THE County Show is less than two weeks away — and organisers are busy making sure everything is sheep-shape.

The Royal Isle of Wight County Show takes place on Sunday, June 30, offering visitors the chance to meet all kinds of farm animals, including sheep and prize winning Guernsey cows.

The show, headlined by the Household Cavalry, promises to be a right rural day out with animal parades, falconry displays, and activities including clay pigeon shooting and tractor rides.

Visitors can watch milking demonstrations from 11.30am, with Briddlesford's 140 cows producing around one million litres of milk every year.

Paul Griffin, the partner and owner at Briddlesford Lodge Farm, said the milk was so fresh 'it could be in the cow in the morning, and you could be drinking it in the afternoon.'

James Cook, head herdsman, said: "The secret is to be quiet and calm, because if a cow’s stressed out, she won’t let you milk her.

"We usually play music which helps to relax them ­— they particularly like anything with violins in it."

To find out how hard it is to milk a cow, Michael Coyle of Lawdit Solicitors ­— one of the County Show’s headline sponsors ­— decided to have a go.

“It’s a bit daunting," said Michael.

"Call me old fashioned, but I usually go to the shops when I want some milk."

Show chairman Graham Biss: "Get here early to make the most of the day.

"The gates open at 9am, and there’s a lot to pack in before the cows go home at 5pm."

Bikers and walkers are encouraged to head for the Red Squirrel trail that runs between Cowes and Newport, turn off at Medham and follow the designated paths.

"It’s easy to walk here ­— I’ve just managed it with two sheep," said Graham.

The two sheep ­— prize winner Judith and Lamb Chop ­— are owned by Hazel Moody, whose family have supported the show for generations.

"Sheep don’t mind walking, so I walk mine across the fields to the County Show," said Hazel.

For tickets, and more information, go to

www.iwcountyshow.co.uk

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