THE very first Royal Welsh Virtual Show has proved to be a massive success as farming events are forced online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the Royal Welsh Show unable to go ahead in its traditional format due to pandemic restrictions, a virtual alternative was organised for July 20 to July 23.

Show bosses said the wide range of events were extremely well received, with more than 50,000 visitors from 44 countries visiting.

Various panels and discussions were filled with some of the most knowledgeable people within the agricultural and rural community, organisers said.

The show is one of the biggest dates in the agricultural calendar, held in July each year in Llanelwedd near Builth Wells in Powys.

A spokesman said: “We hope that you have enjoyed the show as much as we have and look forward to welcoming you all back to Llanelwedd to a bigger and better show than ever before.”

John T Davies, chairman of the board of directors, added: “Although this year’s show could not go ahead I am pleased the team here at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society pulled together to deliver our first virtual show.

“Nothing will replace the buzz and the very special atmosphere of ‘Sioe y Bobl’ at Llanelwedd every July and we look forward to next year’s show bouncing back stronger than ever.”

The Virtual Royal Welsh Show was supported by NatWest Cymru, one of the headline sponsors.

Kevin Morgan, senior director for Wales business banking, said: “The Royal Welsh Show is such an important part of the calendar for rural Wales, and we are delighted that NatWest Cymru has played a key role in bringing it to life digitally this year.

“There’s a wealth of information, from thought leadership to debate to economic insight, which is still available on the platform to be accessed on demand and is a valuable resource for businesses in all sectors in rural areas.”

The Royal Welsh Show has not been the only event forced to adapt and go digital, as it is revealed an important event in the Hereford cattle calendar is set to follow.

The National Hereford Show will take place online this year to combat the restrictions facing organisers due to the pandemic.

With more than 200 entries already submitted, it is set to be the largest show of Hereford cattle in Europe this year.

Hosted by the National Hereford Club and usually staged at Tenbury Wells Show, the class winners of the show will be announced on what would have been show day: August 1, 2020.

The online spectacle will be judged by Robert Clarke of the Shadwell Estate (England), Brent and Anna Fisher of the Silverstream Hereford Stud (New Zealand) and Gary McKiernan of Corlismore Herefords (Republic of Ireland).

Class winners will then be put forward to the female and male championships, which the public will have their chance to vote for. These votes will make up 25 per cent of the final outcome, while the three judges’ placings will each contribute 25 per cent to the result.

The male and female champions will be announced on August 8 and will conclude the show.

To vote, visit www.nationalherefordclub.co.uk/virtual-show-2020

More information can also be found by searching for the National Hereford Club on Facebook.