Ayr County Show plans
ALL roads will lead to the Ayr County Show this Saturday, May 11, as farmers from across Ayrshire and up and down the country look forward to a good day out following one of the worst spells of weather for cattle, sheep and cereal producers.
While the first few months of 2024 have been brutal for farmers striving to bring new life into the world and get crops into the ground, the weather appears to be turning for the better at last.
There is also huge enthusiasm for a good day at Ayr Racecourse, with sheep entries up by almost 100 on the year at 420, while beef and dairy cattle numbers and Clydesdale horses are on a par with 2023.
The sheep lines boast no fewer than 15 sections, with 68 entries in the Suffolk classes, followed by the Beltex with 42 and Texel on 34.
Some 90 head of beef cattle have also been entered, of which the commercial section is the largest with 36 expected on the day, complete with 28 continental pedigree cattle and 26 native breeds.
Around 70 stalls have been booked for dairy cattle too, alongside some 16 Clydesdale horses and three stud carts.
Outwith the livestock, and a large section of horses and ponies, this year’s 179th show, in the Ayrshire Agricultural Association’s 188th year, is again viewed as a ‘must do’ event on the calendars of both the farming community and families looking for a fun-packed, good value day out.
The event includes trade stands, crafts, vintage tractor display, SWI competitions, Young Farmers competitions, family entertainment, music, children’s marquee and ‘TT Ayr’ (Trucks and Tractor) Show.
Judging begins at 8am, before the individual champion animals from each section meet in the main ring around mid-afternoon for the Rowan Crystal Supreme Champion of Champions to be judged.
Around the show will be Cammy Wilson from The Sheep Game; Dinosaur Invasion; Owl Magic, Aldabra Giant Tortoises, young farmers tug o’ war and stockjudging competitions, and much, much more.
In the main ring,
Dangerous Steve, a huge crowd puller, will be performing spectacular stunts to keep spectators mesmerised.
Gates open to the public at 9am. Admission at the gate is £20 for adults and free for children aged 15 and under, if they are accompanied by an adult.