We are very proud of our Cattle Section which has built up over the past 30 years to the wonderful show we have now.

Photo of a cow at The New Forest Show.

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 2026

We have over 100 classes throughout the Show for exhibitors to compete for their Champion of the Day.  Tuesday is our Dairy day showcasing the wonderful breeds that produce our milk with Wednesday highlighting the magnificent beef cattle.  Thursday brings together all the cattle Rare, Traditional and British.

Photo of cows at New Forest Show.

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.