A WIDE selection of farming innovations will come under the judges’ scrutiny at the Great Yorkshire Show.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s (YAS') White Rose What’s Next Awards are given to products, implements, devices or services which make a real improvement for Yorkshire farmers or rural community.

This year’s entries include a new tractor-mounted post driver, a feed supplement that eradicates parasitic worms in grazing livestock, and an emissions-free agricultural vehicle.

Others include a milking liner for improved milk flow, a seed counter giving more accurate sowing rates, a more accurate fertiliser spreading system for optimised crop management, and a rotating livestock drink bowl for improved hygiene.

The Awards will be judged by Alastair Philip, director of agriculture at Askham Bryan College, and machinery expert Malcolm Gill, with the winner announced on the opening day of the Show. The judges will interview entrants about their inventions.

YAS council members John Penty and John Henderson helped to establish the awards, which are in their second year and which were set up to encourage agricultural suppliers to develop new ideas. The overall winner will receive a Rosebowl donated by Mr and Mrs Penty.

Elsewhere, visitors can see a fully working milking parlour showcasing the Lely Robotic Milking system, eight out of the top ten tractor manufacturers, and a full programme of rural-based seminars. The competitive classes include 1,100 cattle, a record 2,432 sheep and 400 pigs.