RYEDALE Show continues to highlight the best of the area's agriculture according to its organisers.

Secretary Tom Watson said once again they were anticipating a record number of visitors - topping the 15,000 who came through the gate last year.

"We have had perfect weather - it has kept fine and not been too bright - and everything seems to have gone very smoothly without any glitches," he added.

"Once again we have an excellent show with record numbers of livestock entries particularly in the sheep classes with has had over a thousand entries."

Mr Watson said that traditionally farming was seen as an ageing industry but there was plenty of young and talented people in the area.

"There is a great deal of optimism in agriculture at the moment and an encouraging number of younger people getting involved from stockmen to the trade stands where they are coming into the agricultural-based industries."

"Things are looking much better than they were say, 10 to 15 years ago and they is an increasing sense of pride in the industry which is backed by the general support of the public," he added.

"They know we have excellent animal welfare and traceability backed up by the production of quality food in the Uk which is showcased at events like this."

Mr Watson, who has been show secretary for four years, said the success of he show was down to a hardworking team.

"Once this show is over we start planning for next year," he added.

"We have a fantastic bunch on the show committee and it is thanks to them that the show runs so smoothly."

Mr Watson added: "Ours is very much a traditional show and that is why it attracts people back each year, we have a perfect setting, and a really nice, relaxed family atmosphere - the perfect elements for a country show."

MP Anne McIntosh, who attended the show, said it was always an excellent event.

"Ryedale Show is a good family day out which showcases the best of Yorkshire and British farm produce at a local level," she added.

"It is good to see new exhibitors and entrants in the livestock classes."

David Cussons, who has been a director for more than 20 years said proof of the buoyancy of Ryedale's farming industry was reflected in the 148th annual show.

"Over the years we have seen the quality and numbers in the livestock classes increase tremendously with farmers bringing their stock from all parts of the country. ryedale's reputation as one of the country's top one day shows has gathered momentum over the years," he added.

"The show is a big shop window for the farming industry not only for showing off some of the country's livestock, but for the support it provides to many businesses directly and indirectly involved in it."

Mr Cussons said one of the reasons for the success of the show was its wealth of helpers and supporters.

"We are also very fortunate in having excellent fields for the event thanks to the Shaw family," he added.

"The show has grown as a family day out and we have a waiting list for sites for exhibitors -further proof that the show is of big economic value to Ryedale. "

 

Two-day show idea mooted

THE annual Ryedale Show is now big enough to be held across two days, according to show officials.

Record numbers of entries in the 148th show in most of the categories have led to suggestions that the show could be held over two consecutive days in future years.

Steph Myers, secretary for fur and feather at the show, said that since she started working at the show seven years ago she has seen it continue to grow in both visitor and entry numbers.

“It is a proper agricultural show and I think it is nearly getting big enough to be held across two days now,” she said.

“There is enough for people to see and there is something to do all day long. It is just a fantastic show.

“I like to think that it encourages people of all ages and who have never exhibited before to enter.”

Chief sheep steward Rob Myers, who is also a member of the show committee, said that the committee was yet to discuss the suggestion at length, but that it had been mentioned.

He said: “We have briefly discussed it, but it is a bit of a way out yet.

“That said, it is a big show and it is getting bigger. “We will possibly discuss it further but we haven’t talked about it in detail.”

The chief steward also said that word of mouth among agricultural shows regarding just how popular the show is becoming had helped to boost entry numbers, with competitors coming from as far as Scotland.

“We have had exhibitors from Scotland and from down South who have travelled between four and five hours through the night to get here this morning. That’s the first time that that has happened here.

“The quality of the exhibitors we have had is tremendous. The show stock is very good and we have met some great people.”