Pigs flying as they set a show record

The prized porkers make up a record 98 entries in the prestige show among the total 763 livestock entries for the three-day event, which starts on June 6 at the huge Ardingly showground.

Many modern, traditional and commercial breeds will take part in the show, as well as Berkshire, British Lop, Gos, Large Black and nearly 30 examples of Oxford Sandy and Black and Saddleback.

British rural life is showcased and prize-winning British livestock can be seen parading in the main arena every day.

Some of the country’s finest specimens of dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs and goats will be on display and competing for the coveted first prize in order to go on for the chance to be crowned champion of champions.

For the past 46 years the show has offered the farming community an opportunity to celebrate all that is great about the livestock and produce that is still being created in this country.

President of the South of England Agricultural Society, Penelope Keith CBE DL, will also be bringing her very own slice of the ‘Good Life’ to this year’s show by opening an exciting exhibition dedicated to the Society’s 2013 theme, ‘Poultry’.

The nation’s favourite feathered friends including chickens, ducks and geese will waddle into the spotlight for this year’s show and the Feather and Fur marquee will move to a more central position with the new ‘World of Poultry’ exhibition where several rare breeds will be on show for the first time including Sulmtalers, Thuringians and Appenzellers.

Organisers say the main objective of the show is to promote the agriculture industry and to advance education, particularly in agriculture and allied industries, animal husbandry, horticulture and forestry.

World-class show jumping and equestrian events also feature heavily throughout the three days.

But they also say the broad appeal of the show hinges on a wide range of attractions outside the central agricultural and equestrian theme, including exciting displays such as daredevil stunts.