CATTLE breeders are queuing up to enter their animals in the Three Counties Show at Malvern in June.

However, there is already a waiting list – for the first time in more than a decade.

The Three Counties Agricultural Society expanded this year to accommodate more cattle, anticipating an increase following the demise of the Royal Show at Stoneleigh.

And its hunch proved right.

The cattle stalls are full and livestock classes, except for dairy, will take place over three days instead of two.

Entries for commercial and dairy cattle are still being accepted and the society is considering how to accommodate all those who want to exhibit at Malvern, particularly longstanding competitors.

The event will be hosting the national shows of the British Blonde Society and the Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society for the first time, while the Murray Grey Beef Society is holding its national show for the second year running.

The Ryeland Flock Book Society will stage its national event and there are new sections for Blue Texel and Southdown sheep and additional championships in cattle, sheep and pigs.

Hereford Cattle Society will hold its inter-club stock judging competition, previously held at the Royal Show, and there will be a big goat presence.

More than 600 birds will be in the poultry tent and the sheep shearing competitions, with overseas shearers, will be a dry run for the world championships in Wales later in the summer.

The Three Counties Show is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 18, 19 and 20, and tickets can be booked on 01684 584924 or on the website at threecounties.

co.uk.