Newbury Show celebrates the work of farmers in the fields

An important part of the Newbury Show is the farming contests.

Over the two days, agricultural contests are held for livestock and arable activities.

The judging took place early on each day and went on across the weekend, so visitors were able to see different classes and animals at different times.

They included categories for pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and hens.

For each, there were contests such as breeds, pairs, veteran animals, young handler and the presentation of a champion of champions.

In the produce tent, growers were able to showcase their grains, including wheat, barley, oats and rape seed.

Among the winners was the Chilton Estate, which came top in the rape seed and sack of winter wheat classes, and second or third in a number of other categories.

Josh Plank, who works for Yorke Farming which produces the grains for the estate, was ecstatic about the win.

“I was hoping we’d do well because we’d had a very good crop and we were very optimistic about how it was coming off (the field),” the 23-year-old said.

“When I was sat in the combine and watching it coming in, it was a promising crop – it was looking good in the tank, in the combine, in the trailer.”

And Mr Plank’s instinct was correct as it was a hit with the judges at the Newbury Show, allowing him to come home with trophies.

“Newbury is obviously a big show and a target. We look forward to it each year, we want crops to be present here, and to do well,” he continued.

“We’re very happy with what we’ve done here. Across the board we’ve done very well.”

Mr Plank said his farm wants to create good crops for its customers, with an emphasis on giving them the best of the best.

“We try hard, using up-to-date, modern farming techniques,” he said.

“We are always pushing for innovations in techniques to create a good crop.

“A lot of that credit has to go to my boss, Harry Yorke. He is phenomenal in his analysis, planning and self-agronomy.

“It is also down to very hard working, dedicated farmers who produce these crops.”

Weather has made 2024 a difficult time for farmers, with lots of heavy rain, and a short growing season making it hard for farmers to get a foot in the soil.

“It’s been a tricky year, and is a prime example of the weather being constantly changing from day-to-day.” Mr Plank said.

“A lot of people have struggled and a lot of sympathies go out to farmers who are in that situation - the ones who haven’t been able to get crops here.”

But other farmers had, and Mr Plank said the standard had been very high.

“Look across the board (at the entries in the Newbury Show) and I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference,” he said.

“They all look like really good crops.

“To be able to come out on top, to know all our hard work and the long hours spent in a tractor have paid off is great.

“Just to see the silverware, the cups and that little red banner in your bag of crops is such a rewarding feeling.

“It’s absolutely amazing and wasn’t something I was expecting.”