Westmorland County Agricultural Society is to welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex to the Annual Silage Competition on 6 February.
In her role as President of the Society, Her Royal Highness will be attending during the visual judging at Lords Plain Farm, meeting judges and exhibitors.
Record entries of almost 100 have been submitted for the competition, which sees silage samples analysed by sponsors, Carrs Billington, for nutrient content and scored against a matrix of the “ideal” fodder.
Shortlisted entries are then visually judged by an independent panel of judges who also look at management on farm before arriving at the overall winners. Now recognised as one of the largest of its kind in the country, competition is usually keen amongst the farms taking part, with exhibitors coming from throughout the Society’s area.
The 2019 event will also include educational workshops for secondary school pupils looking at the role livestock nutrition and animal welfare plays in the production of food.
Christine Knipe, Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted and privileged that the Countess of Wessex is attending the Society’s Silage Competition. We are all really pleased to have her support and it is wonderful for all concerned with the Westmorland Agricultural Society”.
The Countess is a keen supporter of agriculture, farming and food production and is a great ambassador for agricultural shows, also being patron of the national organisation ASAO (Association of Shows and Agricultural Organisations).
Founded in 1799, Westmorland is one of the UK’s oldest agricultural societies. Based at Lane Farm, Crooklands near Kendal, activities include the hosting of The Westmorland County Show and Country Fest plus conference facilities and educational initiatives.
The Westmorland County Show was voted as one of the UK’s favourite agricultural shows, and won Tourism Event of the Year in the Cumbria Tourism Awards in 2018. The Westmorland County Show is held at the Showground, Lane Farm, Crooklands near Kendal. The Show is on Thursday 12th September. For full details and tickets, please visit www.westmorlandshow.co.uk
