Farming’s future at the heart of 2007 Royal Show
If you share a passion and commitment to British Agriculture, don't miss out on this year's Royal Show. Taking place between July 1-4, 2007 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, new features and highlights ensure there is no better time or place to explore the opportunities driving farm businesses forward.
From the very best of British livestock to machinery innovation, some of farming's finest moments have been celebrated at the Royal. Now back in the hands of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the Royal showcases all aspects of farming, food and rural life, from country pursuits to mouth-watering British food and drink.
"The Royal is not just a great day out where you can touch on every aspect of farming, food and rural life, it provides a unique business opportunity for farmers," says executive show director, Peter Stovold. "The show is the platform politicians choose to set their vision for British Agriculture and this year more than ever, it's where leading organisations and opinion-formers set their stall and share their future plans for our industry. Be a part of that and you'll not only build new prospects and contacts for your own business, but you'll also help shape farming's future."
Show highlights
Profitable Futures – New this year, this feature is designed to help farmers turn industry challenges into financial reward. Six interlinked areas will showcase new opportunities in non-food crops, renewable energy, rural enterprise and profitability in the food chain. It's a chance to find out how to maximise profitability in these areas and capitalise on environmental stewardship and waste management.
This is the only show that brings farmers face-to-face with all the leading bodies driving these new opportunities. One central location of the showground provides access to organisations such as National Non-Food Crops Centre, Renewable Energy Association, Natural England and the Food Chain Centre.
Conferences – Once again, new opportunities in agriculture will come under the spotlight in the 2007 Royal Show conferences. Free to attend, and proving very popular with farmers attending the show, these will be where the UK's leading opinion formers will open the floor for debate and offer industry guidance. The programme kicks off on Sunday 1 July, an international day, sponsored by Saab, with a global perspective on the biofuels debate and specific opportunities for British arable farmers. Sustainability and energy-generating opportunities for livestock producers are the focus for the Monday, sponsored by McDonald's Restaurants Ltd. On Tuesday public sector food procurement opportunities for British farmers will be discussed, sponsored by CLA, with a look forward to the leaders of the future on the Wednesday.
Livestock – Farming's life and blood, the very best that Britain has to offer will be on display, competing for a prestigious Royal Show win. For those who share a passion for the finest livestock to grace the championship ring, this year's line-up is unmissable. As always the highlight in the cattle lines will be the Burke Trophy inter breed championship, the industry's ultimate accolade. The cream of Britain's flocks will be on show in the sheep arena. This year the highly successful group of three championship has been expanded to include all 35 breeds – a unique spectacle that will be the biggest sheep championship ever to take place on British soil. Making its debut in the pig classes is the Oxford Sandy and Black – a popular breed for the growing number of new entrant and small-scale farmers visiting the show.
Machinery – This year there's a treat in store for tractor enthusiasts and devotees of the Fordson Major. The Ford & Fordson Association will be celebrating its 90th anniversary with a 'through the years' parade in the Grand Ring showcasing tractors from the earliest vintage up to the present day models. How technology can bring farmers time and fuel savings is the focus of the interactive Tractor Village, hosted by independent experts from Harper Adams University College. And once again, top machinery manufacturers will vie for a gold or silver medal in the prestigious RASE machinery awards, which has a new sponsor – Through-the-Night parts distribution company Arch Express.
Celebrating all of rural life – the Food and Drink Pavilion now sits alongside the Flower Show, combining tantalising tastes with a floral blaze of colour. Celebrate the best of British produce with the new Royal Show food awards and food theatre. As always the demonstrations and displays in the vibrant country pursuits area bring the essence of the British rural scene to life. Practical demonstrations are among highlights in the smallholding area, which showcases all the necessities for the small farm owner. Grand Ring thrills include the Knights of Middle England Jousting, Young Farmers Rugby Sevens tournament, sheepdog trials, showjumping, working hunter displays and tug-of-war.
"What makes the Royal Show stand out is the nature of the very people that come here to display, share and debate the things that really matter – these are the people who make up the fabric of our rural way of life and lend the British countryside its rich and diverse quality," concludes Peter Stovold. "This is the only event where you can explore and enjoy its every aspect, where you can savour its achievements and successes and showcase the very best of British Agriculture."
Ticket prices, including car parking, start from just £17 on the gate with advance booking discounts available along with special concessionary rates for children and the over 60's. Visitors can either book online at www.royalshow.org.uk/tickets or call the ticket hotline on 0870 060 3782.
