This year’s Devon County Show – at Exeter’s Westpoint from Thursday, May 17 to Saturday May 19 – is to feature two of the most prestigious British cattle breeding awards.

Sidmouth Herald: Judging the cattle. Picture: courtesy of Devon County ShowJudging the cattle. Picture: courtesy of Devon County Show (Image: Archant)

The Burke Trophies – one for dairy cattle, the other for beef breeds – used to be staged at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

But when that folded, the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE), decided to stage the Burke Trophies at a different show each year.

This year RASE has chosen the Devon County Show (DCS) to host the awards.

Nick Burrington, DCS’s chief cattle steward, said it was a “tremendous honour” for the show to have been selected.

Sidmouth Herald: One of the many beautiful animals to be found at the show. Picture: courtesy of Devon County ShowOne of the many beautiful animals to be found at the show. Picture: courtesy of Devon County Show (Image: Archant)

“We’re sure this event will be enjoyed by our exhibitors and stockmen, stewards and the public – after all, in the cattle world being nominated to compete for the trophies is like being nominated for an Oscar.”

Tickets for the show are now on sale. See www.devoncountyshow.co.uk.