Rolling out new rural development programme is a priority '“ McIlveen

“This includes the Farm Business Improvement Scheme, which will provide support for capital projects on-farm,” she said.

The minister made these comments while visiting this year’s Saintfield and District Show at Balmoral Park, near Lisburn.

She added: “The summer shows are a key part of the agricultural calendar in Northern Ireland. They bring communities, both urban and rural, together in competition and camaraderie.

“These events highlight the diversity, character and commitment of farmers across Northern Ireland. They also underline the vibrancy of the agri food sector.

“As minister, I have been eager to use this opportunity to engage with the rural community and hear at first-hand about their issues and concerns. But these events are also a celebration of local produce and husbandry: they provide a platform for the best this area has to offer.”

Meanwhile, Saintfield and District Show 2016 enjoyed a record turnout of visitors, according to the event’s organising chairman Brian Hunter.

“Gate receipts are well up, but so are our costs,” he added.

“Everyone involved with the society is giving of their time and professional expertise on a voluntary basis.

“It requires hundreds of man hours to bring an event like Saintfield Show over the line.

“Each summer sees agricultural shows taking place the length and breadth of Northern Ireland.

“Each event plays a critical role in promoting the farming and food sector within its respective locality.”

Hunter confirmed that Saintfield Show Society has a plan to bring its annual celebration of farming and food to the next level.

“We want to engage more with young people,” he stressed.

“This year has seen us strike up a very positive working relationship with Moneyreagh Young Farmers’ Club. We now want to build the same type of association with the other clubs in our catchment area. Young people are the future of agriculture: we need them on board.

“But we also need to generate new income streams, in order to maintain the financial sustainability of Saintfield Show. And I strongly believe that local councils and the Stormont Executive can do more to support the invaluable work carried out by all the local show societies.”

Northern Ireland Shows Association chairman Robert Dick visited the event.

He agrees that government should do more to support the activities of all the agricultural show societies.

“The shows must be officially recognised for the strategic role they play in promoting farming and food here in Northern Ireland,” he stressed.

Out in the Saintfield show rings, the judges were dealing with a record entry of beef cattle and sheep.

The beef inter-breed championship was won by the Connolly family, from Ballynahinch, with their eye-catching Charolais heifer.

They won the equivalent class at Armagh Show the previous week with the same animal.

The inter-breed sheep championship went to Co Down flockowner Diane Christie with a majestic Charollais shearling ram.