The gates open again for the 2023 Turriff Show on Sunday 30 to Monday 31 July 2023. The event has become renowned throughout the UK as a vibrant show that celebrates the best of the region’s farming, food and heritage.
The Show is Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural show. In 2022, over 24,000 visitors attended to experience a variety of activities, 300+ exhibitor stands and the livestock and equestrian classes. With expert advice from consultants, agronomists and nutritionists to a range of the latest equipment including tractors, machinery and livestock handling systems, Turriff Show covers all aspects of agriculture.
This year, farming highlights are the Aberdeen Angus Society’s Summer National Show and the National Ryeland Flock Book Sheep Society Show.
Kevin Gray, who farms at Tillyfar, near Turriff, is the 2023 Show President, he said, “It is an honour to be President for Turriff Show. It is an event I have attended all my years and I have been on the committee, in various roles, since 1995. It is a show that takes folks back to their roots. The atmosphere of community spirit is alive, and a lot of hard work comes from all that are involved in creating the two-day event.”
“As always, a big attraction for the farming community is the always outstanding show of livestock. Last year we had a phenomenal turn out of entries, including the National Highland Cattle Show, all of this was a wonderful outcome after COVID-19. We hope to have just as many this year with the addition of more Agri-trade stands. There is something for everyone, whether you are buying a hammer for fixing fences, or buying a new combine harvester – it’s all here.”
Another highlight is the hugely popular EQ Food and Drink Pavilion, which has capacity for 50 local producers to showcase and serve tasters of the best local food and drink. Many of the exhibitors sell their own home-produced foods and drinks, including meat, dairy, preserves, honey and local drink – beer, gin and whisky.
Mr Gray adds, “The opportunity to showcase local producers really demonstrates the diversity of food and drink produced in the north east of Scotland, and its quality, and it, for our local visitors, it shows that you don’t have to travel far to try something new.”
Due to the ongoing Avian Influenza restrictions, poultry will not be showing this year. However, we are delighted to hold the Egg and Pigeon classes.
The Show hosts over 1,500 exhibitor classes, including cattle, sheep, horses and ponies, rabbits, cavies, dogs and pigeons, plus industrial and craft classes for skills including baking, vegetable growing and flower arranging; Turriff Show’s total prize money exceeds a staggering £88,000 and 330 trophies are awarded.
“Scotland’s biggest two-day agricultural show is a much-loved calendar date, the length and breadth of Scotland,” says Turriff Show’s President, Kevin Gray.
“Fitting with the importance of Scotch beef and lamb in the region, the show will host – very fittingly for Aberdeenshire – the iconic Aberdeen Angus Summer National Show as well as the National Ryeland Flock Book Sheep Society Show – an easy-to-manage sheep breed popular for smallholders.”
The Show’s principal sponsor, once again, is family-owned local business, Bridgend Aggregates.
Early bird e-tickets for the event are now available via the Turriff Show website and TDAA is advising visitors to plan ahead and purchase their tickets early.
Mr Gray concluded, “We want all visitors to be able to attend whether it be for one day or two, so our advice is to purchase your e-tickets to save money and ease showground entry on the day.”