Show a window into agriculture

SINCE 1859 the Bendigo Agricultural Show has been an annual spring affair, except for the break it had during World War Two, and more recently due to COVID and last year’s floods.

This year the show is on for the first time in three years and, with an overarching theme of education, promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Rick Howard from the Dairy Goat Society of Australia said the Bendigo Show offered a window into different farming lifestyles.

“It’s really good for both adults and kids alike to be able to see animals in the flesh,” Mr Howard said. “Have a look at them, ask questions.”

But the show is not just for the public, with networking and educational opportunities among industry participants a large component as well.

“Shows are something people go to because you’ve got both sides, you’ve got the carnival and the food and other entertainment, but then you’ve got the livestock side,” Mr Howard said.

This year was particularly exciting for the Dairy Goat Society because they had received a $40,000 anonymous donation to offer as prize money Mr Howard said.

The former goat breeder said he was looking forward to having renowned judge Nick Parr attend to assess the breeds on show, such as the La Mancha and Anglo Nubian.

Another thing to watch out for, he said, are the milking demonstrations which some audience members may be able to assist with.

“We do aim to try and do some education as part of it, and part of it is just being out there in the public so people can actually see what good dairy goats look like,” he said.

Sheep and chook breeder David Pickles said he has been showing the animals from his hobby farm at the Bendigo Show for too long to remember.

According to the farmer it’s the sense of comradery he gets from being around other breeders at the show that has kept him going, but he said there’s also value in showing people what happens on a farm.

“Town people can actually realise where meat and milk and eggs come from, and other farmers can come and see what you’ve got and if they like it make enquiries about your livestock,” he said. “It’s a good day out.”

The Bendigo Show will be on next weekend 27 and 28 October at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds.

Tickets and event programs are available from bendigoshow.com.au.