At the time of writing entries are coming in and it looks, once again, as if there is going to be a good number of cattle, sheep and pigs forward on show day.
Along with the ever evolving face of the cattle market in East Sussex, the cattle committee have once again tweaked the classes available for entry in the cattle competition at the Heathfield show. In liaison with breed societies and livestock breeders the 2016 schedule is looking exciting, catering to the needs of large stock breeders to the more homespun requirements of Dexter cattle owners.
New for 2016 is the smallholders’ pig class which is open to anyone wishing to have a go at showing. Pedigree or non pedigree sows and gilts of any age are allowed, but not boars.
Once again the Oxford and Sandy Black Society have agreed that the Heathfield Show can act as a qualifier for their champion of champions competition.
The sheep competition is always well supported with many breeds coming forward. It’s always a surprise to see what breeds are represented on show day as there is an evolving popularity of which breeds do well.
Once again the horse show have tweaked their classes. With entries closing on 11 April there is a little more breathing space for entries: again, these can be done online or via the post. With a children’s fancy dress competition at one end of the spectrum and Concours d’Elegance for the side saddle, the show caters for everyone.
It has never been easier to become a member of the Heathfield and District Agricultural Show Society. You can join by going online. The benefits of being a member are many. But perhaps one of the most important has to be the front row seat for all the activities in the main ring – this year will see the JCB Dancing Diggers as the main attraction. As well as this, the facilities of the members’ marquee serve lunches and free tea and coffee from 8am-11.30am and 3-5pm.
A new cup is being presented in the vintage tractor section by Paul Vickery for the owner of the visitors’ favourite vintage or classic tractor. With more and more people collecting old farm machinery the Heathfield Show is one of the first opportunities in the year to bring out and parade their exhibits, both in working clothes and show conditions.
Substantial discounts on admission charges can be gained by buying tickets in advance online at www.heathfieldshow.org The show is held at Tottingworth Farm, Broad Oak, Heathfield on Saturday 23 May from 8am-5pm.
