Livestock competitions are at the heart of the Royal Bath & West Show, and with just 30 days to go, final preparations are in full swing for all exhibitors. We catch up with one stand out young exhibitor, Sebastian Carr, to find out more.

"This will be my fourth year showing at the Royal Bath and West Show," says Sebastian (aged 14). "I got my first pig when I was eight and started showing three years later. I've been breeding more British Saddlebacks, and we've got pigs entered in each of the breeds' classes, along with my brother's Kune Kune pigs in their class."

The Carr family's smallholding is home to chickens, donkeys, and sheep, and they occasionally sell pork.

When it comes to showing pigs, preparation is key, he says. "I have a practice ring at home and all my pigs spend time being trained to the board and stick, so hopefully they're controllable at shows – but that can always go pear shaped!"

Sebastian's hard work has already earned him recognition. In 2023, he was named the British Pig Association's New Pedigree Breeder of the Year, and in 2024 he took home gold as the Young British Farming Awards' Senior Young Handler of the Year.

Of course, there are ups and downs of showing. "Showing the youngest pigs - like the five-month-old ones I'm showing this year - can be quite crazy as they can be flighty and excited, much harder to keep in line," he explains.

"But when a pig goes nicely in the ring and shows well for the judge, it's great. The celebratory ice creams are a favourite bit too - I'm too young for the bar!"

So what advice would Sebastian give to other aspiring young handlers? "It's good fun, you get to meet lots of new people and travel around with your animals," he says. "It's hard work and you're not guaranteed to win, but if you do then you get a huge sense of achievement."

·        The Royal Bath & West Show will take place at The Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN, from 29 – 31 May. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.bathandwest.com