What do you do to prepare for the show?

George Thomas from Gaerwen, who breeds Wiltshire Horn sheep: It takes over a year to find a suitable ram to breed good stock. Then, as the show gets nearer, we need to tame the sheep a little and ensure their coats are in good shape because this breed don't have wool during the summer. They also have large horns which some people trim, but if you breed them well, this isn't necessary.

There will be less competition this year because of the restrictions of Blue Tongue on English farmers. We worry that it's only a matter of time before it comes to us.

Gareth Jones from Gaerwen, who grows vegetables: After winning the amateur competitions, this year I'll have to join the experienced growers. I've therefore decided to start growing the veg in a polytunnel instead of outdoors. Buying a greenhouse of the same size would cost thousands, so the tunnels are a cheaper way of growing things indoors. They are also convenient because you can plant in the garden soil, instead of having to carry soil into a greenhouse, saving time and cost.

We've got sheep, so I make my own manure by putting their waste in a sack, which acts like a tea bag, and putting it all in a large bin of water. It's great stuff.

Nerys Haf from Rhoscolyn, whose family show cattle and ride ponies: It takes the whole family to get prepared for the show in our house. We have to ensure the animals are washed, that the pony's mane is plaited and that the cattle are shaved in the right places. I've got to make sure we've got plenty of shampoo, gel, hairspray and glitter - all very necessary for the animals to look their best, believe it or not.

You have to show cattle wearing white coats, so I've got to get those washed for the boys and my daughter's riding outfit cleaned.

Eleanor Hughes from Merched y Wawr, Anglesey: We hold an exhibition in the Merched y Wawr tent each year, which takes a lot of organising. This year it will be pictures of Anglesey, past and present. We also have tea and biscuits, so come and visit.

Any successes or disasters at the show?

George Thomas: We've had lots of success with the Wiltshires in the land sheep competition, which is different to the mountain sheep, of course.

Gareth Jones: I came second with my tomatoes in 2006 and beat a lot of long-time growers. You've got to have a lot of plants and pick a lot of tomatoes before you select the few which are perfect for viewing. But I've got enough friends who'll take the rest off me!

What do you do with your produce after the show?

George Thomas: We sell the male sheep for breeding, but we don't sell any of them for meat. Some people think we're odd, breeding sheep but not eating lamb.

Gareth Jones: In the 2007 show I won the competition for the largest vegetable with my marrow. I didn't really know what to do with it afterwards, but someone said you can make a nice rum-type drink out of a marrow.

So I sliced off the top to make a lid, then scooped out the seeds and filled it with brown sugar. I then replaced the lid and put a pair of tights over the whole thing, to act like a sieve. The sugar made the outer walls disintegrate until, some months later, you're left with the alcoholic drink. I haven't had the courage to try it yet, though.