Long may the show go on, defying pressures on our farmers

FARMING is an industry under pressure. If it’s not being made nigh-on impossible by increasingly extreme weather, pressure on prices, political uncertainty or bureaucracy, then it’s a profession facing increasing social demonisation.

We’re often told that farming, particularly livestock production, is bad for the environment, and that we should all boycott its produce and go vegan.

We’re told to avoid red meat, white meat, eggs, fish, leather, and all the things the countryside has been built around for centuries.

But the phenomenal success of this year’s Ashbourne Show points towards a local population that’s still very much proud of its local producers.

Agricultural shows are a shameless celebration of every aspect of farming and rural life.

From the nut and bolt supply chain, through the finest livestock in the area, all the way up to the largest runner bean, we attend these events because we love the countryside and everything it provides for us.

A gate attendance of more than 11,000 people gathering together within weeks of a lockdown illustrates the Ashbourne area is always ready to put on a massive show of strength, support and congratulations to everyone involved in putting food on our tables.

And perhaps more than anything Ashbourne Show is a chance to gather in one place towards the end of a farming year to compare successes, share stories, relax and unwind and to get together.

And that sense of togetherness has perhaps never been more badly needed than this year, after what we’ve all been through.

It’s no surprise, then, that the 129th Ashbourne Show was a resounding success.

And it should come as no surprise that, after a tumultuous 18 months or so, we’re still in love with every aspect of the farming industry.

Long may this support continue.