Author wrote:
The Royal Agriculture Society has rescinded its ban on sheep attending this
year's Royal Show, it emerged today.
Organisers of the event came under fire from farmers' leaders when the ban,
over fears of spreading foot-and-mouth disease, was announced earlier this
month.
Ben Gill, president of the National Farmers' Union, wrote to the society to
ask it to re-consider the decision.
Now the Royal Agricultural Society, based at the National Agricultural
Centre in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, has announced that it will stage
competitive sheep classes at this year's show.
David Storrar, director of exhibitions at the society, said: "The decision
we've reached addresses the concerns the society has over the risk of sheep
at the show displaying foot-and-mouth-like symptoms, as well as the
financial implications associated with this.
"Sheep will now have to go through a strict veterinary procedure before they
gain entrance to the show ground."
Sheep would be on display for the last two days of the show, which should
greatly reduce the risk of infection, Mr Storrer added.
The National Sheep Association, the NFU and the Royal Agricultural Society
said in a joint statement: "We are delighted that together we have reached
agreement.
"What happens at the Royal Show influences important opinion-formers in
other countries as well as at home.
"The Royal Show is one of the premiere livestock shows in the world and the
sheep industry needs to be represented here to inform the world that we are
back in business."
The Royal Show is taking place over four days from July 1 and July 4.