The 57th annual South of England Show offered something for everyone, from seasoned agricultural professionals to first-time showgoers discovering rural life.

More than 200 attractions were on offer, including a packed schedule of livestock and equestrian competitions, countryside demonstrations and interactive exhibits.

Livestock remained at the heart of the event, held by the South of England Agricultural Society at its showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, with over 900 entries across beef, dairy, sheep, pig and goat classes. Alongside the judging, spectators learned about breed characteristics, farm practices, cuts of beef and mock auctions from industry professionals.

The Savills South of England Farming Technical Forum returned with a strong turnout, both in person and watching online. Centred on the theme Harvesting Opportunity: The Modern Farming Mindset, the discussion brought together a panel which explored how UK farmers are tackling challenges head on to build productive, sustainable and profitable businesses.

The new ‘wildlife and food production’ area was designed to allow farmers, landowners and those within the agricultural community to speak to peers and experts about how they manage their land and to share best practice in supporting the environment and local landscapes.

It was also an opportunity to inform the public about the work local farmers and organisations do to protect the land while producing high quality food. Organisations taking part included Ashdown Forest, The Woodland Trust, Innovation for Agriculture, CLM, Pasture for Life, Longbridge Regenerative and the Royal Agricultural Society for England, which also hosted a drinks reception. Talks included Unlocking the Value of Nature: Why Natural Capital Matters, Soils and South East Based Farming.

The Long Man Brewery farmers’ marquee served as a meeting point for industry professionals, with farmers, MPs, representatives from the NFU and DEFRA, agricultural services and rural businesses in attendance.

Around 300 young farmers’ club members from across the South East attended the show and more than 300 members of the farming community gathered on Saturday evening for the ever-popular stockmen’s dinner.

For many, the livestock parade remains the pinnacle of the South of England Show. This year’s top honours included:

  • Supreme Sheep Champion – Beltex; Harriet Jackson
  • Supreme Pig Champion – Welsh, Offham Teresa 42nd; Messrs Sargent, Wakeham-Dawson & Harmer
  • Dairy Goat Champion – Nick Parr
  • Supreme Dairy Champion – Ayrshire, Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena 2nd; John Smith
  • Supreme Beef Champion – Simmental, Fircovert Peacock; Paul Gunther
  • Super Cow – Ayrshire, Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena 2nd; John Smith
  • Beef Male Champion – Simmental, Fircovert Peacock; Paul Gunther
  • Beef Female Champion – Charolais, Drumshane Urbangirl; Darren Knox

Beyond the competition, the ‘discover the countryside’ area invited children and adults alike to learn about the milking process and make their own smoothie with locally produced milk donated by the Cool Cow Co. The Story of Wool explained the journey from shearing to traditional spinning and weaving.

Food and drink were another major draw, with a bustling food hall, the grape and grain walk offering regional wines and beers, and gin alley showcasing local distilleries. The ‘made in Sussex’ area allowed visitors to browse artisan crafts, food, drink and countryside-inspired gifts from across the county.

Equestrian highlights included showjumping, scurry driving, the ever-popular Shetland Pony Grand National and heavy horse displays. Beyond the Stable Door gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at all things equestrian, with farriers and professionals hosting live talks and demonstrations.

Elsewhere, the vintage agricultural machinery ring, traditional woodland crafts, falconry, axemen and search and rescue dog displays brought the countryside to life. A medieval re-enactment zone offered a look at rural life through the ages, while the British Army village provided hands-on, educational experiences.

Children were entertained by the Sheep Show, mini steam train rides, cookery workshops and a funfair, while the much-loved children’s character Bluey made special appearances on the Saturday.

This year’s South of England Show also welcomed Little Gate Supported Employment as the Society’s 2025 charity of the year. Based in Sussex, Little Gate helps people with learning disabilities and autism find paid employment through training in catering, horticulture, land management and woodland skills on its 46-acre site.

The Society is now turning its attention to its next show – the autumn show and horse trials on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September.

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