The show must go on

With UK shows scuppered by Covid-19, Helen Babbs discovers that there is still plenty for livestock-owning smallholders to look forward to — virtual showing from the comfort of your own farm

- Helen Babbs

As Covid-19 spread across the UK this spring, agricultural shows were forced to cancel. But this sad state of affairs didn’t last long for some as enterprising farmers and smallholders went virtual to save their summer fixtures. Events large and small are now taking place online using photograph and video entries.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” says Sarah Barnes, a Red Poll cattle breeder who entered the RBST’s Greatest Online Agricultural Show in May. “We scrubbed and polished our cattle so that they would look their best. We put halters on them and we dressed in our white coats as if we were actually at a show. Come judging day, we waited excitedly for the results, and our boy Hopeham Jabari was reserve champion. We love to show and what’s happening now has made a somewhat nonexistent season much better.”

Kayley Kennedy, show organiser for the Beltex Sheep Society, believes that online shows are “fun” and that they have acted as an effective shop window for breeders for forthcoming sales. The Beltex Online Shows are even doing their bit for charity, too.

“Entries are free,” Kayley says. “But I’ve set up some JustGiving pages so that people can donate to RABI/RSABI if they want to. Some members asked that their prize-money be donated too, which is great.”

VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE

Since going online, showing has never been easier, or more popular.