The Nidderdale Show, held on Sunday, September 22, provides the ideal opportunity to sample the many flavours and rich mix of ingredients which make up the rural way of life.

This is not, of course, the menu for a "foodie" programme but the real world experience of farming and food production in the Dales, of which I am proud to be a part.

Whilst catering for the tastes of its many visitors, this acclaimed one day show, which has attracted large numbers since the advent of the railway and subsequent charabanc era, continues to move with the times yet retains its traditional values.

As for the outstanding exhibits of livestock, when showing it is always encouraging to be in the tickets. In the beef classes, Tom and Di Harrison from Stocksfield, Northumberland, won the Native Breed Champion Cow class with their Hereford cow which was shown with her twin calves.

Dylan Townend, of Malton, took the Supreme Beef Champion with his British Blue accompanied by her outstanding calf. His eight year old daughter, Harriot, took the championship in the eight to 12 years Young Handlers Class in her own right.

Judging by the variety of pig breeds on show in the pig tent, Daniel Thackeray's efforts as pig steward had obviously paid off, as pig entries were up this year.

Jack Holroyd, from Preston, took the Interbreed Champion with his Large Black sow.

Stuart Roberts and Jodie Fairclough, from Bedale, not only caught my eye by having four firsts and a third but because they were showing both Hampshires and Pietrain, which are both terminal sire breeds, the Pietrain bred to produce leaner carcases, with the Hampshire being slightly hardier and more suited to outdoor units.

Local farmer, Martin Prince took first with his pair of Large White cross Pietrain butchers pigs.

In the the Interbreed Sheep Championship, where 22 breeds were up for judging, the Charollais gimmer shearling presented by Caroline Brown and Sheila Mason came out on top, totalling its seventh interbreed championship of the year.

John North's female Suffolk from the Loxley flock took Reserve.

Taking the theme of food and farming, it is now more important than ever to demonstrate the highest calibre of food production, animal welfare and environmental mindfulness that already exists in our region and beyond.

Trade stands included Carr's Billington, Voake's Pies, eight agricultural machinery companies and three major animal feed millers.

Another bonus of the day was having our veterinary practice present, providing an opportunity to chat through pertinent issues that the working day doesn't always allow time for.

The three local auction marts also continued the social focus, while a chat with an exhibitor in the poultry tent endorsed the value of retaining the genetic base of the original breeds which went on to produce today's modern hybrids, which afford us an egg for breakfast any day of the week!

The Craft and Produce tent is an equally valuable attraction where the exhibits of home made baking and preserves demonstrates the value placed on natural, wholesome food in the traditional country way of life.

Having a special affinity with the five Young Farmers Clubs that make up the Harrogate District, I popped in for a chat at the Nidderdale Young Farmers tent, this club, being one of the oldest in the country. I was encouraged to learn that Nidderdale Young Farmers Club is thriving, boasting well over 40 members, nurturing tomorrow's farmers.