The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society has reported a welcome financial turnaround ahead of its pinnacle event this month.

Prof E Wynne Jones OBE FRAg, Chair of Council, told members at the RWAS annual general meeting: "It is a pleasure to report back after a successful year, with, at last, some return to normality, being able to plan ahead with some certainty.”

The 2024 AGM was held in this year’s Featured County, Ceredigion at Newcastle Emlyn RFC in the home area of this year’s President, Mr Denley Jenkins FRAgS.

A new board of directors was elected at the beginning of the year and Prof Wynne Jones thanked the previous board for their work and their commitment to the society.

He said the previous board should look back with pride at their contribution to a successful organisation as it moves forward. He acknowledged the contribution of Mrs Nicola Davies FRAg, Chair of Council, for her work in revamping the constitution and facilitating the recent changeovers without losing momentum.

"Financially, we have had a significant turnaround,” he declared and noted that it had been the correct decision to cut out the “nice to do” and focus on the “need to do”.

He also thanked the Chief Executive for his vision to refresh and re-look at all the society’s activities. He expressed his gratitude to sponsors and members who will have increased representation going forward in the new Membership Committee.

Prof Wynne also mentioned the excellent work done on getting the society’s point of view across to the media on the Welsh Government’s proposed change of school term times.

He also declared the society’s support for the rural community as they deal with political challenges and reminded them that the society supports the industry: “We are you – the membership reflects the rural community”.

Prof. Wynne noted the successes of last year’s events under Glamorgan Feature County, and he congratulated the Chief Executive on the success of the new food village Gwledd.

Whilst noting the Winter Fair’s success, Prof Wynne congratulated the initiative to bring 3,000 school children to the fair for free. He emphasised the importance of initiatives like this to connect with young people from non-rural areas and that the society have a “huge job to do in educating people about food production”.

This year’s President, Mr Denley Jenkins FRAg, expressed his delight at being elected. He said: “There can be fewer greater privileges in life than being elected President of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society by the Committee of the Featured County, Ceredigion”.

He thanked all the team and the Committees across the County who have been organising events to raise funds. He noted the success of the Grassland event at Trawscoed and thanked everyone who had been involved in organising and running the event. He also gave a special thanks to the Ambassador, Esyllt Griffiths and her family for their support.

The meeting was concluded with the Chief Executive, Mr Aled Rhys Jones outlined the exciting programme of events for this year’s show; with Horticulture being back, introducing two competition marquees, a new skills and learning hub called Dysgubor, a sensory garden, micro show gardens, commercial stands and a food and drink court.

Poultry is also returning following the lifting of avian flu restrictions.