The 82nd Virginia Show has officially kicked off today.
The event is one of the most anticipated shows of the year, and will include the crowning of the Diageo Bailey's Champion Cow, which is one of the most sought after titles in Europe.
Mary Gaynor is President of the Virginia Show Committee.
Speaking live on the Joe Finnegan show from Virginia this morning, she says it's always a special moment to see the show get underway.
According to Mary, it's not just an agricultural show, it's a celebration of rural life.
She says it was important for the committee to diversify the show and involve everyone who living in communities: "We're very lucky in that we have a purpose built ground here in Virginia and it's an enticement for people to come to the show. We've record numbers in classes this year. As well as the Diageo Bailey's Champion Cow we have a lot of other things. It's a celebration of rural life, it's not just the cattle, horse and sheep which is the main thing that people think of with agricultural shows. We're trying to diversity and include everybody."
