Royal Show appeal: Give fantasy farming a go

The Royal Agricultural Society of England are appealing to groups of work colleagues, families, farmers, green fingered retirees and even schools from across the country to get involved with a ground-breaking crop growing challenge at the society's flagship event the Royal Show.

The new contest, called the Malting Barley Challenge has rules similar to 'Fantasy Football League' and will run from next month until June 2004.

Show organisers are encouraging teams of between four and six enthusiastic people who aren't involved in farming as well as agriculturalists to enter.

Royal Agricultural Society Arable Specialist Glenn Wrigley will be available to advise on strategy and tactics. Each group will be assigned three plots of land measuring 4x10m each and be responsible for preparing a budget, deciding what variety of Barley to plant, choose types of fertiliser and whether not to control crop pests chemically.

The competitors instruct Royal Show ground staff to carry out heavy tasks such as planting and tending the crops. Judges will also be on hand to check that all instructions given are in accordance with good farming practice and sustainability.

The winning team will be presented with the Malting Barley Challenge Cup at the Royal Show - held at Stoneleigh Park, 4-7 July 2004. There will also be a special prize for the team producing the best quality Barley for making beer.

Cardinal Wiseman School in Coventry has already given the challenge the thumbs up by an entering a team of its pupils. Head of learning resources faculty Sean O'Donovan said: "It's really important that children make the connection between what's growing in the soil and what's on the supermarket shelf. I think this competition will help to demonstrate all these stages."

The competition will form part of the Royal Show's popular Grain Chain feature. The Society's largest ever outdoor exhibit, the Grain Chain educates consumers and farmers alike through interactive displays and specialist areas - visitors even get the chance to sample homemade bread and Royal Show beer.

Interested in entering? For an informal chat call Glenn Wrigley at the RASE on 02476 858 290 or e-mail glennw@rase.org.uk. Closing date for applications is Friday, January 16th.