More Than Just Tractors: What Really Went Down at the Great Yorkshire Show 2025

Ever wondered what one of the biggest farming events in the country is actually like? Forget any ideas of just looking at tractors and sheep. The 166th Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate was a massive, sell-out celebration of, well, everything that makes the countryside brilliant.

With the sun beaming down, the place was buzzing. It was this amazing mix of celebrating the traditions of British agriculture while also getting a sneak peek into its super-techy future. From prize-winning animals to a bonkers competition to find the strongest farmer, there was something for everyone. So, grab a brew and let’s chat about what happened at the Great Yorkshire Show 2025.

The future of farming is here

Let's be honest, when you think of farming, you might not immediately think of Artificial Intelligence. But you should! The Great Yorkshire Show wasn't just about looking back; it was about rocketing forward. A big part of this was the focus on the next generation. The Future Farmers of Yorkshire held their popular Breakfast Meeting right on the GYS Stage. Imagine a bunch of young, smart people getting together over bacon butties to talk about how they’re going to run the future of farming. It’s pretty inspiring stuff.

And the tech they were talking about is incredible. The show had a whole Innovation Zone dedicated to clever ideas designed to make farm businesses run better. The big winner of the GYS Innovation Awards was a thing called DeLaval Plus. Now, what on earth is that? Basically, it’s like a super-smart Fitbit for cows. It’s an AI platform that takes all sorts of data from the herd and turns it into simple charts and info for the farmer. It helps them spot if a cow is feeling a bit off, which means happier, healthier animals and a more efficient farm. This kind of innovation is changing the game for farmers all over the country and shows how modern British agriculture truly is.

Who is Britain’s Fittest Farmer?

Farming is a tough job. It’s physically demanding and can be mentally draining too. So, it was great to see the show putting a big spotlight on farmers' health. And they did it in the most spectacular way possible: with a competition to find Britain’s Fittest Farmer! This wasn't your average sports day. The challenges were intense. We’re talking about:

• Pulling a massive truck
• Wheelbarrow runs (probably with something very heavy in them!)
• A sandbag showdown
• Flipping giant tyres
• Heaving beer kegs

It was a real test of strength and stamina, and the crowds loved it. The first day of the show, on Tuesday, saw some epic wins. Paul Harrison won the men's under-40s heat, Emily Meakin smashed it in the women's under-40s, and Richard Scott showed everyone how it’s done in the men's over-40s. Even farming social media star Joe Seels had a go at some of the challenges. It was a brilliant reminder of the sheer physical power needed for life on a farm.

Main ring action and prize-winning animals

Of course, you can't have the Great Yorkshire Show without the stars of the show: the animals! Thousands of them were there, all looking their absolute best, competing for those prized rosettes. The rings were buzzing all day. Over in the Cattle Rings, you could see magnificent beef and dairy breeds, while the pig, sheep, and goat rings were just as packed with people eager to see the best of the best. It’s a showcase of true excellence in breeding.

And the main ring? The action never stopped. On Wednesday, 10th July, there was everything from elegant ladies riding side-saddle to thrilling show jumping. But one of the biggest crowd-pleasers had to be the Atkinson Action Horses. If you’ve ever seen a film or TV show with horses doing amazing stunts, there’s a good chance it was them. They are proper four-legged movie stars, and seeing them live is something else. It's fantastic entertainment that really celebrates the connection between people and animals.

From cheese and herbs to celebrities

Right, let's talk about food. And flowers. And famous people! The GYS Stage was a hive of activity. On Wednesday, TV's own Dave and Rob Nicholson were there, baking up a storm in the food theatre and having a good old natter with everyone. The show also had competitions for the best cheese and honey, which would make any food-lover's mouth water. It's a proper celebration of produce from across Yorkshire and beyond.

Over in the Garden Show, the competition was just as fierce. The winners of the big prize on Tuesday, Paul and Chris Turner, were over the moon. Paul said, “Winning is vindication for all the hard work you put in and we do try hard! The Great Yorkshire is ‘our’ show and it is good to win here.” You can really feel the pride they have in their work and in winning at such a famous show.

And yes, there were celebrities! TV presenter Helen Skelton was spotted in the crowd, and so was the Defra Minister Daniel Ziechner. In case you're wondering, he's the government minister whose job covers farming and the environment. He spent time chatting with the Future Farmers of Yorkshire, showing that even the people in charge are keen to hear about the future of farming. The minister's visit highlights the national importance of these agricultural events.

Planning your visit for next time

If all this sounds brilliant, you'll want to keep the Great Yorkshire Show 2025 in mind for next year. Getting there was made super easy. Free shuttle buses were running from Harrogate Bus Station to the showground every 10 minutes from Tuesday all the way through to Friday. This massive four-day event is a cornerstone of the summer calendar. From the amazing innovation of DeLaval Plus to the thrilling Atkinson Action Horses, it really is a fantastic day out. It's more than just a show; it's a celebration of a way of life that is so important to us all.