Former Sherwood MP Sir Mark Spencer says he is determined to spread the word about locally grown produce when he takes on the role of president of this year’s Nottinghamshire County Show.
Sir Mark has been appointed to the position for 2026 and will use the platform to promote the rural economy throughout the show, which takes place at the Newark Showground on May 9.
Sir Mark is no stranger to the local farming community, having spent his career – aside from when he served as an MP – working at Spring Lane Farm in Mapperley Plain, which he now runs with his wife, Lady Claire, and children, Charlie and Jess.
Founded by his grandfather in 1939, Spring Lane Farm is a field-to-fork enterprise which sells its beef, lamb, potatoes and free-range eggs through its on-site shop.
The family opened a new café at the start of the year, where visitors can now eat the freshly prepared food while looking out across the green fields where the family graze their beef shorthorn cattle and grow their crops.
It’s not lost on Sir Mark that Spring Lane Farm is an all-year-round example of what the Nottinghamshire County Show is all about, which is an annual opportunity to bring members of the public and the farming community together.
Organised by the Newark and Notts Agricultural Society, the show features a host of activities including livestock competitions, equestrianism, trade stands, food and drink stalls and growing and baking contests.
There is also a community zone housing exhibits from local groups and a full day’s line-up of events in the main ring, which this year is being headlined by the Knights of Nottingham re-enactment group.
In short, there is something for everyone, but with the same theme running through it – a chance to find out more about where the food we eat actually comes from and the industry responsible for supplying it.
Sir Mark said:
“The county show is a great way for us to meet the public and talk about what we do so that they can understand how we operate and the challenges we face.
“Nottinghamshire is different to many other counties in that it’s quite urban and so the public live very close to where farmers operate, which is certainly the case at Spring Lane Farm.
“That means we have to be at the top of our games in terms of animal welfare and giving consumers what they want and expect from us. That’s made Nottinghamshire farmers highly focussed and means they have to operate at a very high standard.
“That’s something we should all be proud of.”
This year the show is introducing an Ask the Farmer area, with a panel of farming experts available throughout the day to answer questions on topics ranging from poultry and dairy to arable farming.
Sir Mark will also spend the day of the show meeting fellow farmers and representatives from the wider agriculture industry, as well as talking to the VIPs and guests.
And he will be promoting the work of the Society, which works year-round to support rural businesses, runs events and supports agricultural students and others making their way into the industry.
To find out more about the benefits of joining the Society and to buy tickets for the show, visit www.nottinghamshirecountyshow.com
Posted on 02 April 2026
