LIVESTOCK entries at this year's Great Yorkshire Show are expected to be high, despite the impact of last year's foot-and-mouth crisis

Schedules are on their way to potential exhibitors in readiness for this year's event at the Harrogate showground. It runs from July 9-11.

Show director Christopher Hall said: "The dreadful events of last year have made us all the more determined to stage a superb show.

"We have spoken to a number of exhibitors and people connected to the farming industry and we are optimistic that the stock lines and the judging rings will be well filled.

"In addition, we are working closely with Defra about the regulations which need to be put in place.

"This adds an extra dimension, but I would stress that we will take all the necessary measures to ensure the regulations are met and adhered to with as little inconvenience to exhibitors as possible."

One of the aims of the show would be to boost morale in the industry and reinforce the message that British farming is the best in the world, he said.

"The cancellation of last year's show meant farming lost a key shop window but, with its return, the industry has a platform to present its best to the public.

A total of £145,000 is offered in prize money of which £38,198 is allocated to cattle, £27,306 across the sheep classes and £8,644 for pigs.

In the cattle section highlights will be the supreme beef, interbreed an dairy championships. There are classes for some 20 breeds - from the traditional such as Shorthorn to the continentals and rare breeds such as Dexters. Cattle entries close on Tuesday, May 22.

The Great Yorkshire has one of the largest sheep sections of any agricultural show with classes across 33 breeds, plus classes for wool, wool on the hoof and five carcase classes for commercial lamb.

As well as the usual pig classes, the final of the BPA Pig of the Year championship will be held, along with a qualifying round on the first day.

The deadline for entries of sheep, pigs and goats is Tuesday, May 14.

Elsewhere on the showground, there will be a food hall showcasing the best of local fare including a cheese show and an art and fashion exhibition.

There is also Farming the Future, a new area aimed at providing farmers with a range of business advice.

Tickets are £12 for adults,£9 for over 60s and £6 for children over 5 years. Discounts are available for advance bookings and car parking is free. For further information call 01423 541000 or visit the web site - www.greatyorkshireshow.org