In partnership with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), the Rare Breeds Animal Farm offers the opportunity to get up close to farm livestock native to the UK.
The RBST is the leading national charity dedicated to monitoring, saving and promoting all breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, equines, turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens. Discover Albion cattle, Bagot and English goat breeds, and some of the rarest sheep breeds such as the Boreray, North Ronaldsay and the Devon Closewool.
This year, you can also meet a sow and her litter of piglets, as well as Duke, a majestic Suffolk gelding who will demonstrate his agility in the slalom and obstacle course.
The ring will feature ongoing talks and demonstrations, and knowledgeable livestock keepers are always on hand to answer questions. A team of craftspeople will be working with the wool produced from seven breeds of sheep.
A fleece will be on display from North Ronaldsay, Boreray, Devon Closewool, Shropshire, Norfolk Horn, Wensleydale and Leicester Longwool sheep breeds and visitors can even have a go at spinning, weaving and turning wool into yarn.
“It is a privilege to be a farmer in this beautiful part of the country and have the chance to rear some of the livestock breeds we have on display at this year’s show,” says RBST member and Royal Norfolk Show assistant head steward Gail Sprake. “I am pleased to be able to share what we all do as livestock farmers and have a chance to talk about some of our amazing breeds.
“I would encourage all visitors to come and see what a wonderful, diverse range of rare and native farm livestock breeds we have in the UK,” Gail says. “These animals have amazing stories and so many are endangered and need our support. Some of these breeds have been around for centuries and are part of our history – but, equally importantly, are part of our future.”
For more information, visit rbst.org.uk
TIMETABLE
10am Welcome to the Rare Breeds Animal Farm
10.15am Meet the sheep and goats
11am Learn about Duke the Suffolk horse
12.30pm Welcome to the Rare Breeds Animal Farm
1pm Learn about Duke the Suffolk horse
1.45pm Meet the sheep and goats
2.30pm Welcome to the Rare Breeds Animal Farm
3pm Learn about Duke the Suffolk horse
Times are the same on both days of the show
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here