The Devon County Show is delighted to offer 20-year-old Ned Riley a platform to showcase his passion and knowledge for bugs and reptiles, which he has fostered since he was a toddler. He will exhibit four animals provided by Exeter Exotics, in a 3x3m jungle garden installation in the Crafts & Horticulture marquee.
Ned, who is autistic and is from South Somerset, is finding it tough transitioning from education to a career. He would love to work in an environment where he can use his passion to earn a living, but, as with many other neurodivergent young adults, he simply doesn...
Each year, the Devon County Show welcomes well over a thousand visitors with accessibility issues through its gates and this number is increasing year on year.
Recognising the importance of creating an inclusive experience for all, Show Manager, Lisa Moore has announced the introduction of several new initiatives for the 2024 Show. These have come about as a result of a site audit carried out at the 2023 Show by Chloe Hammond, a wheelchair user, and her assistance dog, Ocho.
The new initiatives recommended by Chloe, and which are to be implemented, include:
The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) will launch their latest publication, Carbon Clarity, on Thursday 18th May at the Devon Show.
Sponsored by Morrisons and developed after a successful first year of the PCF’s Carbon Clarity programme, the publication is a practical guide designed to help farmers begin managing carbon on their farms.
To celebrate the launch of Carbon Clarity, the PCF and Morrisons will be hosting a carbon myth-busting session at 10.30am on Thursday 18th May at the show, facilitated by Becky Willson from the Farm Carbon Toolkit. Details about the second...
Devon County Show is going back to its roots in 2023, with initiatives planned to encourage greater attendance from the farming community.
First up is a new, concentrated farming area. This will be devoted to agricultural trade stands, where farmers can find everything, they need to manage their farms in one dedicated area. The section will also have its own brand new bar, the Ivington Tavern, where farmers can socialise and ‘chew the cud’ with their peers over a pint.
Acting Show Manager, Lisa Moore, said ‘The Devon County Show is always the first major county show on...
Devon County Show is to play host to the qualifying rounds to find ‘Britain’s Fittest Farmer of 2023’.
Qualifying contestants from the South West region will be invited to attend the Devon County Show on the final day of the 3-day show, Saturday 20th May, to test their mettle in various heats and to see if they can successfully muscle in on the hotly contested Fittest Farmer Title as well as a cash prize of £1,000 for each category.
Nevena Redzic, Event Lead from Farmer’s Weekly who organise the initiative said: “This is now an established event and invites upwards of...
The Devon County Agricultural Association has announced that The Hon John Rous DL has been appointed President of Devon County Show 2023.
John, who originates from North Devon has a heritage in Devon farming. His father bred Red Rubys and John spent much of his childhood, when he wasn’t at school, droving cattle from farm to farm around North Devon from the Parkham base.
When John’s father retired, his gift to John, who was still a teenager, was a dozen Devon Close Wool sheep. John spent the next few years growing the flock successfully to 100.
This year and for the first time ever, the Devon County Show is to host The Festival of Heavy Horses.
The Festival provides an opportunity for Devon County Show going visitors and heavy horse owners to share their passion for these incredible gentle giants, many of which are now on the endangered breeds list.
The Festival will comprise 16 horses representing different breeds including Shires, Clydesdales, Suffolks, Percherons and Canadian Belgians - the world’s largest breed of draught horse that can stand a magnificent 20hh.
Established in 1872, the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) is one of Devon’s oldest and most established institutions. As such, the majority of its membership represents an ageing demographic.
But all that is primed for change with the introduction of a new Young Members programme, jam packed with benefits geared towards the 16-30 age group.
Show Manager, Sam Mackenzie-Green has tasked a dedicated team with creating a Membership package that will entice a whole new generation to get involved with both the Association and its annual flagship event, the Devon...
People will be able to hone their grilling skills for free this week when the National BBQ Roadshow comes to the Devon County Show.
The three-day event takes place at Westpoint Showground, Clyst St Mary Exeter from Thursday through to Saturday.
As well as featuring numerous food stalls and live music, visitors will be able to see Brian “The Grillmaster” George sharing his 25 years’ experience BBQing.
Mr George will be giving demos on how to make everything from mouth-watering burgers to sizzling skewers, as well as giving top tips on how to make the most out of...