A MILLION-POUND showcase of agricultural machinery was just one of the highlights of this year’s Monmouthshire Show.

Coming back from some of the problems of last year when the grand parade was cancelled, the society pulled out all the stops to make amends with a reduced early-bird entry price and the promise of some surprises for the main ring.

There was a record number of entries for the Horse of the Year with 21 qualifiers, although the entries for cattle were down due to local TB problems while the sheep and horse entries were consistent at 600 and 620.

The grand parade saw cups handed out for champion beef and dairy by president of the show society Alan Griffiths and chair of the show committee Liz Hacket Pain.

New tachograph rules on 7.5t horse lorries meant some exhibitors left early to stay within the allowed driving time.

Champion Dairy cow was shown by Sophie Powell and James Jackson from Newent took the Champion Beef cup.

GJR Machinery won Best Agricultural Trade Stand and Powells, the rural property professionals won the Best Commercial Trade Stand.

Diane Pardoe swept the board with the most points in the horticulture and homecraft marquee taking five cups.

Charlotte Salt, riding Sarum Pickpocket, won the draw for the £100 prize money in the horse section, while the Shetland pony ‘George’ was ridden by Gracie Davies from Abergavenny.

Rhys Cooke from Nantyderry won Blue Texel Champion and Interbreed Reserve Female Champion ewe lamb and Reserve Champion ram lamb while Will, Jess and Danny Richardson from Itton paraded their badger-faced sheep.

Show Secretary Liz Egerton said it was a great show on a smaller scale: “The machinery display and Rock Choir in the main ring proved hugely popular with visitors.

Mrs Hacket Pain said that it was a wonderful day for those who visited the Monmouthshire Show this year with an array of delights ranging from reptiles to Horse of the Year qualifiers and livestock in various forms and such a high standard.

“The generosity of the volunteers who give their time to be part of this Monmouth event never ceases to amaze me. To see the children, rush into the main ring to look at and stroke the hounds made the day very special.

“A very big thank you to all who attended and those who gave their time to produce a spectacular show.”