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Perth Show hopeful of stampede of online entries * Entries invited as annual agricultural showcase goes virtual * Live judging of video entries streamed online * Livestock set to “compete with the best” Entries are about to open for this summer’s virtual Perth Show as the annual agricultural showcase takes its celebration of the best in the farming sector online. The festival of farming is going virtual for a second year in the wake of Covid restrictions. But as horse and livestock owners from throughout Perthshire and beyond line up to compete in more than 60 online classes, organisers are confident the competition will be just as serious - and the standard just as high - among virtual rivals. Entries open on Monday, June 21, and close on Saturday, July 31, with video clip submissions invited across 63 classes. Perthshire Agricultural Society Chairman Mark Mitchell explained that organisers were keen to put on a top show despite the limitations. “We have been planning for this since February,” he explained. “Initially we were planning for both a physical and a virtual show to cover all bases. When it became apparent that we would be unable to stage the popular two-day showcase on Perth’s South Inch, we concentrated on making the virtual show the best it could be.” Last year’s virtual show attracted over 240 entries and Mark is keen to build on that success, with the supportive backing of several local business sponsors. “We intend to create a bit of an atmosphere and excitement by having live stream judging 156
Perthshire Agricultural Society Chairman Mark Mitchell
carried out on show day Saturday, August 7 - with online viewers able to witness live appraisal of the entries as they are watched by our expert judges. “This judging will all take place at the Perth Show office in York Place but we hope to have a symbolic ‘launch’ at the South Inch to start the day’s
proceedings before the action switches back to HQ.” Mark explained that the South Inch might also be the setting for a live streaming of the presentation of Long Service Medals later that day. “Although the South Inch will again be devoid of the thousands of visitors, livestock and trade stands which
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traditionally feature on the first Saturday of August, we wanted to have some symbolic presence there which others could watch online,” said Mark. Competition sections to watch on the day include those featuring horses, cattle, sheep, donkeys, private driving turnouts and goats. “Online viewers will be able to see all their favourites,” said Mark, “from the magnificent heavy horses in their full harness to the delightful tiny Shetland ponies and the enchanting pygmy goats to the glorious Highland cattle. “We even plan to hold a Parade of Champions with the section winners competing for the Show’s top title of Supreme Champion,” he added. “And the viewing public will be able to have their say as well with a People’s Champion of Champions being decided by public vote.” Perth Show looks set to attract competition from further afield than usual on the virtual platform. “Without the need to transport livestock long distances, owners and handlers from all over the country can compete at Perth Show - perhaps for the first time,” said Mark. “A lot of work goes in to getting an animal show-ready and we want to provide them with a platform to showcase their livestock and compete with the best. “The agriculture sector hasn’t stood still during the pandemic,” added Mark. “Far from it.