Future of farming to be discussed at Royal Three Counties Show
26th April 2025
Building soil health, finding funding and income sources, making the most of innovation as well as tackling succession planning and inheritance tax are just some of the issues affecting the farming and horticulture industries that will come under the spotlight at the Royal Three Counties Show.
Protecting animal health, managing water and people development will also be on the programme for the event’s Future of Farming Theatre, with a variety of experts on hand to provide advice and inspiration, and sponsored by Virgin Money.
The Three Counties Show will be held near Malvern from June 13th to 15th.
The event will also cover the livestock show, during which the best examples of various breeds will be on parade. Entries are strong this year, with sheep categories closing a month early due to pens selling out, the organisers said.
National shows to be held at the Royal Three Counties Show include the Gloucester Cattle Society, British Blonde Cattle Society, Jacob Sheep Society, Beltex Sheep Society (English National), Hampshire Down Sheep Society, Oxford Down Sheep Society, British Boer Goat Society and the British Angora Goat Society.
The event will also host the Southern Texel Feature Show and the Toggenburg Breeders Society Breed Show.
READ MORE: Royal Three Counties Show to host Kaleb Cooper, Adam Henson, Matt Tebbutt & more
What’s on?
The Machinery Mile will be back and extended by a number of new exhibitors bringing their latest bits of kit, including Kaleb Cooper Contracting with his agricultural fleet; there will be a mini careers fair on the Saturday, from 4pm in the Future of Farming Theatre, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities in agriculture, horticulture and the rural sector, and Young Farmers from across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be returning to battle it out in a series of competitions (CHECK), including a tug of war. Their theme this year is the West End and musicals.
The Countryside Arena will be busy with sheep dog demonstrations, heavy horses, falconry and gun dog displays.
The organisers of the event said that the Royal Three Counties Show always offers outstanding opportunities to network, talk to various companies, meet up with old friends and make new ones, as well as keep up to date with the latest developments, equipment and advice.
The Country Land & Business Association will be hosting its Big Breakfast on the Friday morning, and the National Farmers’ Union stand will be visited by the organisation’s chairman, Tom Bradshaw, during the show.
Other receptions and networking opportunities will be hosted by Michelmores, River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region and Virgin Money, and, for the first time, the show organisers are offering corporate hospitality opportunities to companies wishing to provide VIP experiences for clients, staff or members. Contact the show office for more information.
Over at the Food and Drink Theatre, Anthony ‘Murf’ Murphy from the Beefy Boys will be celebrating the best the region has to offer, with a barbecue competition taking place on Saturday and Murf’s Burger School on Sunday. Also appearing at the theatre will be Matt Tebbutt and Kate Humble.
The Royal Three Counties Show was named UK Rural Event of the Year 2024 in the NOEA Awards, highlighting its significance and excellence in celebrating rural life, agriculture, and the community.
‘I’m really pleased I go three days, so I get to see it all’
Alice Arnold, show lead for the Royal Three Counties Show, promised that this year’s event will be better than ever, offering a great day out for all the family as well as a vital one-stop shop for farmers in search of the latest information and advice.
“We know how challenging life can be for farmers, and we work hard to find experts who can help them deal with some of the major issues facing them.
“We’ll be continuing our work on succession planning, looking at the technical and legal side of IHT as well as how to start and have conversations with family and business members.
“Our experts will be exploring funding and income sources for farming businesses, such as ELMs, diversification and capital acquisition, using natural capital.
“We’ll look at how to take advantage of innovation from within agriculture, horticulture, landed estates and beyond, including data capture and use, alongside practical on-farm and business uses of technological advances.
“Another important issue we’ll be discussing is working across the supply chain to build sustainability.”
Farmer and broadcaster Adam Henson is an ambassador for the Royal Three Counties Show and will be at the event over three days.
He said: “There’s so much to see, and it’s a great day out for all the family, with plenty of entertainment, from the thrilling displays and livestock parades in the main arena to the opportunities to learn and ask questions at the Future of Farming Theatre and Food and Drink Theatre.
“Getting there is easy, there’s great parking, lots of toilets, plenty of shopping opportunities and amazing food: I’m really pleased I go three days, so I get to see it all.”
Discounted tickets are available for farmers from Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Buy them from livestock markets and NFU offices.
Those affected by Bluetongue restrictions will receive a refund on livestock entries.
Advance day tickets to the Royal Three Counties Show cost £24.85 for adults, and children under 16 are free. To book tickets, visit www.royalthreecounties.co.uk/ or call 01684 584 924.
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