New Forest Show cattle classes announced

The New Forest Agricultural Show Society has announced its special showcase of cattle classes for this year.

Held annually in early July, the classes honour the vital role of grazing cattle in maintaining the unique landscape of the New Forest.

At the core of commoning is the ancient right of pasture, which allows practising commoners to graze their cattle freely across the open Forest.

The animals help control undergrowth, shaping the landscape and preserving the biodiversity of the area. Without them, the Forest would look and function very differently.

The New Forest cattle classes are open to cattle owned by registered commoners and that have been running on Forest land this year.

Judging takes place on the open Forest before the start of the New Forest Show, with awards recognising excellence in beef heifers, beef steers, and suckler cows with calves.

Trophies and awards include:

• The Hall Trophy for best beef heifer
• The Arthur & Kit Harrison Cup for best beef steer
• The Morgan Trophy for best cow and calf

Winners will receive 2025 Show memberships or tickets, and first-prize winners will be honoured during the Grand Parade on Tuesday, 29 July.

The Show itself takes place at New Park in Brockenhurst from Tuesday, 29 July to Thursday, 31 July inclusive.

For further information please contact livestock secretary Jenny Dolbear by email (jenny@newforestshow.co.uk) or head to the New Forest Show website to enter.

New Forest Run Cattle Flyer