MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay's main agro-show opens Friday

The 2003 edition of Uruguay's main agro-business show that opens next Friday promises to be a full success after four dismal years. A total of 1,366 animals from the country's prime cattle, sheep and horse breeds will be competing for the top prizes in Montevideo's Prado grounds.

"The number of registrations and commercial stands is most encouraging and gives us an idea of the recovery that the Camp and farmers are undergoing, which is also expanding to the rest of the economy", indicated Fernando Alfonso Laurnaga, president of Uruguay's Rural Association.

The 1,366 animals registered represents a14% increase over 2002 with the following description: 586 cattle; 458 sheep; 236 horses and 51 hogs.

Of the 586 cattle, 144 are Holstein; 126 Aberdeen Angus; 106 Polled Hereford; 76 Hereford; 49 Jersey; 25 Normand; 18 Limousin; 13 Charolais; 12 Polled Shorthorn; 9 Brangus; 5 Flecvieh and 3 Fresian.

As to sheep, 198 are Corriedale; 65 Texel; 50 Romney Marsh; 36 Ideal; 29 Hampshire Down; 18 Merilin; 16 Ile de France; 15 Merino; 10 Merino Dohne; 9 Polled Merino; 5 Poll Dorset; 4 Southdown and 3 Suffolk.

Most horses are Criollos (98), Quarter Mile (63), Arab (47), Apaloosa 10 and Shetland Pony 8.

Experts from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, United States, Italy, Australia and New Zealand are expected to participate in selecting the best animals.

"Rarely has there been such a positive conjunction of factors, both domestic and international, that forecast a sustained expansion for the country (Uruguay) in the coming years", underlined an optimistic Mr. Alfonso Laurnaga.

The show extends until Sunday September 14th and is open to the public.