WHILE fears of a no-deal Brexit and worries over feed shortages dominated conversations at this year's Royal Welsh Show there was cause for celebrations as it welcomed record crowds of happy showgoers.

They converged in their thousands from across the globe at the showground in Llanelwedd to celebrate the very best of Welsh and British agriculture.

Stealing the show, the livestock certainly took centre stage for the full four-days. The competitions, as always saw a very high standard of entries across all sections and we are privileged to attract exhibitors from far and wide, all hoping to go home with a coveted Royal Welsh rosette.

It is often said that the livestock exhibits at the Royal Welsh Show are a display of some of the finest animals in Europe and this year was no exception.

The front-runners in the cattle ring was the Lincoln Red heifer, Donington Jessie V12, exhibited by Edward Middleton of Spilsby, Lincolnshire, who took the Supreme Champion Beef title. Whilst Davlea Bradnick Alicia, an impressive Holstien exhibited by Bryn Davies of Ilminster, Somerset was named Supreme Champion Dairy Cow.

In the sheep ring the Sheep Champion of Champions title was awarded to Miss Anna Pennell of Darlington Durham, with a Clun Forest shearling ewe. The Pig Supreme Champion was won by a British Lop sow named Knighton Queen, owned by Julian Collings of Launceston, Cornwall.

Meanwhile, around the main ring, spectators were treated to an incredible four-days of horse classes, all culminating in the Thursday afternoon competition for the sought-after title of Royal Welsh Supreme Horse Champion, judged by Major General Matthew Sykes, Honorary Regimental Colonel The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. This year’s winner was working hunter pony, owned by Mr David Thomas from Swansea.

KEY LIVESTOCK RESULTS

Supreme Horse Champion, judged by Major General Matthew Sykes: Penstrumbly Dur Latif, a working hunter pony owned by Mr David Thomas from Swansea.

Supreme Beef Champion, judged by Mrs C Williams: Donington Jessie V12, a Lincoln Red heifer, exhibited by Edward Middleton of Spilsby, Lincolnshire

Natwest Team of Five – beef breeds, judged by Mr R J Irvine: A team of British Limousin cattle owned by A W Jenkinson Farms, R & J Graham, Paul Dawes and Melanie Alford

Supreme Champion Dairy Cow, judged by Mr Ashley Flemming: Davlea Bradnick Alicia, a Holstein cow, in milk, exhibited by Bryn Davies of Ilminster, Somerset

Marks & Spencer Team of Five, judged by S W Oultram: A team of Holstein cattle owned by by D W & CE Jones Wiltor Holsteins, Mr Bryn Davies, Mr A H Wilson & Son, Andrew & Jane Whittaker and Mr Iwan Rhys Morgan.

Sheep Champion of Champions, judged by Mr J H Williams: A Clun Forest shearling ewe, exhibited by Miss Anna Pennell of Darlington Durham

Pig Supreme Champion, judged by Miss Ann Uglow: Knighton Queen, a British Lop sow, exhibited by Julian Collings of Launceston, Cornwall

The show also played host to a large number of visiting dignitaries using the event as a platform to be seen and to do business.

Among those attending the show wasPrime Minister Theresa May and First Minister Carwyn Jones. Enjoying a tour of the showground, the Prime Minister met the very best Welsh food producers in the food hall before making her way to see the sheep, cattle and the horses in the main ring.

Later that morning Mrs May was joined by MP David Lidington where they together attended a roundtable discussion with key agricultural business leaders and union members.

Other members of the cabinet to attend the event this week include MPs Brandon Lewis, Alun Cairns, Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom.

The Welsh Assembly also had a significant presence at the show with AMs Lesley Griffiths, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Alun Davies, Eluned Morgan, Hannah Blythyn, Huw Irranca-Davies and Kirsty Williams all attending during the week.

“The Royal Welsh Show is proven to be perfectly placed as the stage for these high profile decision makers to come together from across the nation.” said John Davies, chair of the board of directors.

“We have delivered this week an international platform for Wales, especially agriculture, which has discussions which affect the future of Welsh agriculture and the rural economy between some very influential individuals and organisations.”

“The fact that the show is attracting not only hundreds of thousands of visitors, but also these high status VIPs on a regular basis, illustrates the importance of the event to the wider agricultural industry.”

“This time last year, we were reflecting on what was considered a blockbuster show, however early indications suggest, that this year’s show has gone well beyond our expectations, even overtaking last those of last year,” added Mr Davies