Our RASC experience started off with a 4-day pre-tour that showcased some of Scotland’s most vibrant agricultural industries and producers. We were joined by 55 attendees from 8 countries who represented 14 agricultural societies. Based out of the picturesque city of Perth in central Scotland, we visited 6 enterprises throughout Perthshire, Angus, Aberdeenshire and Fife, before an unforgettable 2-day experience at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh.
We visited Lucinda Russell’s racing yard where we learnt about her expertise, commitment and support of the thoroughbred racing industry, the James Hutton Institute which showcased collaborative, multifaceted research projects to address issues facing the agricultural industry such as climate variability and biodiversity loss, Dunlouise Angus stud which focuses on retaining the distinctive traits and characteristics of the Aberdeen Angus in their “Native Angus” herd, East Scryne Fruit which concentrates on reducing environmental damage by relying on biological controls and decreasing plastic usage, Arbikie Distillery which is focusing on producing premium-quality spirits using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients while integrating modern practises to decrease environmental impacts, and finally the innovative Balcaskie Estate which is emphasising the importance of the social aspect of the agricultural industry through the support of local entrepreneurs.
We were fortunate to spend 2 days at the Royal Highland Show (RHS) in Edinburgh, hosted by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). The RHS is Scotland’s biggest outdoor event and welcomed over 200,000 visitors in 2024! It really was hard to take in all the attractions the RHS had on offer including livestock and equine competitions (including showjumping, driven, led and ridden classes), pole-climbing, axe throwing, farriery, the ‘Food for thought centre’ where lively debates regarding climate change and food security were held, “Scotland’s Larder” (aka the food pavilion) showcasing some of Scotland’s finest produce, hundreds of trade stalls from clothing to equine saddlery and accessories, livestock equipment, food and drink, to the machinery displays which resemble what Australians would refer to as ‘field days.’
The pre-conference commenced in Edinburgh with a relaxed welcome reception during which we met more attendees and set the scene for the next 3.5 days of conference sessions. It welcomed 150 attendees (including 30 Australians!) from 14 countries who represented 41 agricultural societies. The first 1.5 days we split into the ‘Next Generation’ (NG) and ‘CEO’ sessions to deep dive into the leadership, networking and business aspects of agriculture and show societies.
The NG delegates heard from a wide range of inspiring leaders, influencers and entrepreneurs within the agricultural sector. Topics explored included leadership and resilience within the agricultural sector, the need to develop a unified narrative amongst industry bodies to decrease the rural-urban disconnect and build trust through transparency, the power of social media and how agricultural industries and societies can embrace it to enhance their connection and relevance in their communities, how determination, commitment and some creative innovations can help you defy all the odds and achieve something no-one thought possible, and how the importance of education to ensure the longevity of agriculture.
The NG delegates were treated to a wonderful afternoon at Saughland Farm by Farm Manager Ben McClymont, Livestock Manager Owen Gray and Farm Owner Richard Callander. Ben and Owen, both under 30, proved that age isn’t always a barrier to leadership within the agricultural industry. The NGs also had a fantastic behind the scenes tour and dinner experience at Murrayfield Stadium, home to the Scottish Rugby Union!
The Chief Executives were involved in specialised CEO sessions, a part of the conference where the leaders of our organisations could come together, share experiences, innovations and discuss opportunities for the future. Our Chief Executives learnt from each other and discussed the importance of ESG and how it will impact future business, how recent technologies can help event organisers understand their audience and enhance experiences; as well as learning about traditions and leaving a legacy for the future of the Show movement.
The main conference themes were Relevant, Adaptable, Sustainable and Connected (RASC!). The first session focusing on ‘Relevance’ challenged attendees to think about why should people care about agriculture and show societies, but also, how do we remain relevant to the broader society? A diverse range of presentations from speakers like Anna Jones, Nuffield Farming Scholar, former BBC journalist and author, and Reneé Alexander, CEO of the Minnesota State Fair, explored how agricultural industries and societies need to look to their past to safeguard their future, while ensuring that they showcase their captivating stories to the broader community.
During the second session on we heard from speakers who explored how agricultural show societies and agricultural industries need to ensure that they are capable of modernising and adapting to new climate, economic and social changes to continue to thrive. Presenters included John Gilliland, Adviser to UK’s Agriculture Horticulture Development Board and Quality Meat Scotland, who provided the example of the ArcZero project in Northern Ireland demonstrating that while food production cannot result in zero emissions, agricultural systems can reach net zero emissions. Jessica Underberg, CEO of Erie County Fair, provided examples of how they engage and support their local community such as free admission for those who donate to the local food bank.
Our third session on sustainability focused on searching for and embracing opportunities to guarantee the viability of agriculture and agricultural societies by meeting the environmental and social standards demanded by modern society, while safeguarding their financial feasibility. Speakers included Patrick Holden, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Food Trust (SFT) who explored how SFT works to help producers transition to financially and environmentally sustainable farming systems to benefit our health and the environment. Jason Strong, Councillor of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, highlighted how animal agriculture has been unfairly targeted and misrepresented as a creator of climate challenges and explained how it is actually part of the solution while being essential for food security.
Our final session focused on the theme of ‘Connected’ societies and how they need to strengthen and nurture their connection within their communities to enable a better understanding of agricultural production, the importance of excellence in food production, and the social and health benefits of the agricultural industry. Speakers included Peter Nation, CEO of New Zealand National Fieldays Society, who explored how the society remains connected to the whole community through innovation, education and globalisation, while advancing and promoting agriculture in New Zealand. Marla Calico, President and CEO of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), reiterated the hugely important social role that agricultural societies have within communities, in particular how agricultural fairs and shows play a crucial role in educating communities about food production.
To celebrate the success of the conference, the RHASS hosted a Gala Dinner for all delegates and presenters in the Member’s Pavilion of the Royal Highland Showground. It was a genuinely memorable evening with the finest Scottish produce served for a delicious three-course dinner and fantastic entertainment courtesy of the Scottish band “Drums and Roses.”
While it was disappointing that the RASC President, HRH The Princess Royal, was unable to attend due to an accident with a horse, the pre-conference tour and conference sessions were a resounding success. Congratulations to the RASC Executives, Trustees and staff for providing such an excellent event, packed with a hugely diverse range of inspiring and engaging speakers. We are so looking forward to the next RASC Conference which will be hosted by the Cape of Good Hope Agricultural Society (Agri-Expo) in Cape Town, South Africa from 1-6 November 2026!
