Herefordshire's Harry Cotterell, has spoken about the financial impact of the canellation of agricultural shows. (From Hereford Times)

No-shows cost economy dear

8:00am Monday 13th August 2012 in Farming

HEREFORDSHIRE’S Harry Cotterell, national president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), has spoken about the financial impact of the cancellation of agricultural shows.

Mr Cotterell, who farms at Garnons, near Hereford, is concerned about the widespread financial impact of cancellations because of the wet weather this summer.

“Not only is it heartbreaking when decisions are taken to cancel an event, the direct and indirect economic impacts can be devastating for all concerned,”

said Mr Cotterell.

“This quick analysis clearly shows that at least £150 million has been lost to the rural economy, affecting those who organise the events, those who exhibit and trade, and those who attend for a great day out.

“For local economies, the knock-on effects could lead to small family firms going out of business at a time when trading conditions are fragile and the UK economy is in a doubledip recession."

Herefordshire farmers had been gearing up to make the short trip to Cleobury North for the Burwarton Show which fell foul of the weather.

Organisers decided that the show scheduled for last Thursday, August 2, could not go ahead because of the condition of the showground.

The CLA says the total cost to the rural economy, including all the agricultural shows and horse events cancelled this summer, could be much higher at more than £240m if smaller events, point-to-points and other local agricultural events are taken into account.