Surrey County Show Puts Focus Firmly On Local Produce

Published on: 27 May, 2013
Updated on: 27 May, 2013

The hard work and dedication by local livestock farmers was once again plain to see at the 2013 Surrey County Show.

A champion in the dairy cattle competitions.

The sunny weather saw crowds flock to the show ground in Stoke Park on bank holiday Monday, May 27. They enjoyed the annual spectacle of exhibitors and tradespeople with the traditional show classes for cattle, sheep and pigs the pride of the show.

On display were animals presented with spotless gleaming hides, fluffed out tails and polished hooves. This year the message from the Surrey Agricultural Society was simple: Meat contaminated with horse DNA? Not on the farm, not in the farmers’ market, not in the farm shop or the farm box scheme.

Sharp looking sheep and their handlers.

The society says there can be no clearer agreement for buying local, traceable, quality meat than the recent scandal of hidden horse meat. And therefore no better reason for supporting a good local butcher.

Close control of pigs.

The society adds that if trust between shopper and retailer breaks down, the consumer needs to think about where meat actually comes from, and seek the shortest route from field to fork. It also points out that it is no coincidence that the scandal is concentrated on heavily processed food where traceability is incredible complicated.

Some people may be surprised to learn how much food is actually produced in Surrey. The audience who watched the parade of prize-winning cattle and sheep heard the announcer name some of the long-standing Surrey farmers exhibiting – such as the Stovolds of Shackleford, and local butchers including Consibees of East Horsley.

Sunny weather for the show jumping.

Inside the Grand Arena were a number of events including show jumping, a display by the Surrey Union Hunt, a double harness scurry, monster trucks and music by the Band of the Royal Logistics Corps.

One of the monster trucks.

Agricultural and general trade stands and marquees were busy along with stands selling all kinds of food and produce from Surrey and beyond. Add a fun fair, a display of fire and rescue vehicles, woodland crafts and many others besides, there was plenty to see and do at this extensive one-day agricultural show.

The Surrey Union Hunt invited young people into the Grand Arena to pet the hounds. Surrey Advertiser photographer Terry Habgood (white T-shirt) gets some close-up shots! Remember the old saying Terry… “never work with children and animals!”

 For more photos see our picture gallery post, click here.

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