It's not in my nature to brag, as you know very well, but I thought I would just report that while some other agricultural shows are experiencing difficulties, Norfolk has just enjoyed one of it's best ever. And it remains mainly agricultural. The machinery lines were packed, as usual, although I'm not sure how much of that tackle was unsold. Not a lot, I suspect, given the lead times being quoted by most dealers.
Livestock entries were outstanding. A total of 665 cattle, of which 135 were Holsteins, and 68 were Simmentals, boosted by the fact that the breeds International Cogress was held at the show. The sheep entry was slightly down on the previous year at 546 and there were a few absentees due to Blue Tongue. But there were classes for Southdowns for the first time with 54 entries and goat numbers were up as were those for pigs, which is incredible when you consider the problems that sector has been through.
Not all that relevant to modern farming perhaps but there were 120 heavy horses at the show. And this year for the first time there were classes for ridden heavies. That will almost certainly be repeated next year.
The sun shone, the gentle breeze cooled animals and people alike, the crowds came in what must have been near record numbers - I estimate over 100,000, the grand ring programme, led by The Kings Troop, was one of the best ever, and Prince Harry (apart from giving many young ladies a thrill) made this 100th show since Norfolk was awarded it Royal Charter a thoroughly memorable occasion, for all the right reasons.