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Competitions, with their exhibitions and festivals, were a major event in rural life. One constant feature was the recognition of the quality of work and products, through prizes and medals that conferred social prestige and economic benefits. Their aims, however, have evolved as rural society and farming changed. What began as an incentive for the workers of landowners came to serve as a channel for disseminating modern agricultural knowledge to a growing number of farmers and to the wider village community. By the end of the twentieth century, such competitions had fostered an active dialogue between professionals and a broad urban audience.