Looking after our livestock exhibitors

   05 Jul 2022

Whilst it’s such a busy time on the farm with haymaking well under way, amazing farmers and smallholders from near and far find the time to go the extra mile as they prepare their cattle to compete for our championship titles.

Agricultural shows like ours are steeped in heritage and for over a hundred years our show has promoted the breeding of good livestock. In turn this strengthens the industry, and that’s why we believe it’s the perfect place to exhibit and why our farmers return year after year.

In return we make sure that spending a precious bank holiday weekend here at the Ardenrun Showground is a really fun and worthwhile venture for our exhibitors.

With showers, dedicated camping for competitors, a buzzing bar and live entertainment in the evening, we make sure that our stockmen and women are as well looked after as their cattle! Plus this year you’ll see the return of the much-loved Stockman’s breakfast with a fabulous new local caterer.

We have fantastic prizes up for grabs
There’s a whopping £16,000 of prize money and 50 trophies available in our cattle section, as well as special breed society rosettes and prize cards.

There are plenty of classes to compete in
With more than 200 cattle on site over the two days, we have 189 cattle classes and championships to compete in - that means there’s definitely something for everyone. Last year we introduced the interbreed beef calf classes and new for 2022 by popular demand we’ve got extra classes for the very popular Dexter breed, introducing a bull and a calf class.

Our show is keen to encourage young farmers
There are plenty of Junior Stockman classes for all ages, and calf classes provide a great way for young people to show off their hard work with the stock on their farms. Thanks to the kind sponsorship of Designer Holsteins we’re able to offer free entry into the South Eastern Holstein Dairy Showmanship Classes (young handler classes) this year. The aim is to encourage young stockmen to have knowledge about their animals’ breeding, animal welfare and how to present the animal. We also have Potential Show Cattle classes for schools and young farmers, giving the farmers of the future a chance to show cattle including cross-breeds, demonstrating the best of both worlds.

There’s also a Long Service Award
This is open to agricultural, horticultural, forestry workers and grooms. Our long service awards are presented to the three longest-serving employees who have completed a minimum of thirty years’ service without intermission on the same farm or estate under the same employer. To nominate someone just call 01342 832307 or email info@edenbridge-show.co.uk.

Our Show president is a dairy farmer
In fact, John Downing from Wintersell Farm is not only a dairy farmer but also a finalist in the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) 2020 Gold Cup! He and his wife Rachel made it through to the final the same year that their herd celebrated its 100th birthday, and were awarded a certificate for their achievements. Passionate about his herd, and keen to promote the dairy industry, having John as our president makes our show the perfect place to exhibit cattle.

Showing helps promote your business and connect with customers
Through the show rings and the cattle lines you can place your livestock (and any of your produce) right in front of the consumer, reaching new audiences looking for top quality British beef, dairy products and breeding. Some 40,000 people visit our show from Kent, Surrey and Sussex, with everyone stopping to marvel at the magnificent livestock on show.

There’s new technology and equipment on display
With so many agricultural trade stands coming along, the E&O is another way for farmers to connect with key suppliers of everything from tractors to feed, vets, fencing and bale wrap. Catch up with suppliers, see new technology and get fresh ideas to take back to the farm.

It’s a fun few days away from the farm!
Getting off the farm is good for well-being and mental health. At an agricultural show you get to chat with like-minded people and let off some steam. Make time for a wander round the showground, grab some delicacies from the Food Hall, enjoy a pint or two in the Stockman’s bar. Many of our livestock exhibitors buy Members badges too – make the most of the view of the Main Ring with your pass.  

You’ll find all the information you need to compete at this year’s show here: ​​​​https://www.edenbridge-show.co.uk/show-competitions.