by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Organisers of this year's farming showcase are praying the downpour that drowned the Yorkshire Show will keep well away from Detling this weekend.

Dismal weather invariably hits visitor numbers at the Kent County Show and they are keen to keep financial losses to a minimum through a good attendance.

They have lined up a host of big names for the 2012 Kent County Show, from Countryfile farmer Adam Henson to broadcaster Sandy Gall and former Blue Peter presenter John Craven.

From the government, environment secretary Caroline Spelman and Olympics minister Hugh Robertson are attending the first day of the show.

Once again, the three-day show will turn the spotlight on the county's vital land-based sector, with the first day in particular looking at the business of Kent and farming. A report on the financial performance of Kent Rural Plc will be unveiled tomorrow.

"It’s a fantastic line-up," said George Jessel, outgoing chairman of Kent County Agricultural Society. He admitted that the wettest June on record had delayed crops, and that some cherries had split in the rain, but he was optimistic that everything would be ready for the society’s big event of the year.

"It won’t affect the cherry show because the boys who exhibit here are real professionals. The top producers are able to weather the weather. Without doubt, the season has been delayed and we’ve got our fingers crossed that the weather will be kind over the next three days."

Despite the dismal economic situation, most farmers - with the exception of dairy farmers who yesterday took their protest to Westminster - were making money, Mr Jessel said.

But they had to be good - and large scale. "With the recession and prices where they are, if you’re not a very good farmer or on top of the game, you will still be struggling. You’ve got to invest and be forward looking. It requires size, knowledge and expertise."

The show will feature a beer and cider festival for the first time, celebrating the production of regional and micro-brewers.

Mr Jessel, who steps down as KCAS chairman next February after six years in the role, admitted there would be "a little tear" at the end of his final county show. "This is one of the UK’s great county shows and I’m determined to go out on a high."