Return of livestock to show

Livestock has not been seen at the show for two years

Livestock will be returning to one of the area's biggest agricultural shows for the first time since the foot and mouth outbreak two years ago.

The Three Counties Show at the Malvern Showground in Worcestershire begins on Friday and runs for three days.

Along with the return of the pedigree livestock, farmers and businessman will also be able to pick up advice on getting a government grant for their farm or rural business.

Regional produce and rural crafts will also be on show.

'Sustainable farming'

Steve Lund, from the Department of Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra), said he was keen to speak to anyone who wanted to talk about rural diversification.

"The Three Counties Show is a celebration of British food and farming and Defra will be there to give visitors an insight into methods of sustainable farming and food production," he said.

"We will also be providing information on the various ERDP (England Rural Development Programme) schemes available to help people in the farming and rural communities expand and improve their businesses.

"ERDP schemes are good for the environment as well as business.

"The River Monnow, which runs through Herefordshire, has benefited from more than £1m of Rural Enterprise money, allowing the restoration of traditional riverside habitats to promote diverse wildlife - including the once strong brown trout population of a river traditionally described as 'one of the best trout streams in southern Britain'."