Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society has expressed thanks to all those who supported this year’s county show, which was visited by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and saw competitor numbers up on the previous year.

The Society, which is celebrating its 240th anniversary this year, has praised the hard work of the huge army of volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors, without whom it would not have been possible to hold the show.

Those under the age of 45 who farm in Pembrokeshire and could demonstrate their farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture were encouraged to enter the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award. The winners were Andrew and Jane Phillips of Windsor Farm, Lamphey. They farm 1,100 acres, with 3,000 breeding sheep and lambs. A herd of British Blue cross Limousin suckler cows sired by a Limousin bull and all calves are sold as weaned. The arable side of the business includes winter and spring barley, and maize. The autumn season sees the general public invited in to buy some of the six acres of pumpkins they grow for the Hallowe’en market. They are also involved with the holiday business, renting out two shepherd’s huts for visitors.

Student Bursary Award was awarded to Catrin Palferey from Llanfyrnach who will begin studying at Aberystwyth University this autumn. The £1,000 bursary is open annually to all qualifying students studying agriculture, veterinary science, agricultural engineering, food technology, forestry or other subjects clearly allied to agriculture.

During the show, the role of Ambassador for 2025 was awarded to Alys Owens, who works for Castell Howell and lives in Haverfordwest. Alys is an active member of Llysyfran YFC and was Club Secretary last year, for which she was awarded Club Secretary of the Year at County level. She is a cornet player for Goodwick Brass Band.

There were three recipients for the inscribed Long Service Awards: Gary Barber who has been employed by Pembrokeshire Farmers Hunt for 33 years; Robert Davies who works for Michael Morris and Sally Rees who works for Tom Goddard & Sons in Camrose.

The next large event to be held on the Showground will be the Christmas Fair on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15.

The date has been set for Wales’ largest county agricultural show, Pembrokeshire County Show in 2025. The event will take place on 20 and 21 August at Pembrokeshire County Showground in Haverfordwest.