More than 3,000 entries have already been received for the classes which take place at the farming showcase at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October.
Supreme beef champion 2011 'Jaegerbomb' a Limousin with owner Tecwyn Jones and son Llyr, 13, from Conwy, N Wales
|
There are sections for cattle, sheep and horses as well as for pigeons, poultry and honey. A record breaking total of 3,033 has been announced, compared with last year’s previous best of 2,843.
Bill Cowling, Honorary Show Director said: “I am absolutely delighted that in our anniversary year we have such super figures, and we’re still taking entries for the Talented Show Jumper competition as that doesn’t close until early October.”
He added: “Countryside Live has its roots firmly in the rural community and is a prestigious fatstock show – many prize winners go on to take red rosettes at other top shows, but it has also grown to become a great family day out. Hopefully we’ll have a good crowd to come and enjoy the fun and see all that’s best about British farming.” Judging begins at 9am on Saturday with the championships taking place the following day.
Cattle entries stand at 205 (compared with last year’s 191) and will be judged by Hugh Dunlop of Cummnock, Ayrshire. His wife Lynn will have the task of selecting the best young handlers in the beef section. The Supreme Beef Championship and cattle rings are sponsored by Ripon Select Foods.
The sheep numbers are 274, equalling last year’s figure and they will come in front of Andrew Atkinson of Harrogate, with Mrs Alison North of Doncaster judging the young handler classes. The Yorkshire Agricultural Society is delighted to announce that The Coniston Hotel, Skipton will sponsor the Sheep Marquee for the first time.
Equine numbers are at an all-time high – totalling 302 compared with last year’s 225. “This section has grown tremendously since it was introduced in 2008,” said Mr Cowling, “And this year for the first time we have the finals of the Northern Show Cross Series which will add a new fast-paced element, and our Main Ring will be the perfect backdrop.” The Series is sponsored by Bishop Burton College. Another new addition are classes for ridden heavy horses.
Elsewhere for the first time the event will feature “One Man and His Pig”, with handlers showing how difficult it can be to navigate a pig around an obstacle course, plus there will be a number of different breeds on show. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust will make its debut at the event with Irish Moiled and British White cattle, a Dartmoor Pony and ten sheep breeds to view.
Also new will be a mountain biking course, ferret racing as well as the ever popular Sheep Show, archery, the Diggerland Experience and regional food and drink to taste and buy.