking questions about bulls to use and in particular what bulls to use to breed good-quality replacements while maintaining milk.

Sykes said: "Farmers are very concerned around Brexit and the current beef crisis. Some farmers have cattle to sell and it's a very complicated situation at the moment."

All breed societies are reporting good interest ahead of autumn sales which is positive given the current climate in the sector