Farmers behind the Suffolk Show are hoping to encourage more people to enter the industry with a myth-busting series of exhibitions.
The show - which returns to Trinity Park, Ipswich on May 29 and 30 - will have farming and agriculture "at its core" as it aims to inspire the next generation of farmers and farming-related careers, say organisers.
The two-day event - put on by farm charity the Suffolk Agricultural Association - will be showcasing opportunities and skills in agricultural and livestock farming.
It will also be challenging industry stereotypes of low-skilled work, manual labour - and the need to be from a farming family in order to get on the careers ladder.
The Farm4Future zone - sponsored by Frontier Agriculture - returns for a second year with interactive displays, state-of-the-art machinery and equipment and practical demonstrations.
It will highlight the diversity of skills on offer in the sector - and will be a chance to meet local farmers and chat with local colleges on career opportunities.
This will include a veterinary showcase from Central College of Animal Studies, vertical or ‘no-soil’ farming from Sudbury’s Aponic International, and a partnership between G-Tech and Lego Education offering visitors a chance to code a robot around a farm-themed map.
The show will also host a Farming Live area - telling the story of sugar beet with giant roaming machinery on display - and the Farm Discovery Zone.
The Farm Discovery Zone - sponsored by Sizewell C - will include a chance for children to get up close to animals, climb aboard a huge combine harvester, and try their hand at cheese making.
Deputy show director Brian Barker said: “In Suffolk, we pride ourselves on our farming and agricultural heritage as we continue our longstanding role in providing the nation’s food of today and tomorrow.
"This is something we make no secret of at the Suffolk Show and my team and I have been working tirelessly to showcase the fascinating diversity of Suffolk farming, with industry exhibitors who will be making their first show appearances this year.
“While it is important to celebrate our farming history, we’re placing particular focus on the future generation, highlighting the enormous number of pathways and high-skilled opportunities into farming from every background.
"Each year sees a significant surge forward in agricultural technology and we’re working hard to prevent a skills gap from keeping us behind the curve.
“With this in mind, we’re here to challenge misconceptions and open farming to all at this year’s Suffolk Show, and we cannot wait to see you all in May.”
In the Suffolk Skills Zone - sponsored by Suffolk New College - visitors can learn about other careers too - such as forensic science with fingerprinting and soil sampling, or discover creative arts with canvas painting, nail art or artistic hair styling.
Discounted show 
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