Organisers used the event to make a bid to improve the numbers of farmers operating in the sector, with an entire portion of the showground exclusively devoted to showcasing upland farming.

The Farming4REAL zone celebrated all that is unique and vital about upland farming, carrying the message that upland regions, such as the Dales, bring huge environmental and economic benefits to the community along with food supplies.

The event, one of the country's premier celebrations of hill farming, was opened by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and saw people from across Yorkshire and beyond braving the inclement weather.

Persistent rain had waterlogged the showground, meaning wellingtons and anoraks were the order of the day.

Show chairman Robert Lambert said: "The average age of a hill farmer is around 58. Think about what is going to happen in the next 10 years. Something has to be done to bring the youngsters back into it. A lot more has to be done in terms of incentives.

"Admittedly prices are increasing, but they are only up by around nine per cent, with costs rising by around 35 per cent in some cases."

To help spread the message even further, a Yorkshire-based digital media company, Recorded Delivery, has produced audio and video podcasts to help promote hill farming and spread awareness of the issues it is facing. The content ranges from interviews with high-profile business people from the dales to recipes and cooking tips from local chefs.

Ian Smith of Recorded Delivery, who operate from Beamsley on the Bolton Abbey Estate, said: "The North Yorkshire uplands have some really interesting stories and some fantastic produce. We want to make people aware of this and try to give them a taste of what's on their doorstep."

Taking place in front of the dramatic setting of Kilnsey Crag, the show is one of the most popular in Yorkshire. The heavy rain meant that a planned visit from local Olympic hero Andy Hodge had to be cancelled. But despite much of the showground being a mud bath comparable to the Glastonbury Festival, the event seemed to be a hit with those in attendance.

Mr Lambert said: "We spent 12 months planning the show and all it takes is one night's rainfall to affect things. We have not looked at the full gate receipts but the attendance will be down, I'm sure. But it is still twice as many as I thought we would get.

"We have a good following and I cannot believe how many people have turned up."

Among those who did was Jean Waller of Wetherby, who has been coming to Kilnsey Show for more than 30 years.

She said: "I was introduced to it by an elderly couple who used to take me to all the Yorkshire agricultural shows, but Kilnsey was always my favourite. I think it is not too bad. They have done a good job considering the weather."

Adrian Bullock, of Pontefract, said: "It is a brilliant show, a bit different from the others, what with the crag-racing and the trotting at night."

Karen Wilson, also of Pontefract, dismissed the mud, saying: "We'll all wash, won't we? I think it is great."