South Devons launch national show

The demise of the Royal Show has sparked a raft of reactions, but the most common one so far is for breed societies to enact national shows at other venues.

The latest to set out their plans are the South Devon Cattle Society who are planning their event for this year’s Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge.

And, after this year the plan is for the event to travel the country visiting other shows. To help further afield exhibitors the Society is also offering assistance with travel costs and will boost prize money at the event too.

Other breeds with similar plans include the Blondes, who I believe have their debut national set for the Three Counties this year, while there is talk of the Limousins staging a national next year. The Simmentals and Angus already have well supported nationals, and no doubt other beef breeds will also follow suit in due course.

In the dairy sector the new all breeds national show is set for Stoneleigh on 16-17 February, but few sheep breeds have yet to make any announcements that I’m aware of.