The Royal Norfolk Show will celebrate a "historic first" when it returns this summer - by presenting three highly-prized national trophies.
The Burke Perpetual Challenge Trophies will be awarded to cattle farmers and agricultural innovators competing at the county's annual summer showcase on June 26 and 27.
They were introduced at the Royal Show in 1951 to mark the retirement of Sir Roland Burke as honorary director of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE).
More than 70 years later, the RASE says the Burke Trophies "remain the most prestigious cattle awards within UK farming".
The 2024 Royal Norfolk Show will be the first time all three have been presented together, outside of the RASE Royal Show.
Two will be awarded for the best two animals of a breed – one male and one female – in the beef and dairy cattle sections, and the third will be for "the best new implement showcasing agricultural innovation".
Mark Nicholas, managing director of show organisers the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) said he was thrilled to announce this "historic first for the Royal Norfolk Show".
"As the country’s largest two-day agricultural show we are honoured to bring the coveted Burke Trophies together and we anticipate strong competition for all three," he said.
"The Norfolk Farm Machinery Club (Normac), a leading innovator in farm machinery solutions, will be searching for outstanding new developments from commercial manufacturers.
"Meanwhile we know cattle exhibitors across the UK will be carefully selecting their show team in anticipation of taking home the much sought-after dairy and beef trophies."
RASE chief executive David Grint said: "The Royal Norfolk Show does a fabulous job of promoting a better understanding of food, farming and the countryside among the visitors to the show, while attracting breeders with livestock of the highest calibre to the show rings.
"Naturally, we are very pleased that the RNAA will be awarding the Burke Trophies in 2024."
The 2024 Royal Norfolk Show will also celebrate another milestone by hosting four national shows in the livestock rings for the first time - for the Beef Shorthorn, Red Poll, South Devon, British Simmental cattle breeds.
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