Farming to the Fore at Great Yorkshire Show

First class farming is synonymous with the Great Yorkshire Show and next month’s event will be no exception with thousands of animals, the latest in high tech agricultural machinery and rurally related seminars to interest and inform. And there are discounted rates for farmers if tickets are booked in advance.*

NB: Images available to download at bottom of release

Dates for England’s premier agricultural event are Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 July when over 130,000 visitors are expected to come through the gates of the showground on the edge of the spa town of Harrogate. For one person in particular it will be a particularly special three days; for Charles Mills it will be his first as Show Director. A farmer from near York, Charles is no stranger to the event having been joint chief cattle steward for a number of years and as a member of several committees for the event organisers, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Said Charles: “Agriculture is firmly at the heart of the Great Yorkshire Show, and we are delighted to showcase the best of British farming, both for livestock and arable farmers. We are a shop window across the industry and this year we are providing even more to interest our core farming visitors. Each year thousands attend, to show their animals, browse the many stands assessing cutting edge equipment, gathering the latest information on precision agriculture and to meet up with fellow farmers and friends.”  

For the first time a live Lely Robotic Milking Demonstration will take place at the event – the first to feature at a British agricultural show. The demonstrations will be a significant feature with a purpose built dairy unit constructed close to the cattle lines. An important part is being played by Yorkshire farmers, brother and sister, Edward and Victoria Goodall who are bringing 40 Holstein cows from their farm near Leeds to be milked at the event.

The Lely Astronaut robotic milking system recognises each cow giving them access to the robot 24/7 so they are milked when they choose. Over 200 pieces of data are taken each time with important data recorded on the T4C (time for cows) management programme which is then presented in a dashboard format enabling the farmer to supply each cow with all her needs for optimal health, milk production and well-being. Over the three show days presentations will be given by Lely staff.

More than 8,000 animals will be competing for the top awards, including around 1,000 cattle, more than 2,000 sheep and some 400 pigs. In the cattle section the Blythewood awards for beef and dairy animals are one of the event’s highlights, particularly as the Grand Parade of Cattle in the Main Ring is the stunning backdrop to the judging. In addition, this year the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society is holding its Summer National Show at Harrogate.

Precision Agriculture is the overarching theme of an extensive range of seminars held each day which showcase agriculture and innovation. Talks range from the experiences of a Nuffield scholar to looking at the future of farming without pesticides to the issues and latest developments regarding anaerobic digestion. Places for the seminars are limited and should be booked in advance.

Innovation in farming will be particularly recognised through the Society’s White Rose What’s Next Award.  This will be given to the product, implement, device or service that is judged to bring a significant improvement to the Yorkshire rural community or Yorkshire farmers.

Linking farmers with their customers is an important element of the Great Yorkshire Show which provides a platform for the two to engage. This will be particularly evident in the showground’s new £11.5m exhibition hall which opens this month (June). At the Great Yorkshire Show the hall will become an amazing food emporium featuring the popular Great Yorkshire Cheese and Dairy Show, a Food Theatre, an extensive range of stands and the Journey of Food exhibition.

Elsewhere around the showground there will be much to see and do including demonstrations of rural skills such as sheep shearing and drystone walling, a busy Country Pursuits Area, the latest in forestry techniques and equipment in the Forestry Area and much much more.

For the latest information including to book tickets see www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

*Final date for ordering advance tickets: Wednesday 6 July 2016

ENDS

8 June 2016

Media Contact: Judy Thompson, PR Manager 01423 546215 or email judyt@yas.co.uk

If you wish to apply for press passes to the Great Yorkshire Show, please complete the online application form on our website, by 6th July 2016 - http://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/media/press-passes

EDITORS NOTES

-        The Great Yorkshire Show is organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, a charity which supports farming and the agricultural industry.

-        This will be the 158th Great Yorkshire Show

-        Dates are Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 July

-        The venue is The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

-        It is England’s premier agricultural event

-        Tickets are available online – at greatyorkshireshow.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Hotline - 01423 541222 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm)

-        There are savings to be made by buying tickets in advance.

-        Parking is extensive and free

-        Dogs, other than assistance dogs, are not allowed on the showground. Be kind to your dog and leave it at home.

Great Yorkshire Show 2016 Ticket Prices

                                    Advanced Prices                               Gate Price

                                    (until Weds 6 July)

Adult                           £23                                                      £27

Child                           £10                                                      £13

Family (2 adults
& 3 children)              £56                                                      £67

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