Livestock entries flood in for Bath & West Show

Livestock entries are again nudging record levels at the Royal Bath & West Show, with more than 2000 sheep, cattle and pigs already entered.

With the dairy entries yet to close, this year’s show promises some very close competition in the livestock rings, as more than 420 beef cattle, 1320 sheep and nearly 350 pigs battle it out for the championship titles.

One of the highlights of this year’s event will be the Burke Trophy – the FA cup of the cattle showing world - presented to the best pair of beef animals. Judge Daniel Wyllie says it used to be every stockman’s dream to win the Burke Trophy at the Royal Show. And its presence at the Bath & West Show this year will generate just as much excitement.

“It’s always been my ambition to judge the Burke Trophy,” he says. “I’ll be looking for presence, mobility and flesh among the competition; your champion pair should hit you as soon as they walk into the ring.”

Renowned judge Graham Hinks will present another former Royal Show accolade, the Flack Trophy, to the best Pig Pair, before retiring from the pig arena. “I’ve spent 40 years showing and judging pigs, but it’s time to let the younger generation have a go,” he says. “It’s a fast moving industry, and it’s important to keep your eye in. As we no longer keep pigs on the farm I feel it’s time to bow out.”

Recruiting the country’s top judges is what makes the competition so attractive to exhibitors, says show manager Alan Lyons. “We take a great deal of trouble selecting the best quality judges from the forefront of each breed,” he explains. “Judging the interbreed awards is particularly challenging, so we’re delighted to have judges with experience across a range of breeds, who will make a truly fair and unbiased decision.”

One judge who will face a particularly difficult task is Malcolm Hurd, who is responsible for judging 112 cattle in the Red Ruby Devon Society’s National Show. “Some classes are so large that we may have to split them,” says Mr Lyons. “It really will be a fabulous spectacle, seeing so many of these striking red cattle on display. And bringing all the animals together for the Grand Parade is the highlight of the day for exhibitors and visitors alike.”

The Royal Bath & West Show will be held from 29 May to 1 June. Tickets are available online now at www.bathandwest.com or by calling 0844 7765777.