A dramatic rise in entries in 2017 has produced a record field for the competitive sheep and pig sections at the Royal Cornwall Show, held on June 8 to 10.

The sheep section saw a total of 1,401 entries this year, which is over 100 more than the previous record set in 2016.

A total of 39 sheep breeds will be represented among the various classes in the section this year, with a further seven featuring in the rare breed sheep classes.

The Whiteface Dartmoor sheep will have its own class at the show for the first time, and the breed has received strong support this year, taking it away from the Any Other Pure Breeds category.

The Beltex breed has received a record 81 entries, the Devon and Cornwall Longwool, 57, Jacob, 51, and North Country Cheviot jumped to 54 from 33.

The rare breed sheep classes, despite losing the Whiteface Dartmoor, have seen numbers increase by 21 to 62 in total.

The pig section also enjoyed a significant surge in numbers with 261 entries received.

The Berkshire, British Lop, British Saddleback, Large Black and Tamworth breeds all registered large increases in support this year and more than double the number of young handlers have entered compared to last year.

The Pietrain pigs will have their own dedicated classes, securing 22 entries, which is nearly twice the number required. This is the first time this has happened and is a very rare occurrence in the showing world.

Cattle section entries have also experienced a rise in numbers, with an increase of 53 stalls booked over last year.

In the beef section, South Devon entries have risen from 55 last time to 127 this year; the show is hosting the breed’s National Show which has boosted numbers.

The Dairy Shorthorns lead the way in the dairy section with numbers rising from 14 to 22 this time out.

The breed’s recent rise in popularity saw a return to dedicated classes last year after a 44 year hiatus at the Royal Cornwall. The Guernsey, Jersey and Ayrshire breeds have also enjoyed a rise in support.

Show secretary Christopher Riddle said: “New records set in two of the livestock sections at the show this year and strong support across the board is a very positive sign.

"We look forward to welcoming exhibitors from far and wide to Cornwall in June.

“The sheep, fleece, pig and cattle sections are part of the show’s agricultural roots and we’re proud to continue to provide a thriving showcase for the very best the industry has to offer.”