Will Hyde has been announced as the new secretary at Dorset County Show

Agricultural consultant Will Hyde took up the position on March 27, and is well-known as a livestock commentator. He said: “We have to work out what is best for our industry post-Brexit, I believe more than ever as an industry we need to work together.”

He added that the current agricultural policy is outdated having not been redesigned since the 1940s, and needs changing in preparation for leaving the EU.

He praised Dorset farmers for the part they play in supporting the industry. “We have some brilliant farmers in the county and leaders to help defend and promote it and I want to see the Dorset County Show promoting excellence in agriculture.”

Eager to teach the younger generation about the importance of farming, Will also hopes that young people will learn to understand where their food is found.

He said: “I am very keen to promote the Agricultural Society’s 1840 Education Fund, which is a great idea to show children the increasingly important role played by agriculture in the county. There are too many people who don’t know where their food comes from.”

In the run up to the Dorset County Show, Will recalls his own farming experience, and wants to ensure he delivers ‘a good, solid show that is typical of what our thousands of visitors come to expect’. The popular farming event is a weekend of food, drink, entertainment and competition.

Will has previously worked as a steward, committee member and commentator at the Royal Bath and West Show, as well as working at the Farm Consultancy Group in Chippenham.

Wakely Cox, Dorchester Agricultural Society chairman, said: “I am delighted that Will has agreed to join us. He has a wealth of farming knowledge, a real passion for agricultural shows and is brimming with new ideas.”

Will is also a trustee of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, with societies that work in 20 Commonwealth countries.

The Dorset County Show will be held on September 2 and 3 this year.