New agricultural group set up for Harrogate district women

A new social group has been set up for local women who live and work in the world of agriculture.

Flock Ladies, founded by Rachel Bain, invites women who have some involvement in the farming industry to get together and socialise.

Ms Bain told the Stray Ferret the new group is for people of “all sorts of backgrounds” and said it is not limited to those who live on a farm.

She said:

“Everyone is welcome: farmers, farmers’ wives or girlfriends, people that work in agriculture, women that are interested in farming or want to get into farming.

“Our members come from all over: Nidderdale, Masham, Ripon, Bedale and the surrounding areas.”

Flock Ladies will host monthly meetings, during which members will visit farms, attend workshops with gamekeepers, host socials, fundraisers and listen to guest speakers.

When asked why she set up the group, Ms Bain said:

“I wanted to create a social group for ladies who understand what it’s like to live and work in agriculture and to create an opportunity for them to get out and socialise. The pressures of farming can be difficult and many of the ladies juggle work, farms, families and are the backbone of their home life.

“Having a group of women who ‘get it’ and that monthly event to look forward to has been really well received. Being a part of Flock means that ladies commit to an evening out of their normal routine to have fun, catch up with friends and do something worthwhile.”

She said the group plans to meet on the last Thursday of each month. Flock Ladies does not have a fixed hub, Ms Bain said, adding that this is due to the group wanting to “get out and about to visit places”.

Ms Bain added:

“Our aim is to have fun, make great friends, learn lots, try new things, do a bit of good (e.g. support local causes) and most importantly have a laugh.

“We’re a newly established group and we’d love to grow our member numbers, so please keep an eye on our social media or get in touch with us to find out what we’ve got planned.

“We’re a really friendly bunch and anyone wanting to find out more is welcome to come along to a meeting before they commit to membership.”

A Flock Ladies membership costs £30 per year, plus £2.50 per meeting.

The group accepts women aged 18 and over.

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Great Yorkshire Show on the hunt for farmer models

The organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show are on the hunt for catwalk models for its 2024 fashion shows.

Following last year’s shows where rookie models walked alongside professionals, Yorkshire Agricultural Society is now seeking farmers or agricultural workers to take part in its 2024 ‘farm to fashion’ shows.

Those wanting to strut their stuff need to apply online here by 10am on Friday April 19.

Two fashion shows a day will take place on the sheep shearing stage at 12 and 4.30pm every day apart from Friday.

Two amateur models from last year, Luke Johnson and Clarke Doughney, will once again feature on the runway this July.

Mr Johnson, an agricultural and forestry contractor, said:

“I got in touch because being in the shows last year was brilliant; I absolutely loved it and would encourage anyone to give it a try. Bernadette, the fashion show coordinator, is a great teacher and, along with the professional models, she was so encouraging that it soon became fun.

“What I’d say to anyone thinking of entering the competition is: “just do it… you’ll enjoy it and who knows where it could lead! I’ve even had some modelling work from it.”

Mr Doughney, an apprentice engineer, said:

“It still surprises me how much I got from the whole experience, including meeting people I’d never have come across as well as working alongside TV stars such as Peter Wright, the Yorkshire Vet, who was great.”

The shows will feature collections from national and regional designers, including a selection of brand partners from British Wool, highlighting the important role of UK sheep farmers as the starting point for fashion.

Tickets for the 165th show, which takes place from July 9 to 12, are on sale now.

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WATCH: Spectacular drone footage of Knaresborough Tractor Run

A record 401 vehicles took part in the Knaresborough Tractor Run yesterday (March 17), organisers confirmed today.

The annual event saw the tractors depart the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate and then complete a 25-mile route that takes in Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough and numerous villages in between.

The event has raised more than £100,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance since it was first held over a decade ago. You can donate online here.

Drone photographer Colin Corker captured the start and then drove to Nidderdale to capture the spectacular sight of the procession snaking around the countryside.

Here is some of his work from another memorable day.

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Business Breakfast: Ripon firm marks 20 years of top farm machinery show

Excellence deserves to be recognised and celebrated. The 2024 Stray Ferret Business Awards is the event to put your business, people or great initiative in the spotlight!

Make the most of your efforts by reading our top 10 tips for writing your submission for success.

Entries close on January 19, 2024.

Ripon Farm Services will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its New Year Show this month.

The event, which is one of the UK’s leading agricultural machinery displays, will be held in the Yorkshire Event Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on Wednesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 25, from 10 till 5pm. Entry is free.

Product specialists from Ripon Farm Services, Ripon Ground Care and Ripon Technology will be on hand to provide advice on machine choice, set-up, optimisation and job management. Visitors will be able to explore the latest innovations, speak to experts and see the products up close.

The star of the show is expected to be the new John Deere 300M self-propelled sprayer.

Richard Simpson, commercial director of Ripon Farm Services, said:

“We are delighted to be showcasing the new John Deere 300M self-propelled sprayer, it was first introduced at Agritechnica in November last year so it’s great for it to be taking centre stage at our show in January.

“We can’t wait to welcome our customers and guests for what promises to be a very busy 20th anniversary event.”

A vast range of ground care machinery will be on display, from ride-on mowers through to pressure-washers and hedge-trimmers, as well as parts, tools and store items from brands including Milwaukee, Draper and Portek.

Mr Simpson added:

“Apart from the stand-out John Deere machines, we will be showcasing our high-quality machinery, ground care and parts brands that are including Kramer, Bailey Trailers, Kuhn, Sumo, Dalbo, Ifor Williams, Stihl, Husqvarna and Spearhead.

“This really is the very best opportunity to see all that Ripon Farm Services has to offer in agriculture and turf technology, new and used machinery, parts and services in one single location. We’ll also have some special show offers and a wide range of used equipment deals.

“Our specialists across all sectors will be on hand to answer any questions during the two days, so the event is truly a one-stop shop for farmers and ground care professionals across the north of England.”

Ripon employer grows

Wolseley, the national plumbing supplies firm that employs around 250 people in Ripon, continued to grow organically last year, according to figures published in its latest annual report.

Over the 12 months to July 31, 2023, the company increased revenues by £140 million (8%) to £1.87 billion. This caused a jump in operating profit to £75 million, from £65 million in 2022.

However, profits before tax fell to £73 million, from £146 million in 2022, and the directors have not yet declared a final dividend to shareholders.

The company also increased its number of branches by one to 544, and its employee headcount rose by 234 to 4,720.

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Young farmers to collect Christmas trees in Harrogate and Knaresborough

A Knaresborough club for young farmers is to collect Christmas trees for charity again.

Knaresborough Young Farmers Club, which celebrates its 75th anniversary next year, will be collecting used trees on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January.

This is the second year the collection is taking place after the response to the first left chairman Katy Addyman “gobsmacked”.

She said:

“We thought we might get 10 trees, we might get 15.

“Literally within a week we had 200, 250 trees. We had to close the booking form because we were just gobsmacked by the demand for it.”

The Christmas tree collection will take place in Harrogate, Pannal and Starbeck on Saturday 6 January.

Collections in Knaresborough and the surrounding villages of Farnham, Ferrensby, Follifoot, Goldsborough, Kirk Deighton, Lingerfield, Little Ribston, North Deighton, Scotton and Spofforth will take place the following day.

A minimum donation of £5 per tree is required to raise money for their chosen charities.

You can book a collection online.

Once collected, the trees will be put in a wood chipper to make bedding for cows.

The proceeds will go to MS Society and Harrogate charity Saint Michael’s Hospice.

Ms Addyman said:

“One of the biggest supporters of the club suffers with MS.

“We chose the MS Society as a way of giving back to him.”

Knaresborough Young Farmers Club has noticed a rise in young people taking an interest in agriculture. A few years ago, the club had “two or three” junior members, or, members aged between 10 and 16. Today, there are 30.

Ms Addyman credits the documentary series Clarkson’s Farm with the increase in members.

Her own history with the club is less recent: her father was also chairman.

She said:

“When I told my dad I was joining young farmers, he was like ‘Oh my God, you don’t know what you’re letting yourself in for!'”

Knaresborough Young Farmers Club accepts members between the ages of 10 and 28. Anyone interested in joining can email yfcknaresborough@gmail.com.

Boroughbridge collection

Boroughbridge Young Farmers Club is offering a similar service on January 7. It will be collecting trees from the town and nearby villages.

Booking isn’t required — people are asked to leave th e tree outside their home or on the street and pay £5 cash when it is collected. The service raises money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Further details are here.

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Tickets for 2024 Great Yorkshire Show set to go on sale

Tickets for next year’s Great Yorkshire Show will be available to buy from Wednesday, November 1.

Since 2021 tickets are only sold in advance with visitor numbers capped at 35,000 a day.

Next year’s 165th show will run from Tuesday, July 9, to Friday, July 12.  Last year tickets sold out a week before the event started.

The Great Yorkshire Show 2024 will be the final one for current show director, Charles Mills, as he comes to the end of his tenure.

Mr Mills said:

“This will be a very special show for me personally as it will be my ninth and final show as show director.

“Be sure, it will be full of entertainment, superb competition and the best animals in the UK coming together to celebrate farming, food and agriculture.”

Ticket prices for 2024 have risen for adults from £32 this year, to £35, children’s tickets remain at £13 – a family ticket has risen from £80 to £86. Under 5’s are free.

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More than 15,000 visitors expected at Nidderdale Show next weekend

Thousands of people are expected to attend Nidderdale Show when it makes its annual return next weekend.

The show is the last local agricultural event of the year.

Last year, it moved from its traditional Monday slot to Sunday due to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Organisers Nidderdale Agricultural Society have decided to stick with the Sunday slot and next weekend’s event will be open from 7.45am until 6pm.

For the 151st year, the event on the Pateley Bridge Showground will feature some of the finest animals and agricultural products the country has to offer.

From dairy, beef and store cattle and sheep, pigs, and goats, to show jumping, heavy horses and sheepdog trials, the event will present over 200 awards to a wide range of animals and handlers – all hoping to take home first prize.

Horticulture, farm crops, dry stone walling, home produce and fur & feather competitions can also be enjoyed throughout the day.

With a funfair, children’s entertainment, terries racing, a forestry exhibition and even a digger area, the show will offer fun for all the family.

Sunflowers Day Nursery will provide a family area where little ones can relax. The area also includes a nappy changing area, bottle warming facilities and a quiet area for nursing mothers.

Credit: Jemison Photographer

The show will also include trade stands selling local produce and goods, as well as a range of food and drinks vans.

Foodies can expect a two-course carvery, an afternoon tea selection and a range of hot meals and sandwiches in the public dining marquee.

Parking is free and a tractor park and ride service between the showground and Bewerley car parks will be available.

Dogs are welcome on short leads.

Tickets can be bought online and cost £13.50 for over 17s.

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Family fun and rural education on offer at Tockwith Show

Thousands of people will flock to a field in the Harrogate district on Sunday for the annual Tockwith Show.

One of the biggest agricultural shows in the region, it boasts more than 800 classes, 120 trophies and just over £6,000 in prize money.

Along with providing a family-friendly event, the organising committee is keen to ensure the show serves another purpose.

Show committee chair Georgina Watson said:

“It’s a really important event for the community because, as well as being a fun day for everyone, it provides a valuable educational opportunity.

“Farming has faced many changes and challenges since this event was first held as a horticultural show way back in 1945, but each year since then the show has been able to reflect the importance of the industry in this region, and this year is no exception.”

In the farmers’ market section, demonstrations will be given by experts including BBC Masterchef quarter-finalist Owen Diaram.

With this year’s show themed around pigs, the Harrogate-based private chef will be demonstrating one of his dishes from the show: stuffed pork tenderloin with a deep wood mushroom glaze.

Georgina added:

“Everything is looking good for a great family day out. There’s something in this year’s show for everyone – now we’re just keeping our fingers crossed for a warm sunny day.”

Tickets are £12.50, or free for children aged 12 and under, and available online in advance or on the gate.

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GALLERY: Royal visit marks start of Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Show

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This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID.

A royal visit, a new fashion show and two national cattle championships were among the highlights of day one of the Great Yorkshire Show.

The Duke of Gloucester was taken on a tour by show director Charles Mills and Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner.

Despite the downpour, spirits remained high and the annual show is in full swing.

Thousands gathered to eat, drink, compete, and observe as celebrities were spotted and trophies were won.

Industry leaders and MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee discussed species reintroductions across the country, while TV star Adam Henson led a talk on the challenges faced and opportunities available in farming.

The Yorkshire Pelargonium and Geranium Society took home the first competitive cup of the show for the best exhibit in the garden show, and the President’s Award of the Curzon-Howe Rosebowl went to Harrogate’s very own Horticap.

In the sheep rings, two new breeds, the Badgerface Texel and Castlemilk Moorits, were competing, while next door the shearing stage saw the new Sheep to Chic Fashion Show, featuring the best of British wool garments worn by professional models and volunteers from the rural community.

Tickets for the show have now sold out. Tickets will not be available on the gate. The opening times are 8am to 6pm on all four days. To see what is happening on which day, visit here.

You can relive more day one highlights here. Below is a gallery.

Sheep young handler Benjamin Brook, aged 5. 

Winners of the Doncaster Cup: The Yorkshire Pelargonium and Geranium Society

TV star Adam Henson

Cheese judging. Pic: GYS website.

TV personality Amy Garcia and weatherman Paul Hudson preparing for the pole climb. Pic: GYS website.

Keep an eye on our website or on social media for daily updates at The Great Yorkshire Show.

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As it happened: Day 1 at the Great Yorkshire Show

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The Stray Ferret is running a live blog from the Great Yorkshire Show, brought to you by Harrogate BID.

Keep checking back for the latest stories and pictures from the showground throughout the event.

The 164th Great Yorkshire Show began at 8am this morning and a total of 140,000 people are expected to pass through the gates of the showground over the next four days.

Here’s what happened during an opening day that included visits from the farming minister and the Duke of Gloucester.

5.22pm: Big queues as cars start to leave

The first day of the show is in its final hour. It’s been a successful start, marred only by a couple of short but fierce downpours and the inevitable traffic problems.

We will publish a round-up of news from day one shortly. In the meantime, here’s a picture to brighten every teatime — a hall full of cheeses.

 

4:39pm: Harrogate man sold rare horse to emperor of Japan 

Cleveland Bay breeder Steven Pullan has one of the most unusual claims to fame of anyone at the show.

Steven, who lives at Braithwaite, near Dacre in Nidderdale, has sold horses to the Pakistan government and the emperor of Japan over the years.

The Cleveland Bay, which originated in Yorkshire, is the oldest horse breed in England. But it was recently close to extinction with fewer than 300 mares worldwide.

Steven won the Cuddy class at the show in 2014, with a Cleveland described as “the greatest of all time”.

The Cleveland Bay Horse Society, whose patron was the late Queen Elizabeth II, uses the Great Yorkshire Show as an opportunity to promote the breed in the hope of increasing the population.

Steven’s son, Jamie, said winning a Great Yorkshire Show class with a Cleveland Bay was “the equivalent of winning the FA Cup”.

Steven was not competing this year, but is at the show to cheer on the Cleveland Bays.

Competing Cleveland Bays

4.05pm: Harrogate BID bangs the drum for business 

Another organisation with an uncertain future until recently was Harrogate Business Improvement District.

The group, which charges Harrogate town centre businesses a levy that it spends on schemes to encourage more shoppers, is approaching the end of its first five-year term.

Businesses were balloted last month on whether they wanted to continue funding the BID — and a resounding 76% voted ‘yes’.

It means the BID will exist until at least the end of 2028, and chief executive Matthew Chapman and his team are promoting what they can do for businesses at the show.

3.39pm: Black Sheep bar back

The Black Sheep Bar has been a big part of the show for years.

But its continuation looked uncertain when the Masham-based Black Sheep Brewery went into administration in May.

London investment firm Breal Capital brought the firm back from the brink in a deal later that month.

It continues to trade, much to the delight of show-goers. Fellow Masham brewery T & R Theakston also has a stand here.

2.44pm: Pateley Bridge prize cows

Pateley Bridge cattle farmers Chris and Caroline Prince have cleaned up with three rosettes this morning.

Their three Long Horn beef cows placed third, fourth, and sixth on the first day of the show.

The Prince family described the annual show as “a real family affair” and will be camping on-site until the end of the week.

The cows will be competing in a young breeders’ competition later this week.

Ms Prince said:

“It’s a week of exhausting fun!”

2.26pm: Resurrection Bikes promotes cycling

Volunteers from Harrogate’s Resurrection Bikes, which saves old bikes from the scrapyard by doing them up and selling them to raise money for charities, is among the local good causes exhibiting today.

It is challenging passers-by to see how far and fast they can pedal on two if its recycled bikes.

Cycling is definitely the quickest way to get around Harrogate during show week.

1.58pm: Downpour!

This morning’s kind weather has given way to an almighty downpour. Rain is forecast on and off this afternoon until later on.

1.38pm: Extra day means more space to move

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society turned the traditional three-day show into a four-day affair during covid, limited the attendance and made the event all ticket.

The changes were introduced to comply with social distancing measures but have been retained since.

It has certainly made walking around easier — the photo above was taken alongside the main ring, where it used to be very difficult to get around at peak times.

The society planned to introduce an app this year to help visitors get around but it was not ready on time.

12.48pm: Ripon Farm Services’ boss prepares for royal visit

Geoff Brown (centre)

It wouldn’t be the Great Yorkshire Show without Geoff Brown, managing director of Ripon Farm Services, or as he is now known Geoff Brown MBE.

We bumped into Geoff while he was waiting to meet the Duke of Gloucester. Will Paxton and Paul Russell, who run rival agricultural machinery firms Paxtons and Russells, were also waiting to meet the duke when we pounced for this photo.

Ripon Farm Services has three pitches at the show, close to the main ring, cementing its reputation as the main exhibitor.

12.09pm: Local businesses on show

There is a strong Harrogate contingency at the show, including regular stall-holder Tim Yarrow.

Tim, who played a key role managing the vaccine rollout here at the showground, owns local scuba diving company Dive Shack and regularly takes divers on trips abroad. He is seen here modelling one of his face masks.

10.24am: Farming minister launches new dairy farming regulations

Mr Spencer answering questions at today’s media briefing.

Farming minister Mark Spencer is at the show today to announce new dairy farming regulations, which he says will “promote fairness, transparency and accountability across the dairy supply chain”.

The regulations have been introduced in response to concerns dairy farmers are not getting a fair price for milk.

Mr Spencer said:

“Farmers must be paid a fair price for their produce and these regulations will provide price certainty and stability for farmers by establishing written milk purchase agreements with clear and unambiguous terms.”

At a media briefing this morning, the Stray Ferret asked Mr Spencer what specific differences the regulations will mean to farmers. He said they could more confidently challenge cases of perceived unfairness with suppliers.

9.28am: Countryfile presenter Adam Henson is here

Countryfile presenter Adam Henson is one of many celebrities here over the next few days. You can catch a short interview with him on our Facebook page.

Adam insisted on having his photo taken with Stray Ferret commercial director Emma Harris. Or maybe it was the other way round…

8.35 Traffic starting to build 

There’s heavy traffic on Otley Road approaching Harrogate. It’s a main route for traffic coming to show from the west.

Traffic is also very slow on, Leadhall Lane,  Hookstone Road and on Oatlands Drive close to the show ground as show traffic combines with the school drop off.

Oatlands Drive 

8.25am: Dry until the afternoon?

The Met Office is forecasting there is the chance of a shower this afternoon and perhaps more persistent rain in the afternoon.

Ever since the washout of 2012 the show has mainly been blessed by good weather and although it might not be as warm this year it is still pleasant for walking around.

7.50am: Traffic building up

Traffic measures are in place throughout the week in the area around the showground. Remember, Wetherby Road is inbound to Harrogate only.

You can read full details of the measures here.