THOUSANDS flocked to the Royal Cornwall Showground last week, eager to live out their Clarkson’s Farm fantasies and discover more about agriculture and all that it entails.

Despite one very short shower on Saturday afternoon, this year’s show was blessed with good weather and visitors packed into the showground over the three days to make the most of it — all 117,447 of them!

The kids could hardly contain their excitement — the young goats that is — as they received their rosettes in the goat pen. With only a few nibbles taken from each ribbon, 'Ginko' the three-month-old Anglo Newbian of the Boscadjack herd, shown by Sue Smith of Helston, took Best Kid. Debbie Hearn, of Roche, was then awarded Reserve for her bouncy two-month-old Toggenburg 'Gorsefield Mystletoe'. They are pictured with judge Vicki Hardy.Shannon, of the Ley family of Holsworthy, is pictured with their Brown Swiss which won Reserve Champion in Any Other Dairy. The family also received two firsts and two seconds with their Holsteins. Shannon told us: "The family started farming with grandad, William Ley, but I believe Rowland Ley is now the show's longest standing exhibitor, having shown here for the past 35 years — we can't quite believe it!" Friendships run deep in farming families and Tanwen Cox is no exception having travelled down from West Wales to help her friends James and Shelly Warren of St Buryan show their prize winning herd. Tanwen said: "We have always supported each other, it is just what you do in a farming community. James is lucky to have friends like us!" Adding: "They have a good herd though and this cow won Supreme Champion — despite being a bit cantankerous!"The Rowe family of Tregondale Farm, Menheniot — Imogen, Charisse, Alexis, Richard and Helen — came away with their arms full of rosettes as their South Devons impressed the judges. There was stiff competition in the ring with more than 50 of the breed to beat but the family were pleased to receive, among their wins, the Female Champion and Best of Breed. The family have had pedigree status since 1947 and Richard added: "There isn't a day gone by that we haven't been farming!"Maisy Cleave of Holsworthy, aged 12, is pictured with her Holstein calf — she said farming was a way of life for her and she looked forward to the day she could run her own farm.Elizabeth Harland of Laneast was proud of her daughter's success this year when Olivia Gynn (seven years old) gained a first in the wool and hoof class. Elizabeth said they had healthy competition from their friends the Cornelius' of Davidstow, which only spurred them on: "Stephen is always so encouraging, it is great to have his support." Elizabeth, who has been raising sheep since she was 18, added: "My father, Michael Doidge of Tavistock, started me off with a flock and we just started from there. It is great to see Olivia getting involved, she loves it!"Four generations of the Cornelius family of Davidstow — including Abigail, grandad Philip, five year old Charlotte, Stephanie and Stephen — have been coming to the show for many years. Among their accolades this year was Breed Champion for the Scotch Black Face. Stephen told us: "Forty years ago father (Philip) started it off. We were all born and bred into sheep farming - we just all love it. However, it is true that farming is getting tougher; I would say if we hadn't been born into it we wouldn't start now."Mrs Pamela Tabb of Golant with her miniature gelding 'Tawna Angus' a six year old miniature Shetland who came away with a first

The kids could hardly contain their excitement — the young goats that is — as they received their rosettes in the goat pen. With only a few nibbles taken from each ribbon, 'Ginko' the three-month-old Anglo Newbian of the Boscadjack herd, shown by Sue Smith of Helston, took Best Kid. Debbie Hearn, of Roche, was then awarded Reserve for her bouncy two-month-old Toggenburg 'Gorsefield Mystletoe'. They are pictured with judge Vicki Hardy.

Shannon, of the Ley family of Holsworthy, is pictured with their Brown Swiss which won Reserve Champion in Any Other Dairy. The family also received two firsts and two seconds with their Holsteins. Shannon told us: "The family started farming with grandad, William Ley, but I believe Rowland Ley is now the show's longest standing exhibitor, having shown here for the past 35 years — we can't quite believe it!"

Friendships run deep in farming families and Tanwen Cox is no exception having travelled down from West Wales to help her friends James and Shelly Warren of St Buryan show their prize winning herd. Tanwen said: "We have always supported each other, it is just what you do in a farming community. James is lucky to have friends like us!" Adding: "They have a good herd though and this cow won Supreme Champion — despite being a bit cantankerous!"

The Rowe family of Tregondale Farm, Menheniot — Imogen, Charisse, Alexis, Richard and Helen — came away with their arms full of rosettes as their South Devons impressed the judges. There was stiff competition in the ring with more than 50 of the breed to beat but the family were pleased to receive, among their wins, the Female Champion and Best of Breed. The family have had pedigree status since 1947 and Richard added: "There isn't a day gone by that we haven't been farming!"

Maisy Cleave of Holsworthy, aged 12, is pictured with her Holstein calf — she said farming was a way of life for her and she looked forward to the day she could run her own farm.

Elizabeth Harland of Laneast was proud of her daughter's success this year when Olivia Gynn (seven years old) gained a first in the wool and hoof class. Elizabeth said they had healthy competition from their friends the Cornelius' of Davidstow, which only spurred them on: "Stephen is always so encouraging, it is great to have his support." Elizabeth, who has been raising sheep since she was 18, added: "My father, Michael Doidge of Tavistock, started me off with a flock and we just started from there. It is great to see Olivia getting involved, she loves it!"

Four generations of the Cornelius family of Davidstow — including Abigail, grandad Philip, five year old Charlotte, Stephanie and Stephen — have been coming to the show for many years. Among their accolades this year was Breed Champion for the Scotch Black Face. Stephen told us: "Forty years ago father (Philip) started it off. We were all born and bred into sheep farming - we just all love it. However, it is true that farming is getting tougher; I would say if we hadn't been born into it we wouldn't start now."

Mrs Pamela Tabb of Golant with her miniature gelding 'Tawna Angus' a six year old miniature Shetland who came away with a first

There were many highlights across the weekend, including the ever-popular JCB Dancing Diggers who had crowds cheering - and sometimes hiding - as they performed amazingly choreographed stunts as well as the inter-hunt relay, with all its twists and turns, and the Cornwall Airport Newquay Shetland Pony Grand National which had the crowds going wild.

Music and entertainment was also buzzing throughout the venue, with multiple live sound stages and walking entertainment filling the gaps between local produce stalls, the flower tent and a traditional fun fair. All in all there was a real feel that Cornwall was coming together to socialise and celebrate.

There were plenty of champions to see in the livestock and equine sections. Supreme Beef went to the British Limousin Foxhill Farm Titan, exhibited by Mrs M Cormack, and Supreme Dairy went to Mr M Davis exhibiting his Jersey Rivermead Verdi Pixie.

In the sheep section the Supreme Championship was won by Mr and Mrs Alford with their British Charollais ewe, and the Best in Show for the dairy goats was Treleth Derryn owned by Sharon Owen, and Best Pygmy Goat in Show was won by Dux Meadow Daphne owned by S Foote.

The Pig Supreme was won by SJS Loveless and their large white Portbredy Houri, and The Queen Elizabeth II Perpetual Challenge Cup for the Best Light Horse in Show went to the large riding horse, Rio For Ever, owned by Miss Lauren Baker.

Members of Camelford Young Farmers' Club (YFC) were delighted to receive third place with their cubicle entitled 'Only Fools and Horses'. Pictured alongside the display are members Ben, Marlie and BethDexter Reynolds of Delabole with his prize winning display which earned him The Trelawney Garden Centre Challenge CupElaine Reynolds of Delabole was over the moon to discover she had received the Challenge Cup with her incredibly intricate floral pillow. Having used old shower curtains and wire for the base, Elaine carefully placed delicate flowers on the structure to create something truly unique. She said: "I was 16 when I started showing at shows like this — I just love it! When I found out I had won the cup I burst into tears. My son Dexter has also won two cups as well, which was a surprise for him but I couldn't be prouder. He put so much effort in and made his displays all by himself, I wasn't allowed to get involved, which makes it all the more special."Providing an insight into the life of local bees are Mary (left) and Geoff Hardman (right) of Callington, Vanessa Tyler of Hallworthy and Mark Hoult of Launceston. The Duchy's two Beekeeping Associations (Cornwall and West Cornwall) came together to teach showgoers all about the benefits of bees and supply some tasty, locally sourced honey in the processAmanda Carter, of Camelford, an experienced hand in the dog showing ring having attended Crufts on numerous occasions, was proud of her three-year-old Bassett Fauve de Breton 'Garrick' for winning Best in Breed. She said: "Yes, he is named Garrick because I am a bit of a Poldark fan!" Adding: "There are only around 150 of this breed in the country so he is a bit unusual! He is a game little thing though and likes to mix in — they are just a pleasure to know."Jane Dover, Women's Institute county vice-chair, is pictured with the winning display created by the members of Ladock WI. She explained that all groups were asked to create a display based on the poem 'Sea Fever' by John Masefield. Each group had to incorporate a painted backdrop, a 'Lemon Sand Cake', a hand knitted hat, a floral art exhibit and a creative item using plastic. Each WI produced something completely unique, demonstrating their is no limit to their creativity. Jane added: "We were a bit worried that the painted backdrop would put people off but they have done so well! The item made from plastic found on the beach has been the real test though - and the groups have come up with some really unique ideas."Launceston Young Farmers' Club secretary Sarah Cowling was pleased to received a first for her photography entry which depicted images from all four seasons. She said: "I have been part of the YFC for about five years now — I originally joined because some of my friends went but it is a great place to make new friends in the farming community."Receiving first prize for their cubicle display in the Young Farmers' Club (YFC) marquee are members of the Wadebridge YFC with their take on 'Dad's Army'. Pictured alongside the display are Ben, Ruby, Hannah and AnnabelleThe JCB Dancing Diggers had crowds cheering - and sometimes hiding - as they performed their daring stunts. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Members of Camelford Young Farmers' Club (YFC) were delighted to receive third place with their cubicle entitled 'Only Fools and Horses'. Pictured alongside the display are members Ben, Marlie and Beth

Dexter Reynolds of Delabole with his prize winning display which earned him The Trelawney Garden Centre Challenge Cup

Elaine Reynolds of Delabole was over the moon to discover she had received the Challenge Cup with her incredibly intricate floral pillow. Having used old shower curtains and wire for the base, Elaine carefully placed delicate flowers on the structure to create something truly unique. She said: "I was 16 when I started showing at shows like this — I just love it! When I found out I had won the cup I burst into tears. My son Dexter has also won two cups as well, which was a surprise for him but I couldn't be prouder. He put so much effort in and made his displays all by himself, I wasn't allowed to get involved, which makes it all the more special."

Providing an insight into the life of local bees are Mary (left) and Geoff Hardman (right) of Callington, Vanessa Tyler of Hallworthy and Mark Hoult of Launceston. The Duchy's two Beekeeping Associations (Cornwall and West Cornwall) came together to teach showgoers all about the benefits of bees and supply some tasty, locally sourced honey in the process

Amanda Carter, of Camelford, an experienced hand in the dog showing ring having attended Crufts on numerous occasions, was proud of her three-year-old Bassett Fauve de Breton 'Garrick' for winning Best in Breed. She said: "Yes, he is named Garrick because I am a bit of a Poldark fan!" Adding: "There are only around 150 of this breed in the country so he is a bit unusual! He is a game little thing though and likes to mix in — they are just a pleasure to know."

Jane Dover, Women's Institute county vice-chair, is pictured with the winning display created by the members of Ladock WI. She explained that all groups were asked to create a display based on the poem 'Sea Fever' by John Masefield. Each group had to incorporate a painted backdrop, a 'Lemon Sand Cake', a hand knitted hat, a floral art exhibit and a creative item using plastic. Each WI produced something completely unique, demonstrating their is no limit to their creativity. Jane added: "We were a bit worried that the painted backdrop would put people off but they have done so well! The item made from plastic found on the beach has been the real test though - and the groups have come up with some really unique ideas."

Launceston Young Farmers' Club secretary Sarah Cowling was pleased to received a first for her photography entry which depicted images from all four seasons. She said: "I have been part of the YFC for about five years now — I originally joined because some of my friends went but it is a great place to make new friends in the farming community."

Receiving first prize for their cubicle display in the Young Farmers' Club (YFC) marquee are members of the Wadebridge YFC with their take on 'Dad's Army'. Pictured alongside the display are Ben, Ruby, Hannah and Annabelle

The JCB Dancing Diggers had crowds cheering - and sometimes hiding - as they performed their daring stunts. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

It was also an emotional show for retiring secretary Chris Riddle, and his wife Thelma, as they celebrated their final show at the helm after 35 years in the role. More than 100 stewards and staff members, past and present, created a guard of honour in the Main Ring as a very thoughtful letter written by HRH The Duke of Cornwall was read out by Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho.

Following the show, secretary Chris said: “We are delighted to see that the attendance for this year is once again a very strong one, and just shy of our 120,000 target. We are all too aware of how tough it has been for many households over the last couple of years, so to still see the show being supported by local people in this way is tremendous. I know it means a lot to the traders at the show and the families that compete here.

“The success of the show would not be possible without the support of those that visit, compete and trade at the show, as well as all those that help make the event happen, including our contractors, staff and judges and stewards.”

Preparations have already started for the 2025 show, which will take place on June 5, 6 and 7.