ALMOST 20,000 visitors descended on to a showground in Gwernesney for the Usk Show 2011 - one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the UK reports gemma harris

Attracting thousands every years, visitors saw livestock compete in a variety of classes and watch the showjumping in the main ring.

The Show is a magnificent day out for all the family combining entertainment and fun, with the opportunity to see first hand the many aspects of country life and farming.

Over 200 trade stands were selling everything from tractors, outdoor clothing, garden bulbs, jewellery and crafts.

Run by Usk Farmers' Club, homecraft competitions were filled with cakes, preserves, and homemade wines while horticulture was filled with the best homegrown fruit and vegetables.

Show secretary Fiona Jenkins said, "We are thrilled to bits with this year's show, the weather was fine and there was no traffic problems. New to this show was the fishing village and bees while Gwent Young Farmers put on a wonderful display.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support.

Agriculture section secretary, Caroline Turner said, " We had a great day in the agricultural section, Once the initial rain blew off there was sunshine and breeze all day.

 "As usual the standard of exhibits was outstanding with all the judges being very impressed with the quality of the livestock.

"The pigs were a massive draw with the public thronging around the pens all day – we had five sows with their piglets and various different breeds, young gilts and then finished pigs so it was a wonderful snapshot .

"Cattle entries were down due to the scourge of TB but, again, a great display of different breeds was on show. The variety of sheep was second to none and the whole agricultural section was a testament to the hardworking Monmouthshire farmers."

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FULL RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS WEEK'S CHRONICLE