The countdown is officially on to the 2026 Virginia Agricultural Show — but behind the scenes, preparations have been underway since the moment last year’s show wrapped.

Now, with the big day fast approaching, the final pieces are falling into place.

Agriland paid a visit to the showgrounds to see the finishing touches being made ahead of the 83rd edition of the Virginia Agricultural Show in Co. Cavan which kicks off tomorrow (Wednesday, August 19).

With over 400 classes to be judged on the day across a range of areas, exhibits in one of the show's flagship classes, the Diageo Baileys Champion Cow competition began arriving on Sunday evening August 16, some three days before the event.

Virginia Show Society vice president Ronan O'Reilly said that the 2026 Diageo Baileys Champion Cow competition will see 25 cows compete.

Showing Agriland the lodgings for the competitor cows ahead of the annual competition, the show vice president said: "They call this 'The Baileys Hotel' because that's what it is."

He added that visitors will have an exciting day tomorrow: "We have over 2,000 entries in our home industries which is massive and that has just grown and grown over the years."

He also said there will be over 150 trade stands present on the day selling "anything from a 300hp tractor to a squishy".

His advice is to "to get in early and have a look around where the Baileys cows are" tomorrow.,

"You'll see all the preparations out there for the livestock, chef Shane will be here also and there will be different events going on throughout the day," he added.

O'Reilly said that this year's event promises more exhibits with a bigger selection of livestock on display and "plenty of other things to see on the day also".