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Oxford Companion to Australian History:

Agricultural Shows

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were held in Australia by agricultural societies from the 1820s, imitating counterparts in Britain and Europe. They were primarily a means of promoting new agricultural technology, both by educating local farmers, and encouraging and rewarding innovation. Prizes were awarded to farming equipment and produce—a farming implement's commercial success often relied on the prizes won at local shows. An earlier agricultural contest, the ploughing match, tested both the ploughman's skill and the plough's efficiency. The Van Diemen's Land and NSW Agricultural Societies both held their first show in 1822, but shows did not become major events until the advent of government support in the later nineteenth century. Some discussion of their development and the associated agricultural societies is given in (Geoff Raby's Making Rural Australia (1996)) and in (Brian Fletcher's The Grand Parade (1988)). Shows also introduced competitions in bush skills, such as wood-chopping, boxing, shearing, and horse-riding; and in domestic arts, such as baking, preserving, and needlework. In the twentieth century, the parade became a highlight and producers introduced complimentary sample bags, or show bags, of their goods. As well as demonstrating agricultural improvements, the shows offered a variety of sideshow entertainment, from so-called freak shows to travelling boxing troupes, and, later, motorised rides for children. By the interwar period most states held a public Show Day holiday. Agricultural shows were a rich medium for a range of popular folk activities that are largely neglected by historians.

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Agricultural show

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An agricultural show parade

An agricultural show is a public event showcasing the equipment, animals, sports and recreation associated with agriculture and animal husbandry. The largest comprise a livestock show (a judged event or display in which breeding stock is exhibited), a trade fair, competitions, and entertainment. The work and practices of farmers, animal fanciers, cowboys and zoologists may be displayed. The terms agricultural show and livestock show are synonymous with the North American term county fair or state fair.

Agricultural shows are an important part of cultural life in small country towns, and popular event in larger towns and cities. Shows range from small events in small country towns usually lasting two days, through medium-sized events of three days, to large Royal Shows, which may run for up to two weeks and combine elements of an amusement park with those of an agricultural show. Although increasingly under pressure due to finances and insurance concerns, all main towns in the United Kingdom have a Show Society and in some areas, several towns and villages in the area all have an annual show. Larger shows often include live entertainment and fireworks in the main arena.

Contents

Competitions

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Cheddar cheese competition

Competitions commonly included in shows include:

Livestock show

Main article: Livestock show
Border Leicesters lined up for the judge

A livestock show is an event where livestock are exhibited and judged on certain phenotypical breed traits as specified by their respective breed standard. Species of livestock that may be shown include pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, llamas and alpacas.[1] Poultry such as chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys and pigeons are also shown competitively.[2]

Field days

Related to a show is the "field day", with elements of a trade show for machinery, equipment and skills required for broadacre farming. Field days typically do not involve livestock, showbags or sideshows, but may include events such as ploughing competitions not usually associated with shows due to the larger space required. In some communities in northern England Field Days (or Club Days) have lost their agricultural character and have become community celebrations.

The events are good sources of agricultural information, as organizers can arrange for guest speakers to talk on a range of topics, such as the talk on the yellow-flowering alfalfa at the South Dakota field day.[3] Pecan growers were given a talk on insect control by an entomologist at a recent field day at LSU AgCenter’s Pecan Research/Extension Station in Shreveport, La.[4]

A Landcare survey conducted in 1992/93 revealed that field days in Australia have a high value among local farmers.[5] New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays is held at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, New Zealand and attracts 1,000 exhibitors and over 115,000 visitors through its gates.[6] Smaller shows, held annually in New Zealand's towns and communities, are generally called agricultural and pastoral shows (A&P shows).

List of shows

Argentina
Australia
Brazil
France
Puerto Rico
New Zealand
South Africa
United Kingdom
United States
Zimbabwe

List of Royal Shows

Australia
Canada
Ireland
New Zealand
South Africa
United Kingdom
Further information: Category:Agricultural shows in the United Kingdom

Australia

Since the nineteenth century, agricultural shows in Australia have provided communities with an opportunity to celebrate achievements and enjoy a break from day-to-day routine.[10] With a combination of serious competition and light entertainment, annual shows acknowledged and rewarded the hard work and skill of primary producers and provided a venue for rural families to socialise. City shows such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show and Brisbane’s Ekka also provide city people with an opportunity to engage directly with rural live and food production.[11]

A distinctive feature of Australian shows is the showbag, a themed carry bag of commercial goods. Another distinctive feature of the Australian show circuit is the provision of educational services to the children of show business proprietors and employees through the Queensland School for Travelling Show Children.

Prizes

Initially, prize-winners at agricultural shows were awarded inscribed medals and cups but later they were more likely to receive rosettes and ribbons. The National Museum of Australia has a rare collection of medals documenting the history of agricultural shows and rural industries across Australia.[12] The 111 medals range in date from the mid-19th to the early 20th century and many are associated with significant individuals and organizations.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ Ekarius, Carol (2008). Storey's Illustrated Breed Guide to Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Pigs. Storey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-60342-036-5. 
  2. ^ Ekarius, Carol (2007). Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds. Storey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-58017-667-5. 
  3. ^ "Yellow-flowering alfalfa topic of June 26 field day". High Plains Midwest Ag Journal. http://www.webcitation.org/5YjLsKKT7. Retrieved 21 June 2008. 
  4. ^ Van Osdell, Mary Ann. "Pecan field day provides latest information". Delta Farm Press. http://deltafarmpress.com/news/pecan-fieldday-0620/. Retrieved 21 June 2008. 
  5. ^ Conacher, Arthur; Conacher, Jeanette (1995). Rural Land Degradation in Australia. South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press Australia. p. 138. ISBN 0-19-553436-0. 
  6. ^ Fieldays Retrieved on 29 November 2008
  7. ^ "Greatest show on turf opens gates". BBC News. 8 July 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/north_yorkshire/7494688.stm. Retrieved 17 July 2008. 
  8. ^ "Lowveld Show". http://www.chiredzi.co.zw/news/latest-news/79-upcoming-lowveld-show-2011.html. Retrieved 27 October 2011. 
  9. ^ http://www.royalshow.co.nz
  10. ^ Australian Screen: Agricultural shows
  11. ^ David Allen agricultural medals, National Museum of Australia
  12. ^ David Allen agricultural medals, National Museum of Australia
  13. ^ David Allen collection agricultural medals purchased by the National Museum - images and details

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