The County show season is almost upon us, and many farmers will be heading off to their local show to exhibit their livestock, meet old friends and barter with suppliers.

It has occasionally been said that county shows are no longer truly agricultural, but according to Alan Stone, marketing manager at accountant Old Mill, plenty of business still takes place. “Agricultural shows still play an important role in rural areas – they are a fantastic opportunity for farmers to discuss topical news, discover new products, compare breeding stock, and catch up with the wider industry,” he says. “They are also a fabulous shop window to the public, demonstrating everything that farmers and the rural industries have to offer, as well as educating people about where their food comes from.”

Old Mill will be at both the Royal Bath & West Show, on 1-4 June near Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and the Royal Cornwall Show, from 9-11 June near Wadebridge.

“This should be a very interesting year for the Bath & West Show now its new Chief Executive Rupert Cox has got his feet under the table,” says Mr Stone. “He is determined to bring farming back to the fore and the main ring this year will see an increased number of livestock parades and farm machinery demonstrations. The show has also arranged that livestock will be present on all four days – the madness of not having any cattle for the public to see on the highest attendance day has been recognised at last.”

The presence of food and drink at the Bath & West Show has also been revolutionised and Old Mill is delighted to be sponsoring the outside stands in the new food village. “We have set up a specialist food team of accountants and other experts this year and this will give us a chance to raise the profile of the team,” says Mr Stone.

“The Old Mill Marquee on the north side of the main ring will be open on all four days of the show and we’d be very happy to welcome existing and prospective clients for a spot of hospitality.”

The Royal Cornwall Show – hailed by many as one of the finest agricultural shows in the country – will see Old Mill taking up residence as guests on the Towergate Insurance stand opposite the side entrance to the Members Pavilion. “We will be featuring a number of farmers’ ‘soap box’ discussions at 11.00 and 3.00 on Thursday and Friday, featuring speakers like George Dunn from the Tenant Farmers Association and our own Senior Director Mike Butler,” says Mr Stone. “We look forward to seeing everyone there.”

·                     For more information contact Alan Stone on 01935 709353.

About Old Mill

Old Mill accountants and financial planners employ 250 staff in four West Country offices. The Rural Services teams are headed by Andrew Vickery, with offices in Yeovil, Wells, Exeter and Melksham. Looking after over 1,200 farmers they are one of the leading specialist farm accountants, and are happy to help with any financial and tax-related enquiries from the media.

For more information contact: Alan Stone, Head of Marketing. Tel: 01935 709353, mobile: 07825 620050, or e-mail: [email protected].