Shows key to rural development

The 140 local agricultural shows held annually around the country play a central part in the development of farming and they bring urban and rural people together, writes Ray Ryan.

MORE THAN 1m people are expected to attend rural shows, food and flower festivals, traditional horse fairs and ploughing contests over the next six months.

All will provide a shop window for the country’s agricultural sector, bind people from town and country in social and economic wedlock, mirror the past and signpost the future.