Agricultural Show Societies

AGRI-EXPO'S SUPPORT 
Due to the withdrawal of the subsidy schemes under which provincial authorities provided funding to show societies, Agri-Expo extended a helping hand to ensure the continuation of shows in rural areas. Viable show societies that have traditionally been members of the Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society receive funds from Agri-Expo. Agri-Expo is also involved in an advisory capacity with agricultural show societies through workshops and newsletters.

Of the 30 agricultural societies that have traditionally been members of the Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society, 24 are actively involved in show activities at present. These viable shows receive funds from Agri-Expo. In the past, grading took place within the parameters of potential in the specific area, available infrastructure and size of the catchment area. Since 2004, standard sponsorships are based on the historical grading of agricultural shows, with the opportunity to enlarge this sponsorship by presenting championships during their annual shows.

AGRI-EXPO WORKSHOP AND AWARDS
Agri-Expo does not only support agricultural shows financially, it also presents an annual workshop where problems are addressed and new trends for agricultural events are discussed. All shows are visited by either a member of the Society’s management team or a council member. The presentation of the Agri-Expo floating trophy for agricultural shows take place at an annual general meeting in November each year. The Agri-Expo floating trophy for 2007 was, for the last time, awarded to Swartland Show. The winning shows for the past nine years, also received special glass trophies as a keepsake. 

CHAMPIONSHIPS
A number of national, provincial, inter-provincial, regional and club championships annually take place under the Agri-Expo banner. These championships represent the full spectrum of horses, cattle, small animals and poultry. Agri-Expo receives wide exposure from breeding societies, breeders and exhibitors from across South Africa and neighbouring countries. In addition to these championships, several poultry shows, upcoming farmer shows and youth shows were also presented at member shows under the auspices of Agri-Expo.

POULTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Young Bird Show presently takes place at Kleinplasie, in Worcester over two days as exhibitors are wide spread and come from as far as Beaufort West, Prince Albert, Williston and Oudtshoorn. The Western Cape Club Show normally attracts a large number of exhibitors with up to a 1000 entries representing approximately 63 different breeds of chickens and ducks.  The quality of poultry exhibited is outstanding and the event is well supported by the general public.