Record entries delight for our premier show

Sheep entries are at a record high while cattle entries are higher than they have been in more than 10 years. This year's pig classes feature more entries than have been seen for 40 years.

The surge in entries comes as the Great Yorkshire Show takes on the mantle of England's premier agricultural show after the Royal Show folded last year.

As many as 130,000 visitors are expected at the rural showcase at Harrogate's Great Yorkshire Showground which takes place from Tuesday, July 13 to Thursday, July 15.

Sheep entries have peaked at 1,952 a total of 120 more than last year's record entry.

Cattle numbers stand at more than 1,200 while the pig section will have a superb show with over 400 entries. Show director Bill Cowling said: "Livestock entries are at their highest for a long time.

"We have had a policy of sticking to our agricultural roots and this has paid off with entries going from strength to strength. It's a great testament to the enthusiasm of our livestock exhibitors and their commitment to us.

"We will have a tremendous show with both quality and quantity of stock coming in front of the judges."

A total of 36 breeds and types of sheep will line up at the show, with the biggest entry coming from Texel exhibitors with a total of 271, followed by the second highest, Beltex, which achieved a record entry of 158 – 30 more than last year.

Other record entries have been set in the British Charollais section with 145 compared with 126 in 2009, and 48 in the butchers' lamb classes, up seven on the previous year. Traditional sheep breeds are also making a comeback with Herdwick, Jacob, Leicester, Teeswater and Whitefaced Woodland all attracting a record number of entries. Youngsters supporting the event are also on the increase with sheep young handlers entries up by 12 to 48.

Cattle entries stand at an impressive 1,226, 113 up on 2009. "We have been full in the cattle section for a number of years, but the difference this year has been that exhibitors have got their entries to us much earlier so by mid April we were virtually full," said Mr Cowling.

The event is hosting the National Simmental Show to mark the 40th anniversary of the breed in Britain and as a result Simmental numbers have risen to triple figures for the first time, with a record 119 entries.

Chief cattle steward Margaret Chapman said: "Even though we are putting up a marquee which will house the Simmentals and create more room in the sheds for cattle, other breeds are over-subscribed with a huge list of more than 200 animals waiting to enter the show.

"A few entries may drop out in the run up to the show but unfortunately we have to disappoint some people."

At 408 entries, the pig section is at its best since 1962 and well over the most recent record of 380 entries several years ago. Included in the classes for 11 different breeds on show for the first time is the Oxford Sandy and Black. Once again Saddlbacks are the most numerous breed represented.