For the third consecutive year, sheep entries have set a record at the Royal Cornwall Show.

And this year, the increase is a noteworthy 160, bringing the overall total to 1,250. Last year there were 1,090 entries and in 2010, the third highest entry, 1,020.

Mary Andrews, departmental steward for sheep, thinks several factors have combined to produce this impressive total of entries.

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

The reputation of the Royal Cornwall as a quality, traditional agricultural show and, within that, of the sheep section itself, was an obvious, continuing influence.

There is the jubilee week factor to consider, there are two new trophies to be won and there has been some reorganisation of young handler classes, which has increased the numbers from 25 to 48 this year.

Until now, classes have been split between ten and under and 11 to 14. Now there are three classes: seven and under, eight to 12 and 13 to 16.

The classes now match the new ones offered in the rare breeds section, which will provide a good basis for keen competition at the show.

Suffolks have increased from 65 to 86, Zwartbles from 36 to 66, British native & traditional rare breeds from 35 to 66, Any Other Pure Breed of Continental Origin from 17 to 32 and Wool on the Hoof entries are up to 131 from 104.

Two breeds that gained their own classes last year have done well, with Exmoor Horn up to 42 from 38. Ryeland have dropped from 32 to 27, but it is still a healthy showing, said Mary.

The fleece competition has 64 entries. This is the second highest recorded, with the record standing at 69, from 2000. Classes were introduced in 1996.

cattle With 641 stalls booked in the cattle section, numbers are up from last year’s 628. The figure does not include those on the waiting list for stalls, which indicates a very strong trend, said show secretary Christopher Riddle.

There are 52 British Limousin within the overall total – up from 36 last year and a reflection of the celebrations which will mark 25 years of classes for this breed at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Jerseys have leaped from 13 to 31 and other breeds have stayed pretty steady, with the Any Other Pure Breed classes registering 41 compared to 35 in 2011 and Dexters recording a fall from 46 to 30.

Pigs It’s steady as she goes in the pig section, with 160 entries, compared to 164 in 2011. Numbers have stayed fairly constant throughout the classes, with the biggest changes seen in Berkshires (down five to 17) and Large Whites up five to 18. Tamworths have six entries compared to just one last year.

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

Although down on last year, the total of 1,351 compares well with the 1,458 in 2011. These figures do not include show jumping.

Shetland ponies have fared well, with 115 entries compared to 103. Riding horses (11/26) and Hunter Brood Mares & Young Stock (54/78) are down and miniature horses up from 27 to 39.

“We do see fluctuation in the equine entries, but are always pleased to see them in large numbers. The equine contingent adds a lot to the show, what with the competitive classes, the show jumping and the inter-hunt relay.

“And of course this year there are two horse-based main ring acts with the Devil’s Horsemen and Polo @ the Royal Cornwall. Out on the showground, the Donkey Sanctuary stand is also very popular,” said Christopher Riddle.

Thank you Ma’am, says young handler Thomas Twelve-year-old Thomas Nancekivell is mad keen on farming and he’ll be competing with the seniors in the sheep classes at June’s Royal Cornwall Show.

Not only will he be seeking honours as a young handler but he will also be hoping for success in the Roussin classes, where he will be showing in competition with highly experienced breeders.

Thomas’s ten-year-old brother, Harry, will also be in the young handlers competition and father Roland will be playing his usual role of steward for the Suffolk breed.

Grandmother Eileen is a steward for the British Vendeen breed. And while the boys’ mother, Ruth, is right behind the family effort and gets to the show when she can, she also has a bed a breakfast business to run back at the farm near Kilkhampton.

The third Nancekivell son, Samuel, is just five. But Ruth hopes that in a couple of years’ time he will also be showing alongside his brothers.

Roland represents the third generation of his family to breed sheep on the same farm and one day, Thomas intends to carry on that tradition.

“We have been farming here for loads of years and I would like to take it on from my dad. I love farming,” he said.

He also loves competing and winning and has all his rosettes won at local shows on display in his bedroom. The prize money comes in handy too.

Although Harry is more keen on sport than farming, he will be playing his part in the young handler competition “because I want to help out with the sheep.”

The Nancekivell farming enterprise includes 630 breeding ewes and a pedigree herd of Limousin cattle – which are celebrating 25 years of classes at the Royal Cornwall this year.

Roland enjoys seeing his boys taking part in the competition.

“It’s a confidence-building exercise,” he said.

“They have to prepare the sheep and show them and there is that adrenaline rush when they have to present the sheep as best as they possibly can.”

He believes the future looks good in sheep.

“We have turned a corner in the sheep industry and we are getting enthusiasm and confidence back in the younger generation,” he said.

The strength of farming is in the family, he says, and youngsters all enjoy the Royal Cornwall.

“There’s something unique about the Royal Cornwall within the sheep tent.”

As for Thomas, well, what with the double bank holiday, half term and jubilee week all coinciding with the Royal Cornwall Show, he says: “I would like to thank the Queen because that’s the reason I can do it this year!”

Keep up with the show at www.royalcornwall.co.uk, at Royal Cornwall Show News (Facebook) and RCSupdate (Twitter).