The Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show opened its doors to the community last Wednesday at the Fonmon Castle Grounds for a fantastic day of livestock competitions, locally sourced produce and family fun. I must admit it is my personal highlight of the year in terms of community events and last week did not disappoint.
It included animals of all shapes and sizes, from dog shows to sheep; horses to cattle. The livestock showing process is fascinating, anyone can watch and learn to find out what features farmers look for when breeding animal stock. The cattle showing was particularly interesting for me this year. I was able to take part thanks to Abi Reader, of Goldsland Farm near Wenvoe, who kindly allowed me to show one of her diary calves, Marjorie. The children showing their calves around me, made the process of showing look easy while I struggled to control Marjorie in what I am told was quite a comic scene. (You can judge my efforts for yourself by watching the video on my facebook page).
The competition didn’t end with the livestock shows, the show jumping and the Hunt Scurry were a pleasure to watch with some of the finest riders and horses in Wales taking to the field. These were followed by a display of a dog agility race which was enjoyed by dogs and spectators in equal measure.
Even the home produce marquee was a competitive environment with some of the best cooks in the Vale and from further afield attracting visitors to some of the best local produce available.
Many similar shows have lost their agricultural focus, the Vale Show has maintained this tradition and I think for the better.
Thousands of hours go into organising this event which brings the community together, rural and urban to celebrate the most fundamental industry we have. The organisers have done another fantastic job, any many will have left the show with new family memories, fuller bellies and a greater appreciation of farming.
In the wake of Brexit, there have been concerns about the future of farming subsidies. Now is the time for politicians and the public to show that they back Welsh farming and I am pleased that the Chancellor has given farmers certainty, announcing that the current system of support will continue until 2020, before a domestic system is established.
The importance of farming to the Vale, the UK and Wales can’t be understated and I would like to thank the Vale show for bringing it to the forefront of the community once again.