0:00:20 > 0:00:26On Monday, the Royal Welsh Show of 2016 held at Llanelwedd in Builth Wells will be in full swing.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31Over the four days well over 200,000 people will visit.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37Although I am better known as an international rugby referee,
0:00:37 > 0:00:41I started my working life on a dairy farm in West Wales.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44And the show has always been very close to my heart.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50Today, the main arena is quiet and calm but in a few days' time,
0:00:50 > 0:00:52this place will be noisy,
0:00:52 > 0:00:54buzzing and full of action.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59In this programme we will journey all around Wales to meet
0:00:59 > 0:01:02those who have been intensively preparing over the past year
0:01:02 > 0:01:06in the hope of winning that special rosette here at the Royal Welsh,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09the largest of Europe's agricultural shows.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20No area of Wales has been more actively preparing than Meirionnydd.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24Each year one of the old counties of Wales becomes the host or
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Feature County, raising money to maintain
0:01:27 > 0:01:30and develop the showground, electing a president and an ambassador
0:01:30 > 0:01:35that promote the values of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39This year Meirionnydd plays host -
0:01:39 > 0:01:41a county steeped in culture
0:01:41 > 0:01:44and tradition with agriculture at its heart,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48famous for its rugged mountains, its stunning castles
0:01:48 > 0:01:50and golden coastline.
0:01:50 > 0:01:51A land where farming
0:01:51 > 0:01:55and tourism live side-by-side in an unspoiled landscape.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Meirionnydd hosts many familiar place names.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Trawsfynydd in the north, to Tywyn in the south and Corwen in the east.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08The main towns being the old wool capital, Dolgellau, then Bala
0:02:08 > 0:02:12and the old industrial town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17The people take pride in this their show.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22Nobody more than Sir Meuric Rees from Tywyn, a past president
0:02:22 > 0:02:26and past chairman of the Council for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33The first time I went to the show I had a little pony,
0:02:33 > 0:02:35a Welsh mountain pony.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41And my father entered her and I took her to Aberystwyth. I was nine then.
0:02:41 > 0:02:461934. We all went as a family ever since then.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53The Royal Welsh is very much a family show for one couple from Tywyn,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Hugh and Jessica Williams, as a meeting in the cattle ring led to
0:02:56 > 0:02:58the exchange of wedding rings.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03It is actually where we met 11 years ago.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07We were showing cattle in the Welsh Black Cattle lines.
0:03:07 > 0:03:14'We met there in 2005 and we got married in 2009 and then
0:03:14 > 0:03:17'since then we've had twins William and Sara.'
0:03:19 > 0:03:23Meirionnydd means a lot to us because we've both been born and bred here
0:03:23 > 0:03:27and we're now bringing up our family here so it means a lot
0:03:27 > 0:03:30and it's a very strong community here.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38The show president this year is Richard Jones
0:03:38 > 0:03:41known by all as Dic Jones an auctioneer from Dolgellau,
0:03:41 > 0:03:45elected by the local Meirionnydd committee for the event.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53To be elected as the president for Meirionnydd was unbelievable.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57It took some weeks to sink in that I was actually the Royal Welsh
0:03:57 > 0:04:03Show President for 2016, the Royal Welsh being the biggest show in Europe.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08'The county is split into seven sections'
0:04:08 > 0:04:14and every district has their different ways of raising money.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Fundraising is important to the local committee,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21well on their way to reaching the goal of £200,000.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28Events such as the National Grassland held at the Rhug Estate near Corwen where
0:04:28 > 0:04:33large machinery is showcased was a great success drawing huge support.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38But one of the most challenging events undertaken
0:04:38 > 0:04:42was by Catrin Lisa Jones the Lady Ambassador for the county,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45usually seen attending events before and during the show.
0:04:51 > 0:04:57'The challenge that I've set myself is to kayak the Meirionnydd coast from top'
0:04:57 > 0:05:00to bottom, roughly around 30 miles.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Originally we had planned to do it over two days
0:05:04 > 0:05:07'but as it's forecast slightly strong winds tomorrow,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09'we're doing it all in one day today
0:05:09 > 0:05:11'so it's slightly more of a challenge now.'
0:05:14 > 0:05:18The journey will take them from Borth y Gest to Aberdyfi.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Supporting her on this challenge is a friend
0:05:20 > 0:05:24and two experienced kayakers from the Urdd youth movement.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29First of all we have got the weather and the wind.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30We have got the wind with us
0:05:30 > 0:05:34for the majority of the day so hopefully that'll help us along.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46It's been good.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49We have just been nine hours now on the sea
0:05:49 > 0:05:53and we've just pulled in to Tonfanau. Just a short break.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57It's been a new experience.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01Kayaked a bit before but not at this long duration so it is
0:06:01 > 0:06:04a challenge and we're looking forward to the finishing line at Aberdyfi.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11Final three hours now. We'll just crack on and get on with it really.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33'We've just arrived at Aberdyfi, our finishing point,
0:06:33 > 0:06:38'so I'm feeling that we've reached our goal and finished the challenge.'
0:06:38 > 0:06:43It feels an achievement and very thankful to all
0:06:43 > 0:06:46the members of the team who have completed it with me.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53Waiting for her at Aberdyfi were Catrin's proud parents and friends.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00'Yes, it's been quite an ordeal for us as well thinking that she's'
0:07:00 > 0:07:03been out on the sea all day. And we are very proud.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08I can't believe she decided to take on such a challenge.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11It's an absolutely amazing achievement and really put
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Meirionnydd on the map. Fair play to her.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Yes, a remarkable achievement.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24Someone else who has a very important role at the show
0:07:24 > 0:07:28each year is Hugh Williams, Jessica's husband.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31'I'm one of the official veterinary surgeons at the show.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35'It will be my tenth year as one of the official vets.'
0:07:35 > 0:07:38There is a team of six vets there and it's an honour to do the job
0:07:38 > 0:07:43and a privilege looking after some of the best cattle and sheep
0:07:43 > 0:07:45and horses in Europe, if you like.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53This year again Hugh and Jessica will show their Welsh Black cattle at the show.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55And because of their busy schedule,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58rely on the help of their friend Gareth in preparing.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06We breed Welsh Black cattle and we've been showing there
0:08:06 > 0:08:10over the years and this year we've decided as it's Meirionnydd sponsoring
0:08:10 > 0:08:14that we'd like to support the show and get back into showing Welsh Black cattle.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22The show has a hold on people and succeeds in drawing them
0:08:22 > 0:08:23back year after year.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30I still go to the show. I'm keeping my eye.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36I can't go round as much as I used to. Now I can only have one or two days.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39That will be my limit. We will see.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54The majestic spirit of the Feature County Meirionnydd
0:08:54 > 0:08:58will most definitely be felt at this year's show.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Now we head into the neighbouring county.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08Last year was an exceptional year for the young couple Dorian and Michelle Lloyd
0:09:08 > 0:09:10from Llansantffraid in Powys.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Not only winning the best mare
0:09:12 > 0:09:17and stallion in the Welsh Cob classes but crowning the day off by winning
0:09:17 > 0:09:23the prestigious George Prince of Wales Championship Cup with Perthog Gwenan Mai.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34It's going to be impossible to top the year
0:09:34 > 0:09:36we had last year in all fairness.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39The Royal Welsh for us last year was a year that we'll never forget.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42An amazing year.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46'It has been done once in the history of the show.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51'And youngest ever female to win it, youngest ever owners
0:09:51 > 0:09:52'and breeders ever to win it
0:09:52 > 0:09:56'and everything that goes with it, it's just an amazing year.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57'We will probably never top it.'
0:09:58 > 0:10:02And it's been 62 years since the same breeder won the male
0:10:02 > 0:10:06and female championship in the Welsh Section D Cob competition.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11A truly amazing achievement - indeed the stuff that dreams are made of.
0:10:11 > 0:10:17The Welsh Cobs started with myself at home. Home for me originally is Machynlleth.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19We had couple of little young cob mares
0:10:19 > 0:10:22and they weren't doing much
0:10:22 > 0:10:26so we started breeding and it snowballed from there really.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30Not that long ago really, about 15, 16 years ago,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34we started breeding cobs and we've now got a Prince of Wales winner.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39'The Royal Welsh is something else.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43'How you feel leading up to the
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Royal Welsh that we've done every
0:10:46 > 0:10:48year, it's an unbelievable show to compete at
0:10:48 > 0:10:55'and to have that buzz of actually doing well in the show
0:10:55 > 0:10:59'as well is a feeling that you don't get anywhere else.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03'And it is the showcase of the cobs.'
0:11:03 > 0:11:06'Yeah, running round the main ring at the Royal Welsh is just an'
0:11:06 > 0:11:07unbelievable feeling.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11It's probably a feeling that words couldn't describe, to be honest,
0:11:11 > 0:11:16in front of that grandstand. We were fortunate that we had
0:11:16 > 0:11:20'the crowd behind us last year, and running in front of that grandstand with
0:11:20 > 0:11:23'the crowd cheering behind you is an unbelievable feeling.'
0:11:27 > 0:11:31I normally keep cobs here on the farm.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33But my everyday work then, I work out as a farrier,
0:11:33 > 0:11:37which comes with a bit of an advantage for myself obviously
0:11:37 > 0:11:43because it is important to get them well shod and you can get
0:11:43 > 0:11:47that extra 10% out of their performance and I suppose I've got
0:11:47 > 0:11:51a bit of an insight to the industry so I use it to my advantage.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56We make all our cob shoes for the section Ds and the Cs,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and everything we shoe, everything going to the Royal Welsh,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02we try and spend that little bit more time shoeing them
0:12:02 > 0:12:06to make sure that when they're performing in the main ring
0:12:06 > 0:12:09they're trotting on that main ring with my name on their feet.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23'This year we'll be taking another three-year-old filly, Perthog Doli.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28'We are quietly ticking over with her now.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33'A little bit of pressure on our behalf as she is a sister to Gwenan Mai that won there last year.'
0:12:33 > 0:12:37But we'll see how we get on.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Now, one of the areas of the show that attracts
0:12:43 > 0:12:46a lot of visitors is this horticultural marquee with its
0:12:46 > 0:12:50beautiful flower arrangements and colourful characters.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54One of those characters is Donald Morgan of Llanrhystud near Aberystwyth.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Donald, who is flower-mad, runs a flower shop in the village
0:13:04 > 0:13:07and has already achieved a great deal of success this year.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Today I am playing around with an idea for the Royal Welsh.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17We've got a variety of designs to do
0:13:17 > 0:13:19but it's also a lot of
0:13:19 > 0:13:24preparation and planning and trying out and seeing if it works or not.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Because every design is made from different plants,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30forms of plant material, textures and, of course, the flowers.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33And if it doesn't work in a preparation, it's not going to
0:13:33 > 0:13:35work at the Royal Welsh.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39I'm sure every flower arranger will tell you exactly the same.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41We start off with an idea
0:13:41 > 0:13:45and by the time we get there it is totally, totally different.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50My greatest achievement was winning one of the awards for the best
0:13:50 > 0:13:54use of garden plant material back a couple of years ago
0:13:54 > 0:13:57but my greatest, greatest achievement to date is of course
0:13:57 > 0:14:00winning the gold medal at Chelsea this year in May,
0:14:00 > 0:14:01where it was the team for the
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Three Counties and South Wales Area of NAFAS.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09And we staged an exhibit 20 foot square and it was called
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Victorian Revival - The Past Returns.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Donald has had a lot of local support but his biggest
0:14:19 > 0:14:21fans are the children at the local primary school
0:14:21 > 0:14:25where he spends time teaching them how to grow flowers and vegetables.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33Well, we have a card received from the school in Llanrhystud which is my old primary school, of course.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37And the children were over the moon with the success of hearing
0:14:37 > 0:14:39I was going to Chelsea.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43And the headmistress came here on the Friday before with this
0:14:43 > 0:14:49big, massive card and she said, "You have to read every little message."
0:14:49 > 0:14:52And there are about 90-odd children in the school
0:14:52 > 0:14:57and everyone had put a small, tiny message which was very emotional and
0:14:57 > 0:15:00a lot of them were saying then that there was a gold medal coming back.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08'Well, when I got to the school, it was like a stampede of children
0:15:08 > 0:15:11'running towards me. I just feel as if I'm a local celebrity.'
0:15:11 > 0:15:13HE GREETS THEM IN WELSH
0:15:16 > 0:15:18'He comes quite often'
0:15:18 > 0:15:21to the school. He comes, say, about once a month
0:15:21 > 0:15:22and the children love him.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25He works so well with the children and they really enjoy...
0:15:25 > 0:15:28They learn loads about different vegetables
0:15:28 > 0:15:31that they are growing in the garden, at the moment.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34And learning about plants and different parts of the plants.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36It is very hands-on, so they get a lot from it.
0:15:36 > 0:15:41And he is a lovely character and the children really look up to him.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46HE SPEAKS WELSH
0:15:46 > 0:15:48'When I go there, I give them the tips
0:15:48 > 0:15:54'that are required for the future generation of gardeners
0:15:54 > 0:15:57'or flower arrangers in Great Britain,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00'because once you have got them'
0:16:00 > 0:16:03at that young age, of five, six, seven, you know,
0:16:03 > 0:16:06they will get that interest and hopefully, they will enjoy
0:16:06 > 0:16:09that interest and carry it through.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20Now, next week, this shed will be full, with over 40 different breeds
0:16:20 > 0:16:24of sheep, with exhibitors coming from all over Britain.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Amongst them, there will be two generations of the same family
0:16:28 > 0:16:30from Blackwood, Gwent, who formed a special bond
0:16:30 > 0:16:34by competing with a South Wales mountain sheep.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Though traditionally an industrial area,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40the people of the valleys of South Wales strongly support
0:16:40 > 0:16:43the show every year, not only by attending,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45but also by competing.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49The hilly region of Blackwood in Gwent is an ideal area for
0:16:49 > 0:16:51the South Wales mountain sheep.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57We keep South Wales mountain sheep. They are a very special breed to us.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02They live here. They are very hardy.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05And we are very fond of them.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07SHE CHUCKLES
0:17:12 > 0:17:14'I am showing in name only this year.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17'My granddaughter is doing all the work.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19'I guess my interest has just'
0:17:19 > 0:17:24been with my grandmother and my mother both breeding
0:17:24 > 0:17:27the South Wales mountain. I have just been integrated into the life,
0:17:27 > 0:17:34their life, and I have been working with the sheep since I could walk.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36So, I guess it has just carried on from then.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44I started showing in 1999 -
0:17:44 > 0:17:46first time I entered the Royal Welsh.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51We have won the Breeders' Cup for quite a few years.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57We have won quite a number of championships and reserves.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01I won the Queen's Cup with one ram.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05And we have done quite well.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08My highlight there has been winning
0:18:08 > 0:18:12the Shepherds' Contest, in 2002.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18'I have learned a lot from Nana Shirley.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21'I have learned how to pick out the best sheep,'
0:18:21 > 0:18:23I have learned how to show,
0:18:23 > 0:18:25obviously, through years of experience in watching.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29I am very proud to be following in Nana Shirley's footsteps.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33It is an honour to be showing with her, showing her sheep.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35I hope she will be very successful as well!
0:18:40 > 0:18:44The Royal Welsh is very close to the heart of so many exhibitors
0:18:44 > 0:18:47and Nana Shirley is no exception.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51The Royal Welsh is a very special show.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56It is the first show of the season for us and we meet a lot of friends
0:18:56 > 0:18:58there - old friends and new.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02We really enjoy the week up there.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Whitland in Carmarthenshire is an important farming town.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Adrian and Amanda run a dairy unit nearby,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29but also keep pigs and sheep.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Over the years, they have encouraged youngsters
0:19:32 > 0:19:36who show an interest in farming to further develop their skills.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38'They just watch me.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39'They come to the shows with me.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43'Basically, they are learning all the time, because they are watching'
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and I let them have a go themselves. They do a bit of showing
0:19:46 > 0:19:49and then they come back to the farm and I let them get on with it
0:19:49 > 0:19:53themselves and learn how to trim themselves. The only way to learn
0:19:53 > 0:19:55anything is actually do it yourself.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Harry and Ryan are nephews of mine and Taylor lives in the local town.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04They just get on with carding out, to start with and, later on,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07they are going to have a go at trimming, I suppose.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12They have been coming here now to prepare the sheep and whatever,
0:20:12 > 0:20:16really, since the lambs were born, but they are helping me all the time
0:20:16 > 0:20:18doing different jobs. It isn't just this,
0:20:18 > 0:20:22so they have actually been preparing the sheep, feeding the sheep,
0:20:22 > 0:20:23getting them ready, sorting them out,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26finding which are the best ones. When they go the Royal Welsh,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29hopefully, they are going to be showing the Blue Texels themselves.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32That is the idea of them getting them ready and whatever,
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- so it is in their hands, then. - So, we are doing this
0:20:36 > 0:20:41to try and make it flat and show where the meat is on this lamb.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46It is a big show and you get to see loads of other people
0:20:46 > 0:20:50with the same breed as you and talk about your showing experiences
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- with them.- Yeah, I like showing sheep, cos it is eventful.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59You get to see other people's sheep and how well they have done.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01And get to meet new people.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07You put a lot of hard work into the sheep, feeding them and everything,
0:21:07 > 0:21:11and then, when you win at the shows, it is nice to see all of your
0:21:11 > 0:21:13hard work paid off.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17Got quite a good chance. Last year, we did all right,
0:21:17 > 0:21:21but I think, this year, our ram's definitely better.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35As well as helping youngsters and looking after all the livestock
0:21:35 > 0:21:38on the farm, Adrian also makes time to serve as a retained fire officer,
0:21:38 > 0:21:40on call with the local station.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46It is just the camaraderieship. It is working together with a bunch
0:21:46 > 0:21:49of boys, which I wouldn't have on the farm, cos it is quite
0:21:49 > 0:21:53a lonely job, being out there by yourself most of the time
0:21:53 > 0:21:56or you have somebody with you, but not very often. When you're on this,
0:21:56 > 0:22:00it's just that buzz as well, like an adrenaline rush, when your pager
0:22:00 > 0:22:03goes off. It is just a totally different concept of life.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05It is brilliant. Best thing I ever did.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10How are you getting on with it, boys? All right?
0:22:10 > 0:22:14While Adrian is away with the firefighters, overseeing the boys
0:22:14 > 0:22:18is Alex Payne, who has had years of experience on the farm
0:22:18 > 0:22:20with the Windsors.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23It has built my confidence, doing stuff like this,
0:22:23 > 0:22:27because I used to be a shy person. I'd never do anything like this.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Since I have been coming here and doing stuff with the sheep,
0:22:30 > 0:22:35my confidence has built and built. The boys seem to be enjoying it
0:22:35 > 0:22:37and, if they enjoy it, they may as well carry on with it.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Pull it away.- I'll just do it.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44They think they are going to win the championship and be supreme champion
0:22:44 > 0:22:47sheep in the show, but I don't see them getting that far, but they'll
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- have some fun doing it. - We'll catch up with the Windsors
0:22:50 > 0:22:53and the young handlers at the show next week.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07Our journey leads us back to Llanfair ym Muallt - Builth Wells -
0:23:07 > 0:23:09where the whole area is in preparation mode.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15Come on!
0:23:20 > 0:23:24None more so than local hotelier Alison Parker,
0:23:24 > 0:23:26who runs the Greyhound Hotel in town.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32I have been at the Greyhound for 14 years.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35So, this is my 14th Royal Welsh Show.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37And it gets bigger and better every year.
0:23:37 > 0:23:43In Builth, you go from Christmas to the Royal Welsh, you are thinking
0:23:43 > 0:23:47six months in advance all the time. So, yes, it is...
0:23:47 > 0:23:50I mean, without the showground, I don't think
0:23:50 > 0:23:54we would survive as a town. It brings in so much business
0:23:54 > 0:23:57to the town. We are very, very lucky to have it.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02For the last 14 years, I have had the same people stay and it is
0:24:02 > 0:24:05wonderful, because it's like an extended family.
0:24:05 > 0:24:10When they start closing the road off on Sunday afternoon,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I get this tingle, because I know my boys are coming!
0:24:13 > 0:24:16It is lovely. This is why I say it is like an extended family
0:24:16 > 0:24:20and it's marvellous. You know who you're going to have
0:24:20 > 0:24:25and it is great! The Royal Welsh Show helps my business enormously.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33Penmaenau Farm, which is owned by the Morgan family,
0:24:33 > 0:24:36work closely with the show, providing land for caravans.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39It has grown in popularity over the years.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44The caravan park came about in
0:24:44 > 0:24:49the mid-1970s, just because friends were competing in various things
0:24:49 > 0:24:52to do with the YFC and they needed somewhere to stay.
0:24:53 > 0:25:00It grew more rapidly in the 1990s and especially when my children came
0:25:00 > 0:25:03into it as well. Without all of the family contributing,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06right down to the smallest, we would struggle.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11We also have tremendous staff, casual staff, that just come in
0:25:11 > 0:25:15just for the enjoyment of taking part in setting up.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20And we also have students that come along. It is vast and we start
0:25:20 > 0:25:24middle of June, right through until the day we open.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Along with the preparation in town, things are hotting up
0:25:30 > 0:25:35at the showground. Leading from the front are the chief executive
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Steve Hughson and his assistant Aled Jones.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43As you can see, the place is a hive of activity at the moment.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46It started about two years ago, really, and we have got, obviously,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49all the sites set up. You can see the marquees behind us.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52We have got new stables arriving and all the various things about pens.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54We've invested heavily in infrastructure. Fantastic cattle
0:25:54 > 0:25:58and sheep buildings and, this year, one of our major projects
0:25:58 > 0:26:01is the equine project - increasing the capacity of stables,
0:26:01 > 0:26:05recognising the increase we have in our entries in the equine world.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07We are always trying to be ahead of the game, ahead of the curve.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11It is a fantastic place to be when you have got such loyalty
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- and support from exhibitors throughout the UK.- And we have
0:26:13 > 0:26:16an opportunity, as a society, to showcase what is best
0:26:16 > 0:26:20in agriculture, the latest technology, the systems,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23and to bring the public closer to the livestock and the farmers,
0:26:23 > 0:26:26to understand the benefit of agriculture to our wider community,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28but specifically here in Wales.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36One of the most difficult jobs at the show was the one facing
0:26:36 > 0:26:41Bryan Pugh, who has to find over 4,000 sheep for one of the show's
0:26:41 > 0:26:45most exciting competitions, which is held over the four days -
0:26:45 > 0:26:46the sheep shearing.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54There is a lot of work beforehand,
0:26:54 > 0:26:59with farmers helping out
0:26:59 > 0:27:04and a lot of very early mornings and trying to get the sheep dry
0:27:04 > 0:27:10for us to shear there. We start before six in the morning,
0:27:10 > 0:27:15to get the places organised for the sheep to come in
0:27:15 > 0:27:18and they start coming in just after six.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23And they have all got to be in there before eight o'clock in the morning.
0:27:23 > 0:27:28So, it is pretty hectic from the word go
0:27:28 > 0:27:31and there is no trial run. It is the real thing.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35And we have actually had a phone call, the second day of the show,
0:27:35 > 0:27:39at four o'clock in the morning, to say, "My battery's flat
0:27:39 > 0:27:41"in the lorry. I can't pick the sheep up.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44"Where are they supposed to be going?"
0:27:44 > 0:27:47So, we have to ring round, to find alternative transport,
0:27:47 > 0:27:49to bring the sheep in.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53So, yes, the show can be very stressful.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06Now that the showground, the area, and the competitors are ready,
0:28:06 > 0:28:10it's time for the show to begin. On Sunday, the 8,000 livestock
0:28:10 > 0:28:13will arrive, along with their handlers.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17At eight o'clock on Monday morning, the competitions will begin.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19And remember to join Sara Edwards,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Rachael Garside and Gareth Wyn Jones
0:28:22 > 0:28:25on BBC Two Wales every evening, for the day's highlights.
0:28:27 > 0:28:28See you at the show.