Waiting List for Livestock as Three Counties Show Thrives
2010-05-19

Malvern’s long-running Three Counties Show (18 – 20 June) has a waiting list for cattle exhibitors this year – for the first time in more than a decade!

The cattle stalls are full, and its livestock classes (except dairy)
will take place over three days again instead of two.

In spite of a recent report in the farming press which suggests that the traditional county shows are ‘going under’, or at the very least, showing signs of strain, the region’s biggest showcase of British food, farming and countryside continues to thrive.

Show organizer, the Three Counties Agricultural Society, has expanded in 2010 to accommodate more animals, correctly anticipating an influx of entries after the breakdown of the Royal Show at Stoneleigh.

Now, its cattle stalls are full, and its livestock classes (except dairy) will take place over three days again instead of two, as farmers and rural businesses step up their support.

Commercial and dairy cattle entries are still being accepted, and the Society says it is currently considering the options for accommodating all those who want to exhibit at Malvern this year, particularly long-standing competitors.

This year’s event hosts the national shows of the British Blonde Society and The Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society for the first time. The Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society, which praised the Three Counties Show for its central location and good facilities, is holding its national event at the Showground for the second year running.

Caroline Jackson, spokesperson for the British Blonde Society said that the decision to make Malvern the venue for its national show had been received with great enthusiasm by members.

She said: “Although the British Blonde Society has had a presence at Malvern in previous years, we are all very excited about staging our first national show at the Malvern Showground, particularly as it has a good location and impressive facilities.”

Anna Dorrell for the Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society echoed Caroline’s enthusiasm, noting a very positive interest from members: “Over the years, cattle numbers have dwindled, but historically, the Three Counties has been a strong livestock show, and there have been classes for Devon cattle as long as we can remember.

It was felt that staging the inaugural show at the Malvern Showground, would be of benefit to all concerned, and we are very lucky to have secured Danny Wyllie – a respected and well-known pedigree beef breeder – as the judge. We hope to have 60 Devons at Malvern this year.”

Chief Executive for the Three Counties Agricultural Society, Nick Vincent, said he was delighted to welcome new livestock competitors to Malvern in 2010, together with new sponsors, ranging from Tesco to Intervet – part of the Schering-Plough group. There are also new exhibitors in the event’s Rural Business Pavilion.

He said : “The Three Counties Show is certainly an attraction for families, and so-called daytrippers, and we endeavour to provide spectacle and top class entertainment to suit all ages, as part of the show’s content.

But, British food and farming and countryside life remain key to the fabric of this event, which has proper food and farming stands, quality livestock lines, valuable agri-business initiatives and a solid public education programme.

It has never been more important to showcase the industry to the wider public, and shows like ours do just that. Continued support and new interest from farmers and rural enterprises from in and around the region this year, is testament to our success.”

The Ryeland Flock Book Society is staging its national event at the Three Counties Show this year, there are new sections for Blue Texel and Southdown sheep and additional championships in cattle, sheep and pigs. The National Rare & Minority Breeds Show takes place on Sunday 20 June.

The Hereford Cattle Society is holding its Inter Club Stock Judging competition at Malvern in 2010; an event previously held at The Royal Show, and goat lovers will enjoy the Three Counties Dairy Goat Show, the Malvern Dairy Goat Show and the National Angora Society Goat Show.

There will be more than 600 birds in the Poultry Tent, and The Sheep Shearing Competition looks set to attract shearers from overseas, planning to use Malvern as a dry run for the World Championships at the Royal Welsh Show in the summer.

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