One thing we do well in the South West is Agricultural shows. The smaller local shows that are run with passion by volunteers are the best days out, much more entertainment than any theme park. Today we went off to Okehampton show and it did not disappoint. This show has had a few years that it had to be cancelled due to bad weather, but it has recovered and seemed to have loads of top class stock, as well as all the usual rural entertainment.Funny moments included the pig couple showing where one pair of white pigs caused chaos, a black sow who managed to wee on Alfred's foot and best of all the fantastic Sheep show
Who could possibly forget the sheep characteristics after such a brilliant demonstration, only a Kiwi could train nine sheep to dance.
The show was packed with all ages, both looking at and exhibiting livestock, crafts and vintage machinery. Sightly worrying to see a ford Fiesta in vintage display of the same age that i was so proud to buy after one summer of tractor driving, but great seeing David Brown Cropmaster that I remember watching our neighbour ploughing with when I was just a youngster ( mind you it must have been fairly vintage then).
Judging on today the young are most certainly interested in the countryside, and the countryside has people that are prepared to put in huge amounts energy of running the show or exhibiting, the challenge is how does that transfer to a commitment to start those youngsters on a career in farming.
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