With just under 2500 entries 2011 looks to be another exciting year in the livestock section.
Beef cattle entries are up on 2010 with the Ruby Devon classes with 71 entries in comparison with 39 last year. Other native breeds are particularly strong including Hereford, Longhorn and South Devon.
The Saturday classes reflect the continuing support for native breed classes with Belted Galloway almost doubling their entry, and an interesting class will be the Imported Breed of Native Origin with two leading Murray Grey herds exhibiting for the first time. Also for the first time Welsh Blacks and Riggit Galloways are entered in the Any Other Native Breed class.
The ever popular Pig section has seen increases in the Duroc/Hampshire classes, meanwhile two breeds that have struggled previously, the Large White and Welsh have increased this year with the Welsh more than doubling the numbers entered in 2010.
The Royal Bath & West Society is delighted this year to be given the opportunity to include the Flack Trophy that had been previously held by the Royal Show and is awarded to the Champion Pair of Pigs. This is an important trophy and for non pig people this equates to the "Burke" in cattle and the "Cuddy" in Horses & Ponies demonstrating the national status of the pig section at the Royal Bath & West Show.
The Sheep Section remains strong with 40 different breeds represented over the four days. Texel entries are over 90 with Hampshire Downs up 20; likewise the Scotch Blackface entries have doubled on last year. New this year will be a pairs championship to add to the busy schedule of the Sheep Judging ring programme. Last but not least the Goat section has had increases in both sections; Dairy has jumped from 143 to 162 and the very popular pygmy goats 59 to 66.
The Sheep Shearing Shed will as normal be humming to the sound of blades as shearers from across the globe compete in various competitions. The whole section this year has a new sponsor in Mole Valley Farmers Ltd. Also new this is an Inter County YFC Shearing Competition. Entries close 25th May.
Of the 600+ Trade stands at this year's show, they include John Sheppard Feeders, Harper Adams University, Bridgwater College, Barry Fowler Farm Supplies, George Mudge , CLA, David Ritchie ,Old Mill Rural Services and the National Farmers Union.