Debut time at Otley’s big show

Jeff Crabtree is a chartered surveyor but his roots are firmly entrenched in farming.

His two brothers Gordon and Roland run Well Farm in the village of Clifton, close to the showground, where four generations of the family have farmed and where Jeff grew up.

“I was born up at the farm and I still help them out from time to time at silage or hay-making,” he says.

“The farm has had to expand over the years, in common with many, both in terms of acreage and the livestock numbers.

“My brothers now have a dairy herd of around 120 cows and followers as well as 500-600 sheep. But in Clifton village, where there used to be five farms there is now just our family farm left.

“I diversified. When I left school I went to work for Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart in the town and was trained up as an auctioneer by one of the dale’s best known personalities, Ben Atkinson. I was with them 10 years before joining Dacre, Son & Hartley.

“I remember first coming to Otley Show when I was very young, probably about four or five, and I have been involved on the committee side of the show for the past 10 years.

“The show has changed quite a bit since I first came as a child. It now has a much larger showground. Where there was once a quarry there is now a beautiful lake which provides a nice backdrop.

“We have put in farmers’ markets, farrier demonstrations and sheep shows. We are always keen to maintain our farming history, but we have had to bring in more non-rural attractions to hold the general public who come for the day.”

Appealing to both the townspeople of Otley and to the agricultural and rural community of its surrounding area requires a delicate balancing act.

Often as not, shows these days are accused of selling out to the handbag and gladrag brigade by mounting a show with so many non-rural trade stands that they overshadow proceedings for those who have come for a taste of the simple country life.

“It is always a challenge to make sure you have the mix just right,” says Jeff.

“If you went fully agricultural you wouldn’t get the numbers that we get of around 15,000. It’s important you do cater for both parties and we are always keen to try new ideas.

“This year we have a display Spitfire, dancing sheep, a dog display team, marching band and we have added a music marquee, which will hopefully attract another audience that may not have come regularly to the show before.

“There are still a lot of farms around Otley and with ours being the first show of the season everyone is interested in who is showing what and seeing how their stock looks.

“It’s also an ideal opportunity for everyone to see how farming is going. We encourage people to ask questions of the farmers who are exhibiting, or the judges.

“There’s nothing at all wrong with asking why they have selected one animal over another, in fact the judges enjoy explaining their reasons.”

The entrance to the showground was once home to the town’s other livestock market Bridge End, which closed in the last century.

For a number of years show livestock were housed in the old buildings, now demolished.

“We had to bring in larger marquees to give cover for the livestock which give us a nicer show image.”

Cattle, sheep and horse entries have all maintained their numbers this year.

Janet Raw, the show secretary, is delighted that the dairy entries, particularly the Holsteins, have seen a number of new or returning exhibitors. There are also increases in the Hereford and Highland cattle classes.

Otley Show is reputed to be the oldest agricultural show in the UK and this year is the 202nd since it started in 1796 in the yard of the Royal White Horse Hotel.

The idea back in those days was to have a day when farmers demonstrated good practice in animal husbandry and in crop growing.

“We are keen to support and encourage new and young people in farming,” adds Jeff.

“There will be a debut of our Young Shepherd and Young Shepherdess competition in the sheep section, sponsored by a local company, Petwise.

“There will be a cash prize on offer and we’ve had a good number of entries. The Wharfedale Agricultural Society also gets involved with sponsorships of Young Farmers’ Clubs activities outside of the show day and the society is still active as a charity organisation to promote agricultural activities throughout the area.”

Jeff isn’t too nervous about his first show as chairman. He just wants the sun to shine.

“We all just want it to be a nice day after all the hard work that everyone puts in.

“People often say of us, ‘that’s the one it always rains at’ but it’s not the case if you look back. We’ve had nice dry days for the past few shows.

“Good weather last year boosted the attendance, so we’re hoping it will be just as good again.”

Wharfedale Agricultural Society is offering a membership package that includes: three tickets to the show on May 21, car parking and access to the membership marquee for £20. Contact Janet Raw for details on 01943 462541 or www.otleyshow.org.uk