OPINION: Shows are the perfect opportunity to connect with the public

Farmers Guardian's head of livestock says we all have a role to play in educating the public about farming

Angela Calvert
Head of Livestock, Shows and Sales
clock • 1 min read
OPINION: Shows are the perfect opportunity to connect with the public

 This week is one of the busiest of the year for the FG livestock team who are at Royal Cheshire, Lincolnshire and the Royal Highland show and while it can be hard work, we all enjoy getting out from behind a computer screen to report on all the action.

Aside from competitors, hundreds of thousands of people will attend these shows, along with other shows and agricultural events this summer. And while, many of these people will have a farming connection, many will not.

READ NOW: Zwartbles takes top spot a Royal Three Counties

A recent YouGov study, commissioned by Red Tractor, found that 94% of consumers do have faith in UK food and 80% said they had trust in British farmers and were cautious of imports.
But, 93% of consumers said they lacked understanding of at least one aspect of food production.

So are shows not the perfect opportunity to connect with the general public and let them know who we are and what we do. And that doesn't just apply to those competing with livestock at a show.

For all the latest show and sale reports go to our Shows and Sales Hub

Maybe you are at a show for a day out and while watching classes being judged the family next to you at the ringside is asking what's happening or what the different breeds are – engage with them. Every little helps and if every week we all speak to one or two people outside of the industry, collectively this could make a huge difference.

Have a good week and maybe see you at one of the shows

For all the latest market prices go to our Market Prices Hub

 

 

More on Shows & Sales

OPINION: It's not all doom and gloom as livestock prices remain buoyant

OPINION: It's not all doom and gloom as livestock prices remain buoyant

Early breeding sheep sales, dairy sales and an improved beef market indicate that there is underlying confidence in the livestock sector. Farmers Guardian’s head of livestock highlights some recent sales

Angela Calvert
clock 08 July 2026 • 2 min read
Sales round up: Dot tops dogs at £16,300, online sheep sales to £8,100 twice, dairy sales reach £4,200

Sales round up: Dot tops dogs at £16,300, online sheep sales to £8,100 twice, dairy sales reach £4,200

Catch up with reports from recent livestock auctions including Borderway, Gisburn, Skipton, Cockermouth and online

clock 08 July 2026 • 7 min read
Health hub open for business at Exmoor Farmers livestock market

Health hub open for business at Exmoor Farmers livestock market

Farmers on Exmoor can now more easily access health care without going to a doctor’s surgery, thanks to new health hub at a livestock market

Farmers Guardian
clock 07 July 2026 • 2 min read