THE stage is set for the biggest event in the region’s agricultural calendar.

The final preparations have been made to ensure that the three-day Great Yorkshire Show gets under way today as smoothly as possible.

Hundreds of farmers, traders and exhibitors, and thousands of animals, have already converged on the showground, in Harrogate.

By the time the gates close on Thursday afternoon it is expected that more than 100,000 people will have visited.

Show director Bill Cowling said: “Farming is in a better state than this time last year.

Agriculture and farming are on a different timescale to the rest of the economy as far as the recession is concerned.

“It was at its worst five years ago, but it is improving.

Imported produce is more expensive, and there is not as much food in the world as there was – people are seeing the benefits of supporting local food producers.”

■ See The Northern Echo all this week for show coverage.