Record livestock entries at Denmark’s Landsskue fair amid farming scrutiny

The national agricultural show Landsskuet opened in Herning on Thursday with a record 2,322 cattle, horses, sheep, goats and other animals entered for judging, the highest number in many years, DR reports.

Kristian Gade, the fair’s chairman, called the strong turnout a sign of solidarity within the sector at a time of intense public criticism of Danish farming.

“Many people have strong opinions about what we do, but we remain proud of our industry,” Gade said. “We hope to get a small break from all the political noise surrounding our profession and simply enjoy the days we have together.”

Recent months have seen critical television documentaries on conditions in pig barns and debate over agriculture’s role in the degradation of Danish fjords. Gade said he does not believe the controversy will deter visitors.

“Frankly, it’s mostly politicians and journalists who think farming is such a terrible thing,” he said.

Animal welfare group Dyrenes Beskyttelse welcomed the increased openness. “It’s natural that more people want to showcase their livestock at a time when interest in animals and animal welfare is high,” a spokesperson said. “It’s positive if the industry opens up more about what happens behind barn doors.”

Visitors interviewed at the fair said the farming debate was not uppermost in their minds. Pernille Mikkelsen of Astrup near Skjern, a former exhibitor, said she was there for the joy of reunion. Christopher Egholm Mortensen, from Klatretræets Børnehave kindergarten in Kibæk, said his group was enjoying the chance to see farm life firsthand, taste fresh milk and learn where food comes from.

The fair runs through Saturday, offering close-up views of the competing animals.