Thousands of visitors flocked to the 108th edition of the Wensleydale Show on Saturday (August 28) as families, farmers and animals alike enjoyed the sunshine at the historic event.
Taking place at Leyburn Showground, North Yorkshire, there was plenty to see and do for punters on the day, including all the sheep, cows, and horse classes, alongside horticulture, crafts, vintage vehicles, and plenty of refreshment stalls.
In the main ring, there was carriage driving, dog shows, and BMW trial riders entertaining the crowds, while a bouncy castle, diesel engines, and vintage tractors ensured there was something for all the family.
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Across the showground, young farmers and the next generation of the agricultural world were also making strides – with plenty of teenage farmers showing for the first time, and even younger farmers taking part in sheep classes – which made for great photos for their families.
Despite the ‘good time’ feeling had by all at the event, which is meant to be a celebration of everything farming and country – the agricultural show was also a shop window for farmers to showcase the best produce they have to offer.
However, this hasn’t come without its difficulties.
Speaking to farmers at the Wensleydale Show, the cost-of-living crisis has hit them, just like it has the majority of households across the UK – with costs of feed, electricity, and most pieces of equipment has made it an uphill challenge.
Mike Sayer, who has been farming for 40 years, has just under 1000 acres of land near Bedale and keeps around 100 cows and 1300 sheep.
While he has faced rising costs, Mr Sayer was firmly concentrating on enjoying his Wensleydale Show experience, which he has come to for the last ten years – even if he jokes that the best part of the show is “just a day off”.
He told The Northern Echo: “You just have to keep your head down. Yes, the costs have gone up and you fear that you might get left behind – you must get on with things.
“The show is about seeing a few friends again – some that you haven’t seen for a long while and a celebration of everything farming.”
After speaking to many other farmers, it appeared that Mr Sayer’s issue isn’t exclusive – but the approach to managing it is the same “let’s get on with it” motto.
Charles Marwood, who has a 240-acre farm near Easingwold, was at the show on Saturday to judge Masham and Teeswater sheep – but insists that farmers have solutions, not problems and “life can’t stop” despite rising costs.
He said: “Anything oil-based or energy-related is rising – but life can’t stop – we carry on.
“It might affect what shows we go to because of travel costs, but farmers just get on with it.”
Meanwhile – Ernie Sherwin, who is a well-known name within the farming industry, as was his father Percy, has a large-scale farm in Nosterfield, Bedale – believes shows like Wensleydale Show “unlocks the door” for the future generations and help promote agriculture.
He puts this down to the “welcoming” nature of the show – that you might not get at others shows such as The Great Yorkshire Show, which has become “oversized” and “commercial”.
He told The Northern Echo: “You feel welcome at Wensleydale Show – sometimes you go to these large shows and they couldn’t give a monkeys or put you on reserve lists.
“This isn’t the way to bring through the next generation. As you look around you, you see younger farmers, and these are the future.
“I’m proud to be a farmer – it’s all about job satisfaction. The show also acts as a shop window with auctions and sales coming up – it’s a real exhibition.”
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