200 Years of the RAS
Honouring the past, embracing the future
The core objective of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) is to support sustainable agricultural development and rural communities in NSW, alongside a vision for a community that understands and values Australian agriculture. The RAS invests nearly $7 million annually in activities designed to promote agricultural excellence and keep rural communities strong.
It began in 1822, in the early days of European settlement. The emphasis at that time was on agriculture and food provision for the new colony. The European settlers were struggling to adapt to the new environment and the problems they were facing with crops and farming. They needed to band together and help each other. And so a group of interested agriculturalists met on 5 July 1822 and formed the Agricultural Society of NSW.
The following year the Society held a Show, with livestock and produce categories. It was an opportunity to educate and inform the people of the colony, and to come together to transact business and exchange ideas. Competitions were held in order to ‘excite in proprietors an ambition to excel each other’, prizes were offered and judging took place in front of the public.
Two hundred years down the track and the RAS is still organising events and competitions and acting as a guardian for the state’s agricultural heritage. The RAS celebrates Australia’s achievements in agriculture and works to promote the viability of rural communities by ensuring that Australia remains a thriving and innovative agricultural producer.
2022 was a remarkable year for the RAS, as we celebrated this amazing milestone through the Sydney Royal Easter Show, special events, and a range of commemorative memorabilia, including a special wine collection, medallion, tea towel, and commemorative book Sydney Royal, Celebrating 200 Years of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales. With our bicentenary celebrated, we now look forward to the next 200 years of the Royal Agricultural Society.
- Commemorative Book
- Oral Histories
In commemoration of the bicentenary of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), in conjunction with Beagle Press and noted historian Gavin Fry, the definitive history of the RAS is available for purchase.
Secure a copy of Sydney Royal, Celebrating 200 Years of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales – a celebration of the history and milestones of the RAS and the people of NSW who affectionately embrace the RAS and the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
This outstanding publication is comprehensive in its coverage of the RAS and the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the full-colour hard cover book features many never-before-seen photographs and anecdotes.
Introducing our special Christmas offer - sale ends 16 December 2024
RAS Members, please place your order via the Membership site here.
Members Only Special Christmas Offer
Book: $35 per book (inc GST)
Postage (within Australia): Free
Non Members, please click on the button on the right hand side of the page to purchase your copy.
Christmas Sale Cost (Non Members)
Book: $45 per book (inc GST)
Postage (within Australia): Free
The Oral Histories of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW is the story of the RAS in the words of those who lived it. Carefully compiled by Honorary Councillor Adrian Howie to mark the bicentenary of the RAS, the book brings to life the rich history of the RAS and takes readers behind the scenes as memories are shared by those who hold the RAS closest to their hearts.
Please click on the button on the right hand side of the page to purchase your copy
Cost
Oral Histories: $35 per book (inc GST)
Postage (within Australia): $12.70 per book (inc GST)