Cattle

Cattle and the Show's History

Cattle have been an integral part of The New Forest Show ever since our very first show, on Wednesday 1st September 1920. As a celebration of farming and the countryside, local farmers gathered to show off their animals, many of which were cattle, to the visitors. Although a lot about the Show has changed and grown since then, the Cattle remain one of the Show’s key features.

In 2023

We are excited to welcome the 2023  National Dexter Cattle Show on Wednesday and Thursday with Dexter breeders from across the country showing the very best of the breed.  We have commenced plans for a great Show and look forward to welcoming exhibitors to the Livestock section this year.  The Dairy Cattle showing will continue to be held on Tuesday and our plans are to continue with the success of our Multi-breed Dairy Cattle classes.

In 2023

The Dairy Showmanship classes aimed at our younger cattle handlers to encourage more junior participation will provide great competition. Beef Cattle are shown on Wednesday and the local exhibitors and Rare, Traditional British and Native breeds on Thursday. We have Showmanship Championships on Tuesday and Wednesday for our livestock exhibitors of the future and classes for Veteran handlers aimed for those over 27 with no upper age limit!

Dedication

The dedication shown by the exhibitors is the culmination of days and years of work with their stock. From early beginnings when a new calf arrives and they see the potential of a great breed example, many hours go into  the preparation. They start the process of training it to walk on a halter, steadily progressing until the animals will be ready to compete against other breed exhibits. With many of the exhibitors starting their day at 4.00am with baths – for the cattle – not themselves, travelling and Show preparation is a busy time. Grooming includes a lot of brushing and hair spray to achieve the perfect exhibit ready to be presented in the Ring before the Judge.

The Grand Parade

Our Grand Parade each day is a magnificent spectacle of the best livestock and happens each day in the East Ring.

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is one of the UK’s premier agricultural Shows and attracts top livestock exhibitors and we look forward to welcoming them this year.

Cattle Entries

Entries for 2024 aren’t open yet. Check back later this year for more details.