Record livestock entries for Royal Norfolk Show

THE Royal Norfolk Show has seen record cattle entries this year and will put up extra marquees to accommodate the additional numbers.

This year’s show takes place at the Norfolk showground on from 30 June to 1 July. Cattle entries currently stand at 809, compared to 761 last year. Sussex cattle are making a return to the show and the Sussex Cattle Society awards will be presented during the two days.

Sheep numbers have reached the maximum limit at 650 which again is an increase on last year’s figure of 622.  Additional classes for Beltex, Coloured Ryeland and Oxford Down have been introduced for 2010 together with a trimmed Championship, a competition not seen in the show world before with the aim to encourage the diminishing skill of trimming sheep.

A new improved layout will see the sheep area incorporated into the east side of the showground which should significantly improve its accessibility to show visitors.

Pig entries currently stand at 103 (104 last year) and goat entries are slightly less than last year at 170 compared to 198 in 2009.

Equestrian entries are also impressive with a total of 1547 horses entered in all categories so far with showjumping entries not closing until the end of May.

Show manager Sarah de Chair said:  “We did expect large numbers in the cattle section as breeders and exhibitors look for new opportunities to compete with their livestock following the loss of the prestigious Royal Show.

“I think people recognise that the Royal Norfolk Show is the largest two day agricultural show in the country with top quality livestock judging and is one not to be missed.”