by Alan Quick

THE weather may have been dodgy for the final day, the economic outlook uncertain and farming in dire straits, but none of that stopped more than 90,000 visitors enjoying the gigantic three-day celebration of farming, food and rural life which is the Devon County Show.

Not even showery rain on Saturday could keep the crowds away or spoil the fun.

Trade stand holders reported brisk business, with the huge Food and Drink Marquee packed to the tent flaps with a legion of fine food fanciers, enjoying the very best that Devon food and drink producers have to offer.

Show Chairman, David Parish, said that that the event had risen to the challenges posed by weather and economics with flying colours.

"Everyone connected with the Show - our sponsors, our livestock exhibitors, our trade stand holders, our army of volunteers - has pulled together to put on a great event, and I hope and believe that our tens of thousands of visitors have had a great time.

"The fact that the car parks stood up so well to the rain on Saturday shows that all of the lessons of the last day cancellation of 2014 have been learned and applied. 

"It has been Devon at its best, and the Devon County Show at its best." 

Lady Arran, the President of the Devon County Agricultural Association which runs the Show, praised the 400-strong team of volunteers behind the county’s largest annual event and added: “It is so important that the Show portrays itself in the way it does. I hope the Show continues to be a beacon for Devon; it’s such an important way of being able to show what a beautiful county we live in and how very diversified it is and how very special it is and why we all love living here.”

Devon farmers turned out in strength during the three days, drawn not just by the usual superb array of livestock and more agricultural trade stands than ever, but by the most impressive turnout of agricultural politicians seen at any show for many years.

The EU Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan, the current and immediate past Defra Secretaries of State, Liz Truss and Owen Paterson, and the Presidents of both the NFU and the CLA, were all there, to debate the agricultural pros and cons of the Brexit referendum, and other key farming issues.

Crediton traders reported good leads and a lot of interest from show-goers and livestock exhibitors from the area, while not taking top honours, did not disgrace themselves and many achieved fine results.

Among the highlights of the 121st Show were the fast and furious Shetland Pony Grand National and the thrilling Bolddog Lings motocross stunt team.

New this year was the Devon Eye, a giant Ferris wheel where visitors could get an aerial view of the showground.