Future of Farming line-up reveals for this Royal Three Counties Show

Published by

Nicky Godding

Water quality, soil health, biodiversity, succession planning, the latest developments in agri-tech and the positive role cattle can play in improving the environment are some of the big conversations due to take place during the Royal Three Counties Show at Malvern between 14^th- 16^th June.

Industry experts from across the UK will be among the guest speakers at the event’s Future of Farming Theatre to guide, inspire and challenge those at the sharp end of agriculture and sponsored by Lightsource BP and Virgin Money.

There will be help and advice for growing and improving land-based businesses, including discussions over making the most of assets and finding alternative incomes and support in the current financial climate, and ample opportunities for asking questions and networking too.

The session on the role of cattle in being part of the solution and not the problem when it comes to the environment is expected to generate a large audience. Chaired by Paul Westaway of Melview Farming, the speakers will include Dr Lisa Morgans, a Vet and Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare at the Royal Agricultural University; Professor Jude Capper, ABP Chair of Sustainable Beef and Sheep Production at Harper Adams University and Arran Redman, Soils and Natural Resources Adviser from Innovation for Agriculture and Royal Agricultural Society of England.

The session on making the most of farm assets will feature a virtual farm tour with a panel of experts, who will include Oliver Maxey, Regional Head of Agriculture-England for Virgin Money; Hannah Moule, Founder and Planning Consultant at The Rural Planning Company; Ben Allman, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Ballards LLP and Antony Pearce, Partner at Dudley Peverill Associates.

The wide-ranging schedule for The Future of Farming Theatre is just one of the highlights at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show.

Alice Arnold, Royal Three Counties Show organiser, said: “Over the past century, the Royal Three Counties Show has become a much-loved event in the calendar.

“It’s also one of the largest livestock and equine shows in the UK and the Future of Farming Theatre creates provides a platform to shout about everything that is great about British Agriculture and the Countryside.”

The three-day event is one of the UK’s largest livestock extravaganzas, with no fewer than 900 classes across 35 judging rings and a prize fund of £110,000 provided by The Three Counties Agricultural Society.

Seventeen livestock breed societies will be holding their national shows in the farming village during the three days and there will be classes bringing together a large gathering of rare, minority and native animals.

Young farmers are encouraged to take part in the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Junior Handlers’ Classes, and there will be a qualifying round for the Trust’s Young Shepherd of the Year competition.

Each day will be rounded off with the Grand Parade of Livestock in the Main Arena, with a new Group of Three Cattle class leading the parade on Friday, and the Prestigious Burke Trophies for Beef and Dairy Cattle taking centre stage on Saturday.

The Royal Three Counties Show is one of the largest livestock and equestrian shows in the UK.

One of its chief aims is to support farmers and the rural community by raising awareness of the importance of British agriculture, providing professional development opportunities and hosting social events to bring people together. These include the CLA Big Breakfast on the Friday, Farmers Club and RASE events and the Stockman’s Dinner on Saturday evening.

The National Farmers’ Union Tent is another hub for farming discussions and members of Young Farmers’ Clubs are made welcome with their own village to hold activities and competitions, such as the Tug of War, plus the offer of discounted tickets.

There’s also an unbeatable opportunity to view and buy cutting edge equipment and find inspiration from the new ‘Machinery Mile’ as part of the Farming Village running from South Gate.

Nicky Godding

Nicky Godding is editor of The Business Magazine. Before her journalism career, she worked mainly in public relations moving into writing when she was invited to launch Retail Watch, a publication covering retail and real estate across Europe. After some years of constant travelling, she tucked away her passport and concentrated on business writing, co-founding a successful regional business magazine. She has interviewed some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs who have built multi-million-pound businesses and reported on many science and technology firsts. She reports on the region’s thriving business economy from start-ups, family businesses and multi-million-pound corporations, to the professionals that support their growth and the institutions that educate the next generation of business leaders.