Farmers take stock at 150th show

7:29pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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The Great Yorkshire show started in style today despite dour weather and restrictions on livestock because of the bluetongue disease.

The restrictions forced a number of exhibitors to withdraw from this year’s show – there were 671 entries for cattle this year, compared to 1,119 last year. Sheep entries were slashed from 1,783 last year to 937. Total entries were down from 11,789 to 10,413.

This year’s president, Christopher Hall, said: “All three days are a great occasion. It is a great honour to be the president and obviously my mind is occupied with the Queen’s visit on Thursday. There are all manner of events going on across the days, which appeal to everyone.

“The show has been affected by blue-tongue, but not as much as we would have anticipated. The show has such a high reputation for livestock that people will do anything to get here.”

Denholme farmer Steven Priestley, who along with his son Richard, 18, were winners with their British limousins, said the lack of cattle was noticeable.

Mr Priestley, of Hilltop Farm, has been exhibiting at the show for two decades. He said: “There would have been more exhibitors here if it weren’t for the restrictions.”

Taking second and third prizes in the limousin section was Daniel Varley, of Myrtle Grove Farm, Queensbury.

As a result of the restrictions, Bingley man Martin Preston was forced to show his zwartbles ram lamb in the “any other pedigree continental breed” as just three of eight breeds showed on the day.

Mr Preston, who won a third prize, said: “It is a shame because you end up not competing with animals like for like.”

John Allen, of Thornton was honoured for more than 40 years’ service as a goat steward and committee member, one of 12 people who were recognised for their dedication to the goat section over the decades.

Budding designer Hayley Foster, 27, of Wrose, was crowned Yorkshire Fashion Idol designer of the day. She said: “The ladies serving in the cafes at the show were wearing pinnies. My imagination kicked in and I based my design around a farmer’s wife wearing a more modern and stylish number as she baked scones in the farm kitchen.”

As part of the show’s 150th anniversary celebrations, recipes created by Isabella Beeton were conjured up at the Great Yorkshire Cookery Theatre, sponsored by Bradford-based Morrisons.

Other attractions included hot air balloons, music from bands including the Black Dyke Band, show jumping, a sausage competition and a children’s zone.