The final episode of Agriland's 'Around the Shows' podcast series takes us to Virginia Agricultural Show in Co. Cavan, which has just celebrated its 83rd successful year.

From pedigree goats and geese herding to top-class dairy cattle and a few 99s, the show had plenty on offer for visitors this year.

While cattle might have got the most spotlight at the show, the sheep and goat rings also proved to be a popular attraction on the day, with competitors from across the country taking part.

Among those competing was Bridie Thomas from Co. Mayo, who brought three Saanen goats and one Toggenburg goat to the show.

The trip to Virginia proved successful, with her animals securing two first prizes, a second prize and a championship.

She said that in order to impress the judges, a winning show goat needs to have good structure, be well fed and properly presented, while also having the correct length and stance.

Visitors to Virginia also got the chance to see a spectacular demonstration as sheepdogs were put their herding skills to test with a gaggle of geese.

Donie Anderson from Clenasmole in Co. Dublin brought along his sheepdogs, Meg and Spot, to demonstrate how they can control a gaggle of geese with ease and herd them across the showgrounds

While Anderson mainly keeps sheep, he noted that his farm also has its fair share of hens as well, along with the geese.

He explained that there is little difference between herding geeses in comparison to sheep, with dogs starting to be trained from as young as 12 weeks of age.

Agricultural shows

Speaking to Agriland, Ray Brady of the Irish Shows Association (ISA) highlighted that shows like Virginia would not be possible without the contribution from volunteers behind the scenes.

"The effort that it takes to bring a show together is phenomenal," Brady said.

He added that the growing involvement of younger people in agricultural shows, particularly through livestock competitions such as young stockperson classes.

Brady described Virginia as a notably special event, with the famous "white coats" worn by its stewards becoming synonymous with the show.

The ISA board member also acknowledged the significance of the show's Diageo Bailey's Irish Champion Dairy Cow competition - emphasised by the event's location in the traditional dairy heartland of Cavan and Monaghan.