LIVESTOCK SECTION

Livestock lies at the heart of the Ryedale Show, with a full programme of competitive classes across cattle, sheep, pigs and goats. From pedigree breeding stock to young handler classes, the show celebrates the skill, dedication and tradition of British farming, offering something of interest for both exhibitors and visitors alike.

Entries for all livestock classes are now open! Advance entries only, closing date 12th July 2026. Sorry, no entries after this date or on the day.

Download Schedules for each section below:

🐄 Cattle Section

The cattle section is one of the highlights of the Ryedale Show, featuring a wide range of high-quality dairy and beef classes. Exhibitors compete across multiple recognised breeds including Aberdeen Angus, Beef Shorthorn, British Blonde, British Blue, Hereford, Highland and Limousin, alongside classes for native, continental and commercial cattle.

Classes cater for all ages and stages, from calves and young handlers through to mature breeding stock, with opportunities for both pedigree and commercial exhibitors. Young handler classes provide a valuable platform for the next generation of stockmen and women to showcase their skills.

With strong competition, experienced judges, and a full day of showing in the cattle ring, this section offers a fantastic display of livestock quality and husbandry.

🐑 Sheep & Fleeces Section

The sheep section is one of the most extensive at the show, with a wide range of classes for both MV accredited and non-MV flocks.

The section features over 20 different breeds, showcasing the diversity of British sheep farming. Breeds include Suffolk, Texel, Blue Texel, Charollais, Beltex and Zwartbles, alongside traditional and native breeds such as Ryeland, Coloured Ryeland, Blue Faced Leicester, Leicester Longwool, Wensleydale, Teeswater, Masham and Mule. Hill and upland breeds are also well represented, including Cheviot, Jacob, Kerry Hill, Manx Loaghtan, Scottish Blackface, Shetland and Swaledale, together with Valais Blacknose and additional continental, native and rare breeds.

Interbreed championships for hill, longwool and shortwool sheep add further prestige, bringing together champion animals from across the sections. Classes include breeding sheep, group classes and a variety of specialist categories, alongside commercial and crossbred classes and butcher’s lambs.

There is also a strong focus on encouraging young people, with dedicated young handler classes and a popular pet lamb section.

The fleece section, held within the produce marquee, showcases the quality and diversity of wool across different breeds, celebrating traditional skills and craftsmanship.

🐐 Goat Section

The goat section welcomes entries from all breeds and includes classes for milkers, goatlings, kids and pygmy goats. Popular dairy breeds such as Saanen and Toggenburg are well represented, alongside Boer and other varieties.

Championships for milkers, goatlings and kids provide a competitive focus, while the mother and daughter class highlights breeding quality and stockmanship.

A dedicated child handler class also encourages younger exhibitors to get involved in the show.

🐖 Pig Section

The pig section offers a lively and entertaining showcase of both modern and traditional breeds, with a full programme of classes for breeding stock including sows, gilts and boars, alongside commercial classes for pork and bacon pigs.

One of the highlights for visitors is the distinctive style of pig showing, where handlers guide their animals using a board and stick rather than leading them — a skill that is both practical and fascinating to watch.

A young handler class also provides an opportunity for younger exhibitors to take part, helping to support the next generation of pig producers.

With a mix of pedigree and commercial entries, the pig ring is always full of character and offers a great chance to see a variety of breeds and handling techniques up close.