At the Royal Cornwall Show, which honors all things related to agriculture, you can see farmers displaying their award-winning livestock as well as companies showcasing their newest lines of equipment. The occasion holds particular significance for those involved, including farmers, participants, organizers, exhibitors, and enterprises who highlight what makes this gathering so memorable.
The Royal Cornwall Show traces its origins back to 1793 with the establishment of the Cornwall Agricultural Society and the hosting of a plowing competition close to Truro.
In recent times, it is managed by the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, and since 1960, the event has taken place in Wadebridge.
From Thursday through Saturday, approximately 120,000 people are anticipated to attend this year’s event to view the numerous exhibits ranging from animals and cuisine to floral displays and tree-related showcases.
Ian Hodge, owner of a dairy farm adjacent to the 95-acre exhibition ground, serves as a steward in the rural section and has been participating since the 1970s.
He emulated his father, who began stewarding in 1968 and continued for four decades.
He mentioned, ‘My brother works as a steward, my father-in-law is also a steward, and my brother-in-law holds the same position, which allows us to provide substantial assistance.’
My dad served as the head porter for the primary entry points and greeted all the royalty – he adored it.
During that period, he mentioned that he had only skipped one day back in 1978, when his mother insisted he remain at home due to feeling ill.
“I recall being furious about having to spend the entire day with Nan… But miraculously, I felt better and was off the following day,” he stated.
Mr. Hodge stated that this occasion provided an opportunity for “everyone within the agricultural sector to gather” from throughout the county and even farther regions.
“Indeed, this show remains firmly rooted in agriculture, unlike several others that have started moving away from it… It undoubtedly ranks among the top four or five most agriculturally focused programs nationally, though it also covers other topics,” he stated.
His 24-year-old daughter, Bea, who serves as the chairwoman of the Wadebridge Young Farmers club, has been on-site for several days readying their exhibit. She secured victory the previous year with the group’s Dad’s Army-themed presentation.
She mirrors her father’s dedication to the show, and mentioned that she has never skipped a single day either.
“Even when I had exams, I would walk up in the afternoon – not even my maths GCSE was going to stop me going to the show,” she said.
“So many farmers don’t go out and about because they are so busy doing their farming.
The event is a major highlight for those three days marked in everyone’s calendars, and attendees know that once they arrive, they will run into people they recognize.
The core of the exhibition revolves around animals, featuring thousands spread throughout the area, such as sheep, horses, pigs, goats, rabbits, pigeons, and numerous others.
Many visitors find the cattle lines to be the main attraction, as show organizers report, with the cattle ring drawing large crowds of spectators.
Cattle from 16 different breeds will vie for over 200 awards, culminating in the prestigious titles of Supreme Beef Champion and Supreme Dairy Champion.
James Warren, a dairy farmer hailing from St Buryan in western Cornwall, has brought along 15 cattle this year, comprising a mix of Guernseys, Jerseys, Holsteins, and Ayrshires.
Two years ago, he claimed the title of supreme dairy champion with a Jersey cow, exactly 10 years after having achieved the same feat with a Guernsey.
He remarked, ‘It’s somewhat akin to an athlete’s training — it demands considerable planning, yet a touch of fortune is also essential.’
I rest alongside my cattle.
On Tuesday, his animals were transported to the showground using a lorry and two trailers to acclimate to their new environment. Mr. Warren joins them, making himself comfortable as well.
He mentioned, ‘I rest among my cattle, either stretched out on hay bales or lounging in an old recliner that we bring along.’
I likely manage only four or five hours of sleep each night — you wouldn’t keep doing this unless you found it pleasurable.
The preparations involve delivering approximately 700 kg (110 stone) of fresh fodder to the location daily and milking the cows at precisely the correct moment to ensure they are “in peak condition” when they go into the ring.
Mr. Warren pointed out that this is not the sole “technique used by professionals.”
He mentioned that they apply some hairspray, give a slight trim, and use a hair dryer to ensure their backs appear as straight as possible for the judges.
Asked whether his cows enjoyed their time away from their day jobs on the farm, he said: “They get a lot of pampering and just lie down and wait for food to be put in front of them.
They find this moment soothing.
Whether for major corporations, well-established large-scale manufacturers, or novice artisans, the exhibition offers an ideal platform to highlight Cornwall’s varied and booming commercial environment, according to statements from the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.
The South West Business Council believes that exhibitors contribute approximately £20 million during the event.
Nick Vincent represents the third generation of his family to bring the farm machinery company, Vincents, to the exhibition grounds.
“The largest machinery exhibit at the show is here, and I’ve attempted to scale it down, but it simply won’t budge,” he explained.
“As a family we have been going every year for 60 years. My grandfather has attended every show – he is 91 this year and will be there again.”
The company has consistently maintained a strong presence on “the main drag,” and this year will feature 51 exhibits showcasing equipment that varies greatly in size—from small items like leaf blowers to large machinery such as massive tractors, excavators, and mixer wagons.
‘Real team effort’
Although certain trades occur during the event, Mr. Vincent mentioned that its primary role is “providing an excellent chance to network with clients.”
He mentioned that people have a different mindset at the event, feeling more laid-back and sociable.
“Each stand has a vibe and we want customers to come and feel welcome, with absolutely no expectation of buying anything.
“It does put pressure on the business, and is costly – the lead-up is intensive.
“The team has had to prepare the machines and staff have been moved around, but when we finish the guys are proud.
“It is a real team effort and everyone pulls together.”
The food and farming section is referred to by its organizer, Hairy Harford, as “what most other county fairs have discarded.”
He stated that to be included, one must originate from Cornwall.
I am genuinely thrilled with our accomplishments, and Cornwall has every reason to take pride in its food and farming contributors.
This region features 60 manufacturers of various products, including everything from pickles to peanut butter, and garlic to gouda, displayed across three different pavilions.
His firm, based in Helston under the name Vicky’s Bread, plans to sell approximately 1,500 to 2,000 loaves there.
He stated, “Our purpose for being there includes selling bread and we expect to be quite successful at it, however, that isn’t our main reason. The primary appeal for us is simply enjoying ourselves.”
I’m thrilled to see our customers, and I can tell they feel just as enthusiastic about seeing us too.
“The Royal Cornwall, with Yorkshire and Wales are the last shows that are very real.
You have genuine farmers with their large tractors; this isn’t merely focused on entertainment rides as some other events do. This is truly an authentic agricultural exhibition.
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