The Devon County Show for 2023 is under way
Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the show over three days
The weather forecast is bright and dry for the event held at Westpoint Arena near Exeter
Motorists travelling to and from the show are warned to expect "very long delays"
The 2023 line up includes the full quota of livestock and associated competitions
Updates on Thursday 18 May
Brodie Owen
BBC South West
We're finishing our live reporting on the first day of the Devon County Show.
The show continues on Friday and Saturday and you can stay up to date with news from the event and elsewhere on the BBC News website.
Tonight's Spotlight bulletin will be coming to you live from the Devon County Show.
Catch all today's action from the show and other stories from across the South West on BBC One or iPlayer from 18:30.
Image source, Devon County Show
David Braine
Weather Forecaster
The weather forecast for Friday looks to see a largely dry and fine start with plenty of sunshine, later in the day there is a chance of an isolated shower as cloud builds.
Maximum temperature 19-21C.
Brodie Owen
BBC South West
Mr Spencer was also speaking about confidence in the agricultural sector after a survey suggested farmer confidence is at its lowest level in three years, external.
He said he recognises the industry is in "turbulent times" as it battles problems such as inflation.
Speaking about mental health, he says: "As a society, as a farming community, we can also do our bit by reaching out and making sure our neighbours are all right.
"I think that's a really important role... to support each other."
Brodie Owen
BBC South West
Food and Farming Minister Mark Spencer has responded to the NFU's calls for more food to be home-grown.
About 54% of food on plates is produced in the UK, according to government figures, external.
But the NFU says empty shelves in supermarkets is evidence too much food comes from abroad.
Speaking to BBC Radio Devon, Mr Spencer said: "We have to recognise there are some products that we can't grow here - we need to focus on supporting farmers on what we can.
"We want to see that encouraged so we can continue to export great British produce like the beef and lamb we see here today at the Devon show."
Acting show manager Lisa Moore says this year's show boasts:
- 1,632 sheep
- 300 cattle
- 1,000 dogs
- 1,350 horses
- 179 pigs
- 134 alpacas
The Devon County Agricultural Association, external says the show has evolved from its farming base just as the rural economy has diversified.
"Top quality, locally produced food and drink has become a key element, to the benefit of both show goers and the businesses of the producers, while the focus of the whole event has shifted," it says.
"What was once a show about farming for farmers has become a show about everything that happens in the Devon countryside."
It adds the change has been achieved "without the show ever losing touch with its historic, agricultural roots".
Tamsin Melville
BBC Spotlight
National Farmers Union president Minette Batters has told BBC Spotlight she welcomes confirmation that the government's seasonal workers scheme, external will continue next year.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told farmers and other food producers earlier this week an extra 10,000 visas will be made available for the agriculture sector, on top of the 45,000 already allocated.
It came after Home Secretary Suella Braverman said there was no reason the UK could not train its own fruit pickers.
Ms Batters, who is at the show, said she wants the scheme to be a rolling programme, with visas expiring after nine months rather than six.
Issy Beard
BBC Radio Devon
Judy Lewis, the owner of three Cesky Terriers, says she has her eye on the best of breed and veteran prizes in the dog show.
"I’ve come for a good time and to hopefully collect some rosettes," she says.
"Devon County Show is always a great social event as the dog shows are one big community of friends."
David Braine
Weather Forecaster
This afternoon the weather will be fine and dry with a lot of high level cloud, warm as well at 20-21C.
And this evening and early tonight, it will be fine with patchy cloud and temperatures down to 8C.
Andy Gray, the chairman of council at the show, says each year they're trying to innovate what they have on offer to visitors.
"When you are doing something like this an awful lot of it is learning what works, what doesn't work so that next year we can make it better again.
"Farming is now looking forward in so many different ways. It is important that the show also looks forward at different forms of innovation and regenerative farming and that sort of thing as well as absolutely celebrating our history."
Presenter Jemma Woodman is preparing to go live on BBC One from the Devon County Show.
The show is back in its traditional May slot for the first time since 2019.
Lisa Moore, acting director of the show, says: "The last two years we’ve obviously run in June/July because of Covid – it’s really nice to be back on our original days in May.
"It's very traditional, we’re very agricultural – that is the heart of us.
"All the farmers come together, we kick off the show season, we’ve got agricultural machinery we’ve got all the livestock here and so much more for all the visitors."
Spotted relaxing in the sunshine is 12-week-old cockerdor Hampton.
The puppy's owners, Sam and Steve Thorne, say it's nice to be using an umbrella for shade rather than rain for a change.
About 90,000 people are expected to visit the Devon County Show over the next three days.
Those travelling to the first day of the show at Westpoint near Exeter this morning have faced congestion on the roads after a car fire and another vehicle broke down.
The traffic queues are now easing and we'll keep you updated in our travel news throughout the day.
Jemma Woodman
BBC Spotlight
David Mouland is exhibiting Connor, his seven-year-old North American Belgian heavyweight.
He says the breed, which originates in Belgium and was later bred in North America, is still a working horse in parts of the world.
He says in countries, such as the US, they still do "absolutely everything the tractor does today" - like ploughing, muck spreading and seeding.
Connor, however, has a different kind of life in the UK.
"He's a posh pony now," Mr Mouland jokes.
Jonathan Morris
BBC News Online
Image source, Louise WainwrightCampaigners are calling for reed beds to deal with an increase in pollution on the River Avon in south Devon.
According to the Rivers Trust, external the number of hours six storm water overflows, sewage treatment and waste water works discharged into the river amounted to about 11 and a half weeks in 2022, up from about 10 weeks in 2021.
The newly-created Avon River Champions, external, who have a stand at the show, said professionally installed reed beds could absorb the pollution and turn it into drinkable water.
Founder Louise Wainwright said: "Along with everybody else I am appalled at the state of our rivers and we want to do what we can."
She hoped to work with landowners and farmers and communities along the river to improve water quality.
"For us to have enhanced sewage facilities would take a lot of time," she said.
"But there are mitigating measures such as reed beds which extract pollutants and if they are properly designed they can produce potable water."
Issy Beard
BBC Radio Devon
The show is the perfect place to put your paws up - just ask Tofu.
The 11-month-old Irish Setter is being shown in the puppy category by her owner Charlie Markey, from east Devon.
"We love showing in the South West... the dog show has become such a vibrant part of the county show," she says.
