The ‘X-Factor’ and ‘Premier League’ of cattle shows has returned.

The Three Shires Cattle Competition has been officially relaunched, giving farmers a chance to compete for the coveted trophy once more.

The Triple Crown for showing cattle begins this Saturday, with the final contest taking place at Moreton Show in September.

Moreton livestock secretary Lynne Parkes is looking forward to seeing some of the country’s best cattle descend on the Cotswold village.

She said: “It’ll be a bit like revealing the results of the X Factor for cattle! 

“Our treble, involving all three shows, is aiming to attract some of the best cattle from across the country and we’d like to encourage handlers to compete for what will be the equivalent of a Premier League title in cattle showing.”

Handlers will accumulate points by showing their cattle at the three shows, with the running total kept secret until the finale at Moreton Show on September 3 at the Batsford Estate.

It begins this Saturday at Worcestershire’s Hanbury Show before heading to the Burwarton Show in Shropshire on Thursday, August 4.

The winner will receive £1,000, with £350 for the runner-up and £150 for third place.

Gill Brian, cattle secretary at Hanbury, said: “We are delighted to see the return of the Three Shires Cattle Trophy Competition this year, we hope that the competition will encourage increased support for cattle showing at each of the Shows. This in turn helps to promote the very best of British livestock farming.”

Peter Kirton, chief cattle steward at Burwarton, added: “This is a prestigious and exciting competition for cattle showing. 

“This is the traditional cattle class with a modern twist, and we hope people will enjoy what we have to offer at all three shows.”

The top prize is sponsored by Chanelle Animal Health.

Kathryn Weston, key account manager, said: “The team at Chanelle Animal Health are truly honoured to be supporting such a prestigious competition as the Three Shires Cattle Trophy.

“We wish all the competitors the very best of luck in the Three Shires Cattle Trophy this year!’