Day 1 - Lincolnshire Show

Measures to address food security have been announced by the farming minister at the showground

Author: Julie CastonPublished 21st Jun 2023

On the first day of the Lincolnshire show the farming minister has promised a "new deal for the agricultural sector" to address issues like food security.

Mark Spencer was at the showground this morning to launch the measures.

They'll see payments to farmers to boost food production and help their operations be more environmentally friendly.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:

“After listening to extensive feedback from farmers, we’ve done a huge amount to streamline and improve the Sustainable Farming Incentive, making it as simple and flexible as possible for farmers to engage with, apply for and embrace.

“We want farmers to be able to access a package that works best for them. The scheme will remain flexible to allow for the changing needs and requirements of both farmers and their markets to ensure the best outcomes for food production and the natural environment.”

Elsewhere on Day one of the show there's been livestock classes, falconry and a motorcross display amongst many other activities and exhibits.

That includes things like Beekeeping:

Andy Curson's is from the Lincolnshire Beekeeping Association:

"We've got the honey show where the beekeepers of the county bring their wares.

"They are all on display here

"The Show Judges are looking at the quality of the honey , the taste, the aroma".

It's the 138th year of the show and it's expected that around 60,000 people will visit the event over the two days.

Taking place at the Main Ring, this year’s event will see the return of the Shetland Pony Grand National which, unlike previous years, will now take place across both days.

During the popular fixture, teams of mini professionals - ranging from ages eight to 14 years old - will saddle up to compete for a range of coveted trophies

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.