Organisers are gearing up for a fierce livestock competition at this year's Hawke's Bay Show, with strong cattle and sheep entries flooding in from around the North Island.
Hawke's Bay A&P Society events manager Anna Hamilton said the royal event competition would return to the show with more at stake this year.
As no Royal New Zealand Show is being held this year, the Hawke's Bay Show is the only opportunity for entrants to vie for the prized Tricolor Ribbon, given in the cattle and sheep classes by the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand.
Ms Hamilton said strong sheep and cattle entries were flooding in, including cattle from Raglan to Taranaki. The society would accept late entries right up to showtime.
"The size of the bulls that come in here for the supreme classes, they're just enormous.
"It's a unique opportunity to get up close and see them, in a variety of breeds."
There are about 3500 competition entries in total across sheep, cattle, dog, horse, home industry, sheep and alpaca classes. There will also be about 240 trade sites across the 40-hectare site at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay, the show committee scrambling to find space for keen new trade exhibitors.
An exciting new addition will be the Bay Lifestyle Courtyard, at the heart of the action featuring market-style laneways, creating a special space for exclusive jewellery, home and garden supplies and specialist food.
The show has proven a popular platform among farming exhibitors this year.
"We're happy to see big tractors back at the show. Fencing exhibitors are returning too - some of New Zealand's best fencers will be here."
The A&P Society's offices at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay were a hive of activity yesterday as final preparations were being made for the show.
Outside, the society's flock of sheep that graze the grounds during the winter have been replaced with a tractor mower.
Crowds of more than 30,000 are expected during three days at what is touted as Hawke's Bay's largest gathering.
"Hopefully the weather plays its part," Ms Hamilton said.
"We're expecting good crowds - there's going to be plenty to see."
The show will be at Hawke's Bay Showgrounds in Hastings from Wednesday, October 22, to Friday, October 24.