Farming life is celebrated at the 152nd Great Yorkshire Show Photographs by Andy Bulmer

It was another successful Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate with one of the best attendances over three days, in spite of the mixed weather.

Bill Cowling, show director said it was one of the finest Great Yorkshire Shows he could remember. ‘The atmosphere was tremendous, the standard of entries across the competitive classes was outstanding, and we achieved another superb attendance figure.’

Attendance figures were reported as among the highest in the event’s 152 year history – 131,382 over the three days which is a rise for the fourth year in succession. The record stands at 135,111, established in 2006 and last year’s figure was 130,731.

‘Looking at the farming industry as a whole, there’s certainly a growing confidence, and as one of the UK’s top three agricultural shows, it is our responsibility to help foster that confidence,’ added Bill. ‘Our work supporting the industry goes on year round, and we’re already looking forward to our autumn event, Countryside Live.’

Guests over the three days included HRH The Princess Royal, who delighted the crowds as she toured the showground. Part of her visit included presenting Loraine Homer of Oxon with the Archie Thomlinson trophy for the champion ridden horse as well as meeting livestock exhibitors, visiting the hound section and watching equine classes. On Thursday the Defra Secretary, Caroline Spelman visited the show meeting exhibitors and touring all the stands.

The outgoing show president, Richard Elmhirst, handed over the staff of office to his successor, the former chairman of William Morrison supermarkets, Sir Ken Morrison.

We were especially pleased to meet the many readers who visited our stands in the members’ area and on the main thoroughfare. Your support and loyalty is always greatly appreciated.

Roll of honour

Livestock

Supreme Beef Champion: a four year old Hereford bull, Romany 1 Captain, shown by Nesbitt Farms of Hungerford, Berks.

Supreme Dairy Champion: the Holstein breed champion, Saxelby Godwyn Rose, shown by Robert and Elaine Butterfield, of Bentham, Lancaster.

Supreme Sheep Champion: a Charollais aged ram shown by Peter and Janet Vaughan of Leominster.

BPA Pig of the Year: the 10-month-old Saddleback boar shown by Will Edwards and Amanda Thomas of Newbridge Gwent.

Supreme Pig Champion: a Welsh nine-month-old sow, Garsfield Nine 7 from B and M Mulkeen’s Garsfield herd of Wigan.

Equestrian

Show jumping: The Ripon Select Foods Cock o’ the North: Geoff Luckett riding Monline Cuddy Supreme Champion: a Welsh C brood mare, Kirkhamgate Lady Rhiannon owned by Paul Smith and Dawn Gant of Normanton, Wakefield.

Top Spec Top o’the North Supreme Ridden Championship: Rosemary Hetherington’s six-year-old cob Hallmark IX ridden and produced by Jack Cochrane of Worksop.

The Garden Show

The Doncaster Trophy for the Best in Show went to the National Farmers Union with their horticultural stand.

Sheep Shearing

Yorkshire Shearer of the Year was won by Antony Rooke of Harome, Helmsley.