Farming Village
Over the past century, the Royal Three Counties Show has become a much-loved event in the calendar. It is also one of the largest livestock shows in the UK and features the country’s largest collection of rare, minority and native breed animals.
More Useful Information
Want to know more about farming or smallholding? Make sure you take a look at these pages: Future of Farming Theatre, For Farmers and Smallholders Village.
If you would like updates about what we offer For Farmers at the show, please sign up to our newsletter here.
Livestock Classes
The Farming Village is the place to experience some of the country’s finest livestock, featuring the largest gathering of rare and minority breeds in the UK. Watch as these magnificent animals compete for the prestigious title of Champion of Champions.
Over the three show days, there are nearly 900 classes, 120 native and non-native breeds of animals across 35 judging rings– that’s a lot of livestock! Many of the classes are sponsored by H Weston & Sons Ltd and there is a total prize fund of £125,000 gifted by Three Counties Agricultural Society.
New classes for 2025 included:
- Beef Young Handlers Pair Classes
- Herdwick Sheep Classes
Rare and Minority Breeds
Rare and minority breeds will be shown and paraded throughout the long weekend, with 79 different breeds attending each year.
Sunday is however, the Rare Breed focus day and will still largely highlight Rare and Minority Breeds within the Grand Parade that day. There is a RBST Watchlist Pairs Interbreed Championship also held on Sunday.
Young Handlers
Through various dedicated classes, the show aims to inspire the next generation to get involved in the future of rare breed survival.
You’ll be in awe as young farmers and handlers take to the ring with their pigs, cattle and sheep, proudly showing them off on all three days of the Show.
The Royal Three Counties Show holds the qualifying round for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Young Shepherd of the Year competition each year (with the final to be held at English Winter Fair at Staffordshire County Showground). This is held on the Sunday.
National Breed Society Shows
Each year, a number of livestock breed societies choose to hold their national breed society show at the Royal Three Counties Show with the aim of promoting their breeds to a wider audience. There is also a dedicated Breed Society row where you can pick up information leaflets or speak to people who breed and show specific breeds.
The handlers and producers taking part in showing the best of breed within the UK at the 2026 Royal Three Counties Show will include:
Sheep
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Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Society
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Hampshire Down Sheep Society
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Texel Southern Feature Sheep Society
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Blue Texel English National Sheep Society
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Oxford Down Sheep Society
Cattle
- Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society
- British White Cattle Society
- Longhorn Cattle Society
- South Devon Cattle Society
- Red Poll Cattle Society
Goats
- British Boer Goat Society
Goat Show
These cheeky inquisitive creatures will surely put a smile on your face! There are a range of breeds including Angora on display and Boer Goats on display and taking part in classes.
Goats are fantastic animals for grazing small holdings and their fleece can be spun into some magnificent garments.
There are a variety of competitions, demos and talks across the three days in the Goat Show area, to educate anyone wanting to know more about these animals, their history and purpose.
Pig Village
The pig village is a dedicated area celebrating the British pig industry, offering engaging educational experiences for visitors including live displays, interactive breed showcases, and insights into the world of pig farming.
Daily Grand Parade of Livestock
Each day, the spectacle that is the Grand Parade of Livestock takes place in the Main Arena, where the accompanying commentary provides detail about each of the breeds. Learn more here.
British Fleece Show
View prizewinning fleeces during the show and discover how British Wool grade, promote and sell the fleeces produced by the British wool industry.
The British Wool Marketing Board is responsible for the promotion of wool as a sustainable fibre that is usable in a range of products including fashion, construction and interiors. Representatives of the board will be available to talk to at the show.
Sheep Shearing Competitions
The Sheep Shearing area, supported by R.T.Anthony, is a hub of excitement and activity all through the show. From both hand and machine sheep shearing competitions on all three days to demonstrations offering advice and guidance on the Friday, the area is perfect for everyone interested in seeing the best of the best compete.
The 2025 program was as follows:
Young Farmers (YFC) Village, sponsored by Ariat Work
The Young Farmers always know how to inject a healthy amount of fun into proceedings. Come along and watch their trademark humorous competitions and performances on the stage that are guaranteed to put a smile on everybody’s face. The West Midlands Area and Three Counties Tug of War competitions also returned to the show in 2024 and 2025.
You’ll also be able to watch members take part in stock judging, a skill which combines being able to compare and place livestock and explain the reasons for decisions to a judge. Plus, there’s chance to view craft and cookery exhibits and so much more!
There is lots of information and advice available on how to join a YFC, where your local Club is, and the types of activities and events members get involved in throughout the year. You can also learn how being a YFC member enhances personal development, boosts skillsets and provides valuable experience that stand members in good stead both personally and professionally.
Farming Special Guests
Farming special guests at the 2025 show included, Kaleb Cooper, Farmer Will, Kate Humble, Adam Henson, Ally Hunter Blair, Matt Tebbutt and pop star-turned farmer, JB Gill. Keep up to date as to who is attending each year here.
