Livestock entries to the Royal Bath & West Show have been fantastic across the board this year, demonstrating farmers' appetite for exhibiting their top animals and socialising with their peers.

"The sheep classes have been especially notable with over 1,500 entries – a record number for the show - offering a high quality, diverse field of competitors," says Naomi Guiver, competitions executive.

The Rochford family, based near Wincanton, Somerset, have a long history of competing at the show, and can't wait for this year's livestock classes.

"Between us, we've got a nice little show team this year," says Rhian Rochford, who is an experienced Black Welsh Mountain (BWM) breeder and owner of 'Cowboy' - the top BWM ram in the country last year. "I'm entering two BWM shearling rams, two ewes, two shearling ewes and a few lamb classes as well, and all my entries are out of Cowboy, so fingers crossed."

Both of Rhian's children are dedicated livestock competitors. William, who's 11, has his own pedigree Ryeland flock, and loves the Royal Bath & West Show, which the family consider home ground. "I started my flock a few years ago, and began showing at quite a young age after joining young handlers. We attended the show last year and I came second in the young handler's class. It is definitely my favourite show."

Elise, Will's sister, who is eight and already an experienced handler also has her own flock, with a few BWMs and two Valais Blacknoses. "Janet is my favourite sheep, she's one of the Blacknoses," she says. "But I've won quite lot of shows with the BWMs, especially 'Camelot Dolly', who won first place in her class at the Royal Bath and West Show last year."

Experienced interbreed cattle judge Ms Cormack is looking forward to a great entry this year. "The show always has a great variety of breeds and a good turnout in every class," she says. "And with it being one of the first shows of the year, all the competitors are really happy to be out and about doing what they love."

There are always top-quality cattle at the show, which makes it a pleasure to judge, explains Ms Cormack. "And showing is important; it's our shop window, and it gives the public a chance to interact with farmers. But also, farming is a tough business and people need the positive experience of these shows to balance out the pressure, as well as to have a bit of social time with likeminded people."

Fine margins often separate the animals if they make it as far as the interbreed judging. "I want to see a good head with a decent set of ears, which show the animal is alert," says Ms Cormack. "Then I need to see a good length of neck, and natural width over its shoulders, but not too heavy, as that can indicate issues with calving. Then we move to a nice balanced back with a bit of loin ideally, a neat tail setting, and a nice round hindquarters.

"And if an animal has the attributes to win, it all comes down to the handler. It's a real skill to prepare and handle an animal correctly, which can make the difference between a placed animal and a supreme champion."

This year also boasts an improved Stockman's Supper, where a relaxed feel can be expected, with a hog roast and a Brothers cider on offer for £2.50 a ticket, as well as live music, a magician, and a free ice cream for under 16s.

"We're looking forward to welcoming exhibitors to the showground and wish them all the very best of luck in the ring," says Ms Guiver. "And, of course, a happy time catching up with friends in the livestock lines and at the Stockman's Supper."

• The Royal Bath & West Show takes place on 1-3 June 2023 at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN. Book show tickets here: https://www.bathandwest.com/tickets