The show season and why a Devon show feels different

Devon's country shows run roughly from late spring to early autumn. The county's biggest show lands in mid-May just outside Exeter, then a steady run of smaller events follows through July and August — village shows, agricultural shows, and shows that grew out of a single farm opening its gates for the day. Some run for one day only, others stretch to two or three.

What marks them out from a generic summer fete is that they remain working agricultural events. The cattle and sheep in the ring are the same animals grazing the fields you drove past to get there. Farmers genuinely want to win, families have been entering the same classes for generations, and the commentary is often delivered by someone who knows every entrant by name and quite possibly their grandmother too.

Expect a mix of serious competition, cheerful amateurism and a great deal of tea. Nobody minds if you don't know a heifer from a hogget — the stewards are used to questions and generally happy to answer them.

Livestock classes and the grand parade

Livestock is the heart of the day, and judging often begins before 9.30am, so head for the rings first if you want to see the real business of the show. Cattle classes are split by breed and age: South Devons with their deep red coats, Devonshire Rubies, Dexters, British Blues, plus dairy breeds in the milking lines. You'll typically see heifers, maiden cows, dry cows and in-calf cows, followed by group classes and a breed championship. The breed champions then go forward for the overall interbreed title, which is the one that matters.

Sheep run along similar lines, with native breeds well represented — Whiteface Dartmoor, Devon Closewool, Greyface Dartmoor and Exmoor Horn among them. Judges handle the fleece, check teeth and conformation, and will happily explain their reasoning afterwards. Pigs, goats, poultry and rabbits usually have their own tents, and the poultry marquee is a reliable hit with children.

Ponies and horses fill the other rings: Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies, working hunter classes, in-hand showing, and showjumping later in the afternoon. Don't miss the young handlers' classes, where children as young as six lead animals almost as big as themselves around the ring with total composure.

The day usually builds towards a grand parade in the main ring, with champion animals led round to music. It's the closest thing a Devon show has to a finale, and it's worth staying for.

Craft, produce and the marquee tents

The produce and craft marquee is where the local competitive spirit truly shows itself. Classes cover vegetables and fruit, floral art, jam, chutney, bread, cakes, photography, handwriting, knitting, embroidery and children's sections that may include decorated biscuits, miniature gardens and the tallest sunflower. Marks are deducted for a slightly crooked sponge, and everyone accepts this as fair.

Look out for the craft demonstrations too: blacksmithing, hedge laying, spinning, beekeeping, thatching, wood turning and occasionally coracle making. Many stalls are run by people who make a living from these skills, and most are happy to talk you through what they're doing if you ask a sensible question and don't hog the front row.

Food, drink and the showground lunch

Food is a big part of the appeal. Expect pasties, hog roasts, burgers from local herds, cream teas served properly with jam first and clotted cream on top, and ice cream in flavours that change with the week's weather. Cider and local ale are usually available, often from a small bar run by a nearby brewery or a branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Cheese stalls are worth a look, with mature Cheddar, Devon Blue and soft cheeses made within a few miles of the gate. Many shows also have a food hall or a farmers' market section where you can buy directly from producers. If you'd rather spend less, take a picnic — there's usually a grassy area or a handy hay bale, and nobody will look twice.

Family entertainment in the main ring and beyond

Outside the competitions, the day is built for families. Typical attractions include terrier racing, ferret racing, sheepdog trials, heavy horses, vintage tractors, tug of war, welly wanging, a coconut shy, a funfair and a pet dog show where any dog with four legs has a fighting chance. Falconry displays and tractors children can climb on are common too.

The programme will list ring timings, so pick up one on the way in and plan around the events you actually want to see rather than drifting between them all day.

Practical tips for a good day out

• Arrive early. Gates usually open around 9am and car parks fill quickly. Aim to be through the gate by 10am for the best of the livestock judging.
• Wear boots. Even in dry weather, showgrounds are fields. Bring layers, a waterproof and sun cream — Devon weather can deliver all three in one afternoon.
• Take cash. Card is increasingly accepted, but raffle tickets, programmes and small stalls still often prefer notes and coins.
• Check the dog rules. Dogs are frequently welcome on leads but banned from livestock areas and some food tents. Never let a dog near the rings.
• Ask before touching. Animals look approachable, but they're competing and their handlers are busy. A polite request usually gets a yes.
• Book in advance. Online tickets are nearly always cheaper, and family tickets save a decent amount.
• Expect a slow exit. Traffic leaving between 4pm and 5pm is heavy. Stay for the parade, have one more cup of tea, and let the car park empty around you.