The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

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.

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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

 

 

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