A new record has been set for entries in the sheep section for this year’s Royal Cornwall Show.

Numbers of sheep competing at the show have steadily increased in recent years. This year’s entry of 1294 represents a healthy increase of 44 over the previous high which was set in 2012 when 1250 entries were received. Last year saw the third highest turnout recorded with 1219.

Mary Andrews, departmental steward for sheep, is pleased with the impressive total of entries.

“It’s a healthy entry all round and is just the result we were hoping for,” she said.

Hampshire Downs have increased from 94 to 104 and is the highest single breed entry in the show’s history. The Beltex, Ryeland, Scottish Black Faced and Texel breeds have also all seen significant increases in support.

Two breeds gained sufficient support to enable them to have classes in their own right this year. The North Country Cheviot and Shetland sheep breeds received 33 and 30 entries respectively and will see them step out of the Any Other Pure Breed of British Native origin classes when the show takes place on the 9th, 10th & 11th June.

The Southdown Sheep Society celebrate their 125th year and have selected the Royal Cornwall as their local anniversary show and will present the 21 exhibitors of the breed at the show with a commemorative rosette.

The fleece competition celebrates its 20th year at the show. Competitive fleece classes were first introduced at the Royal Cornwall in 1996.

Mole Valley Farmers continue as major sponsor of the show’s popular sheep section.

Pigs

A total of 177 entries will compete for the honours within the pig section. It marks a slight dip in numbers compared to last year’s third highest entry on record. Whilst the numbers in most classes have reduced, entries in the Large White, Middle White, Welsh, any other pure breed and young handler classes have increased.

Cattle

502 stalls have been booked in the Cattle section which is a little lower than last year’s turnout. “Numbers were particularly high in 2015 as a result of hosting the prestigious Burke trophies in both the beef and dairy sections and the National show of the Devon cattle,” said show secretary Christopher Riddle.

The well-publicised difficulties with Bovine Tuberculosis haven’t helped with numbers and some regular cattle exhibitors are currently unable to participate due to restrictions.

There are 50 British Simmental within the overall total – up from 38 last year, also an additional 6 Herefords and – within the dairy section – the number of Holsteins set to compete has risen by 21.

Equine

There is always a large number of horses at the Royal Cornwall Show and this year is no different.

Although 23 entries down on last year, the total of 1,292 is a strong turnout. These figures do not include show jumping classes, entries for which have not yet closed.

Working hunter ponies have fared very well, with 51 entries compared to 31 last time. Miniature horses have increased by 19 in number, Shetland ponies are up by 12.

“We often see fluctuation in the equine entries, but are always pleased to see them in large numbers. The horses and ponies add so much to the show with so many competitive classes, the show jumping and the inter-hunt relay competitions.

“Atkinson Action Horses continue the theme in the main ring, bringing the equine stars and stunt riders from the BBC Poldark series to perform an all-action horseback stunt show,” said Christopher Riddle.

Keep up to date with the show at www.royalcornwall.co.uk, at Royal Cornwall Show (Facebook) and @RoyalCornwall (Twitter).