Ains its reputation as the s’ agricultural calendar
Gold Medal was awarded for the first time since 2013 to the RWAS chair of council David Lewis.
Mr Lewis said: “Not many people have been given such a prestigious honour and I have always admired those who have been presented with them in the past. I can hardly believe that I am considered to be in the same category as them.”
The logistics of holding one of the most prestigious agricultural shows in Europe are far from straightforward. An army of staff and volunteers work tirelessly all year round to ensure visitors are not disappointed when they walk through the gates.
With the volume of people attending each day, the stewards are like a well-oiled machine, making sure all the park-and-ride services worked efficiently, the competitions ran smoothly and the showground was kept looking its best during the week.
“It is a great credit to the society that we have such dedicated and hardworking staff and stewards” said chief executive Steve Hughson.
“A show of this magnitude doesn’t just happen, and I am immensely proud of the Royal Welsh team for making this one of the best events of its kind.”
“Our feature county structure, the advisory groups and the volunteer stewards are part of the gold dust that makes our event so special. We are really proud of our reputation as the ‘people’s show’ – show y bobl.”
With an increasing number of visitors coming from a non-agricultural background, the show plays a large part in engaging directly with the public and acting as a shop window for Welsh produce.
During his address in the opening ceremony, First Minister Carwyn Jones said he believes the reason the Royal Welsh Show has remained so successful is due to its having broadened its appeal over the years while remaining true to its core traditions.
Perfectly placed to act as a platform for decision-makers to come together from across the nation, the show plays a large role in facilitating discussions which will shape the future of Welsh agriculture and the rural economy.
This year was no exception, with Environment Secretary Michael Gove meeting his Welsh counterpart Lesley Griffiths on the Monday.
“Facing the impending withdrawal from the European Union, the pace of change and demands upon the industry will accelerate,” said John Davies, chair of the RWAS board of directors.
“However, the industry has demonstrated its ability to innovate and adapt in the past, demonstrating its resilience. This time will be no different.”
“However, in these uncertain and changing times, collaborative working to ensure we support the need for Welsh produce to have maximum access to both existing and emerging export markets is essential.”