Livestock champions impress the crowds at the Royal Norfolk Show

While champion farm animals racked up the rosettes at the Royal Norfolk Show, farmers praised the event's important role in educating the public about meat and dairy production.

The hotly-contested competitions in the livestock rings were accompanied by a commentary about the origins and characteristics of each breed.

Cattle competitions at the 2024 Royal Norfolk Show (Image: Denise Bradley)

Among the farmers celebrating on day one were Helen Searle and her brother Marcus, who run the Guiltcross Simmentals herd at Kenninghall, near Attleborough.

The farm also keeps animals bred by Scottish breeder Jim McMillan, from the Isle of Bute.

And it was one of these, a five-year-old cow named Brandane Kirsty, who won the Norfolk Show's Simmental championship - repeating her success at last month's Suffolk Show.

Miss Searle, who said the animal was bought into her family's herd last year, said the double win was "massive" for the farm's brand and its reputation for breeding premium animals.

But she said the show brought a much bigger benefit to the wider agricultural industry by educating and engaging with the public.

"Our herd started in 2017, but this is only our third show season - so to do the double is massive", said the 31-year-old, who also chairs East Anglia's Simmental club.

"It kind of feels surreal that we have actually done that. There is so much work going on behind the scenes.

"I enjoy talking to the public and getting across what we do as farmers and how much we care for our animals.

"There has definitely been a change in the last few years. People are showing more and more interest and understanding about what farmers are going through, all the highs and lows.

"This is the highlight of the year, it is putting on a show for the public. At the end of the day, that is what we are here for.

"For us, it is also a social thing, but to be able to show people what our passion is, and what we spend our time doing, is fantastic."

Cattle competitions at the 2024 Royal Norfolk Show (Image: Denise Bradley)

Cattle competitions at the 2024 Royal Norfolk Show (Image: Denise Bradley)