THREATENING rain-clouds held off to ensure a good day out for the crowds at yesterday's Melplash Show.

Show secretary Anita Ford said entries were up in all classes and early indications were that entrance numbers were at least the same or better than last year.

Melplash Agricultural Society chairman Kevin Goodfellow said: "I think we have had a really good show with lots of people who have also made very, very favourable comments.

"It has been a very good crowd, the grandstand has been full and it has been a good day out for all with plenty to do."

Society president Jennifer Gregson said it was a wonderful show made possible by the hard-working team of volunteers.

"Without them there would be no show," she said.

The lunchtime main-ring entertainment was sadly lacking as Cyril and his Squirrel racing terriers were stranded in a broken down van on the motorway and the Portsmouth Area VCC field gun display team were stuck in traffic.

However, both turned up to give displays in the afternoon.

On a more serious note, South West NFU regional director Anthony Gibson spoke about the changes facing agriculture.

"Farming in West Dorset is at a crossroads," he said, "and that crossroads could lead to ruin or to triumph - and the outcome depends on what the public do.

"The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) - the biggest change in agricultural policy since the Second World War - that will leave farmers free to produce what the market wants - or not to produce anything at all if they cannot produce it at a profit.

"So, if beef and lamb is not profitable in its own right, farmers won't produce it, so triggering a vicious downward spiral that will end with abattoirs closing, thousands of jobs being lost, and shelves being empty of British food."

He added that done right, CAP reform could mean less paperwork and a greater range of quality British food and it was up to consumers which it was to be.

"If you insist on being able to buy British, or better still, Dorset food and drink in supermarkets, shops, pubs and restaurants, then the food industry will have no choice but to provide it for you, and that will mean paying farmers a fair price, which will in turn will help keep the countryside beautiful and the rural economy thriving.

"Not even the biggest supermarket can buck the market, and you are the market. Do please use the power you've got. The future of farming in West Dorset depends on it."