Farming & Land-Based Industries
The South of England Show is a cornerstone of the agricultural calendar – alongside the livestock competition the show is a meeting point for farmers, breeders, landowners and rural businesses across the South East.
With a new forum addressing key issues facing farmers and land managers in the Living Land Theatre including a panel discussion on Saturday 6th June, a new Stockman’s Marquee for catering and the return of the popular ringside Farmers’ Marquee and the CLA Marquee, there are plenty of opportunities for those in land based industries to meet with each other and the general public.
Competing
This year sees a substantial increase in livestock classes with more than 450 including the National Dexter Show featuring 19 Dexter classes. New sheep classes have been introduced including Coloured Ryeland and Beltex breeds, Aged Ewe classes in Zwartbles, Suffolks, Pure Continental, and Any Other British Down/Shortwool categories.
Cattle exhibitors are supported with £30 appearance money per adult head of cattle brought forward at the show, paid out with the prize money. Appearance money for National Dexter Show cattle is £20 per head capped to 3 animals per exhibitor.
There are also a number of horticulture competitions including garden design on the theme of ‘Contrast’ which is open to businesses as well as students, individuals, schools, groups etc.
Find out more and enter here.
Cost: Additional charges apply.
NEW: Living Land Theatre – ‘Growing a Thriving Future’
This new area will focus on current farming, land management and environmental issues affecting the region, while also promoting education and careers in the agricultural sector. Industry experts will deliver talks across Friday and Saturday and on Saturday will also host a Farming Technical Forum which will also be streamed online.
The theatre will also provide an interactive space where farmers, students and visitors can speak directly with experts, educators and industry experts. Find it on Turners Hill near the main Ardingly Ring.
With thanks to Principal Sponsors Plumpton College and Virgin Money and Associate Sponsors Longbridge Regenerative, Thomson Snell & Passmore, CLM, AHDB and Innovation for Agriculture.
Cost: included in ticket price
Farming Technical Forum – ‘Smarter Decisions, Stronger Margins’
Once again we will host a Farming Technical Forum live at the South of England Show on Saturday 6th June from 2-3pm and this will also be live streamed on the Society’s social platforms. The panel discussion on ‘Smarter Decisions, Stronger Margins’ will feature Ollie ‘Blogs’ Harrison (farmer, entrepreneur, influencer and the face behind popular YouTube channel @OllyBlogsAgricontractfarmer) and Charles Burgoyne (Dairy Farmer and 2026 Society President) and and will explore what it really takes to run a farm as a high performing business. Efficiency is only the starting point. Click here to find out more.
Pre booking for online or in-person attendance will be available soon.
Please note you will need a ticket to the South of England Show if you are attending the Technical Forum in person.
With thanks to sponsors Savills.
Cost: included in ticket price
Farmers’ Marquee
The popular Farmers’ Marquee, hosted by Long Man Brewery (link), will again serve as a hub for informal networking and discussion throughout the show. Find it on Turners Hill next to the main Ardingly Ring.
Cost: included in ticket price
CLA Marquee
The CLA will once again be in attendance at the show with their marquee next to the main Ardingly Ring. On Friday 5th June, the CLA will host a breakfast event with keynote speaker The Duke of Norfolk, and the CLA’s Rural Excellence awards will also take place that day. The marquee will be open for the remainder of Friday and Saturday for those that would like to drop in and visit the CLA team.
To book the CLA breakfast event click here.
To book the CLA Rural Excellence awards click here.
Cost: included in ticket price
NEW: Stockman’s Marquee
We have a new provision for stockman’s catering with a dedicated marquee providing catering throughout the show from the ever popular Andrew Laver of All Time Catering Mobile Ltd.
The marquee will be open from the pre-show Thursday for dinner (6pm – 9pm), each show day for breakfast (6.30am – 10.30am) and lunch (12.30 – 3pm), and dinner on Friday (from 6.30pm).
The Stockman’s marquee facilities can be used by our livestock, equestrian and trade exhibitors. Find it on Wakehurst Rise.
Cost: included in ticket price
The traditional Stockman’s Dinner for livestock exhibitors will take place at 7pm in the Norfolk Pavilion, with catering by All Time Catering and entertainment from DJ Mossy. Exhibitors will receive up to two tickets at the discounted price of £5 each, with additional tickets available at £10 (£5 for children aged 5-12), up to a maximum of five per exhibitor
Cost: £5 per ticket (with exhibitor discount)
