011003 Keystone International Livestock Exposition

Agriculture Secretary Sam Hayes today announced that a record number of entries from across the United States and Canada are exhibiting at the 45th Keystone International Livestock Exposition (KILE) at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, which began today and runs through Monday, October 8.

"The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture takes pride in hosting a world-class livestock show," Secretary Hayes said. "This year we are excited to host a record-breaking show, featuring the very best of our livestock and horse industries."

The Expo will host a record-breaking 4,458 beef cattle, sheep, swine, horse and wool entries -- 200 more than last year. More than 1,100 exhibitors are scheduled to attend.

In the beef cattle shows, 914 entries will parade in the large arena this year, an increase from 785 in 2000. In the sheep show, 1,578 animals will be featured, compared to 1,497 in 2000. There will be 986 pigs competing in the swine show, a 30-entry increase over last year. KILE is pleased to feature 961 entries in the horse competitions, up from 955 the year before. This year, KILE features a number of special shows, including:

* Thursday, October 4: Clydesdale Eastern Regional Show;

* Friday, October 5: Limousin Medal of Excellence Show and National Point Show for Simmental;

* Saturday, October 6: National Junior Swine Association Eastern Regional Show, Southdown Eastern Regional Show and Shorthorn National Point Show; and

* Sunday, October 7: Junior Breeding Sheep Shows, Eastern Regional Hereford Classic Show and Northeast Regional Highland Cattle Association Show.

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