Lesmahagow kicks off the show season

THE FIRST of Clydesdale’s annual round of agricultural shows takes place this Saturday, May 30, when Lesmahagow Farmers Society displays some of the best livestock around, everything from Clydesdales to poultry.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th May 2015, 09:00 BST
Lesmahagow Farming Show...will this year's have such a sunny day? (Pic by freelance Rodger Price)Lesmahagow Farming Show...will this year's have such a sunny day? (Pic by freelance Rodger Price)
Lesmahagow Farming Show...will this year's have such a sunny day? (Pic by freelance Rodger Price)

Organisers are looking forward to the classes of sheep, cattle and horses appearing for judging in the Showfield at Brocketsbrae.

But the fun begins before then, with the popular speed-shearing contest taking place on Friday night. That is in the showfield at 7pm and there will be a bar and a hog-roast.

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There will also be shearing on Saturday, in the course of the show.

One innovation at this year’s show is an entertainment `hub’.

“We are going to have a coffee shop, crafts and stalls and demonstrations at 11am, noon and 1pm,” said show secretary Isabella Christie. There will also be pancake-making!

The sheep classes are always well-supported, with quality stock in eight different breeds – Suffolk, Charollais, Blackface, Texel, Border Leicester, Beltex, Shetland and Ryeland. Cattle classes have grown in recent years, with sections for dairy, British Blue other continentals and commercial beef.

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The Clydesdale horses are always a great draw and there are classes for the lighter horses too. Space is limited due to a new road being built for allotments at the bottom of the showfield. Working hunter and games glasses will not take place but a handy pony competition will run all day.

And the poultry section is going well.

“We have a lot of entries in – I think we have surpassed our previous entries for that,” added Isabella.

The Industrial section brings out the best bakers and needlewomen for miles around and youngsters can display their talents in the children’s section, with classes tailor-made for them.

One of the highlights of Lesmahagow Show is always the tug-of-war contest. At times it can be a heat of the Young Farmers national competition but this year it is open to all and teams can enter on the morning of the show. They must register by 10.15am at the Secretary’s tent and the display of pulling-power begins at 10.30am. Form a team or come along and cheer your favourites on.

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The dog show includes pedigree and novelty classes as well as a companion dog section but dogs will also be one of the highlights of the entertainment.

After the parade, around 2.30pm, the main ring will be given over to terrier racing – and the company organising that say that the public can try out their own terriers at it!

Admission for a great day is £5 for adults; children free.

Related topics:ClydesdaleOrganisersSpace