Livestock entries for the Royal Bath & West Show classes have well and truly opened, with applications from producers coming in from around the country to compete on 29-31 May.

Livestock classes

Pigs have long been a show highlight for visitors of all ages, and this year promises to be no exception. There are 13 pig breed categories scheduled across the three days, so visitors are in for a treat as they witness the pigs' intelligence and distinctive personalities.

The pig classes will showcase a variety of breeds and categories, with exhibitors vying for first place. This year's judges will be assessing the pigs on their overall shape and size, temperament and presentation.

The beef and dairy entries are also looking strong this year, with the best of the best competing for the individual, pairs, and group interbreed championships, as well as the reserve and overall champion.

"Cattle judges will be looking for good conformation and condition across the breeds, as well as how the animals hold themselves in the ring – they have to stand out from the rest," says Lucy Barber, competitions coordinator.

On the sheep front, entries are, as usual, looking superb, says Ms Barber. Competitors will be showing their best native, continental, and rare breeds. And the Sheep Shearing competition will be returning once again this year. It will feature over 150 shearers competing for this professional pinnacle.

Popular egg classes are a go this year, and there is 'eggcellent' news for the show's egg classes; influencer Richard Cornock - the Funky Farmer - is one of this year's judges. "The egg classes will be a beautiful display of different colours, shapes and sizes," says competitions coordinator, Amelia Battagel. "Having Richard as the judge is an exciting addition, as he will bring plenty of energy and knowledge with him."

Clive Groves Trophy

A new Clive Groves trophy has been introduced to the livestock classes in honour of Clive Groves, who sadly passed away last year. Clive was a valued member of the farming community, always ready to lend a helping hand at the show, and a true gentleman.

This trophy will be awarded to the Champion Overall showman. The Champion Beef showman and the Champion Dairy showman will compete against each other for this title.

Clive's mother, Ann Groves says: "Clive grew up watching his dad milking, and as soon as he could, he joined the Young Farmers' Club. He reared calves and showed them, continuing to show ever since.

"He just loved his livestock and was always ready to help others at shows. If there was ever a problem, Clive was there to help."

Young handler competition

The next generation of exhibitors are welcomed back in this year's Young Handler Competition, competing to take home a winning rosette.

Sebastian Carr, one of the show's youngest pig exhibitors and winner of the 2024 Young Handler of the Year at the British Farming Awards, is showcasing his dedication to the British Saddleback breed this year.

"This is my fourth year of showing our British Saddlebacks, and we've got pigs entered in all the Saddleback classes," he says. "My favourite thing about exhibiting is showing our pigs to the public; it's great for them to see what we do."

Ms Barber adds: "Every year, the Royal Bath & West Show showcases some of the very best livestock in the country, and this year is set to be just as brilliant."

·        Enter classes via the website:  www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-and-west-show/competitions

·        Book tickets here https://www.bathandwest.com/royal-bath-and-west-show/visitors/tickets

The Royal Bath & West Show will take place at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN, from 29 – 31 May.