Buy Tickets
Cattle
The Cattle Section has developed over the past 30 years into one of the standout livestock features of the New Forest Show, welcoming exhibitors from across the region and celebrating the very best of British cattle breeding.
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.
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
View Sheep
As well as the Cattle Section, the Show also features a vibrant Sheep Section, with more than 160 classes and over 30 different breeds competing throughout the three days.
Sign Up