Fermanagh Farming Society launched this year’s Fermanagh County Show with a special evening for sponsors and press at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, where visitors admired the backdrop of wooded landscape and lake.

This year’s Show takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 4 and 5.

Fermanagh Farming Society Chairman, Marion Henderson, welcomed a large number of guests and sponsors and friends who included the new Vice-Chairman of Fermanagh Omagh Council, Councillor Paul Robinson, who echoed the importance of the County Show in Northern Ireland.

Bill Leeman, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Shows Association brought the good wishes of the Association.

The speaker was Kieran Mailey, Agricultural Advisor with First Trust Bank, who highlighted the importance of efficiency on farms keeping a tight eye on costs especially in what is turning out to be a tough year for farmers.

However he said good farmers always persevered. He said poor farmgate prices had hurt the industry but insisted that good farmers would continue to be there. The industry had gone through tough periods previously and suggested it was a time for farmers to “step back” and identify any weaknesses in their business and correct these so that when prices re-bound they are there for the upturn.

Speaking on behalf of the main banks involved in the sector, he said they were open for business and to give support to the farming community.

He said farmers always put money back into the local economy and he wished the Show best wishes in August.

During the evening, the Show Manager, Ann Orr outlined this year’s programme and announced that entries would close on July 15.

Highlights will include the Danske Bank Artisan Foodhall and some major livestock championships.

All cattle classes have increased prizemoney up from £60 to £100 per class to attract more exhibitors as just part of the overall £20,000 prize fund.