Shows across the State are facing problems with ageing committees and increased regulatory responsibilities such as occupational health and safety requirements.

The societies staging shows through Sydney’s outer sprawl have other pressures too, including finding enough agricultural and horticultural exhibits in suburbia, and, for some, paying for police to attend.

Housing and development continue to grow rapidly in Sydney’s north-western suburbs, but in the midst of this the Castle Hill and Hills District Agricultural Society continues to stage a country-style show – albeit with growing difficulties.

The 123rd Castle Hill Agricultural Show, held last month, is hailed by show president, Peter Gooch, as a success, but he points out there are growing challenges to staging such an event in a metropolitan area.

“We’re having a few problems,” he said. “We had to pay for the police to be there; they don’t see us as a community event.”

Full story in The Land, April 9.