A message from the President;
As another busy show season draws to a close, it is a good opportunity to reflect on what has been a very positive summer for agriculture across Northern Ireland. From our larger events to local shows, generally kind weather, strong support and tremendous exhibitions of quality livestock have showcased much of what is best about our agri-food industry and rural communities.
It has been a privilege to attend many shows as a guest, visitor and exhibitor during the summer, both across Northern Ireland and further afield. Julie, my wife, has accompanied me to many of these events, where we have received an exceptionally warm welcome wherever we have travelled. Our thanks go to the organisers, committees and volunteers who have been so generous with their hospitality. Behind every successful show lies an enormous amount of voluntary effort, often undertaken many months before the gates open, and that commitment deserves our recognition and support.
The season has not, however, been without its challenges for farming. Weather and political uncertainty continue to create difficult conditions for many businesses. Here in Northern Ireland, we have perhaps been more fortunate with the weather than our farming colleagues in parts of England and Wales, but it remains a demanding environment in which to farm.
Safety across our industry also remains vitally important. The RUAS was proud to sponsor the Farm Safety Affiliate Award at the NI Farming Awards, and I had the privilege of presenting the award at their gala evening. I congratulate Northern Ireland Farm Safety Partnership on this well-deserved recognition and all those who continue to promote safer working practices throughout the agriculture sector.
Within the Society, work continues with the implementation of our Strategic Plan including our Governance Review. Good progress has been made during the year, and these developments will help ensure the Society is well positioned to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. There is more work to be done and, as that progresses, members will continue to be kept informed and involved at the appropriate stages.
Separately, I have had the opportunity to attend many of our section committee meetings over recent months. It has been particularly encouraging to see first-hand the positivity, ideas and ambition that exist across the Society. These committees, supported by our staff and volunteers, contribute an enormous amount of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the work of the RUAS, and I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing and being a part of their discussions and plans for the future.
Our own 2026 event calendar is far from finished. Preparations are well underway for the Royal Ulster Premier Beef & Lamb Championships in November and a particularly special Royal Ulster Winter Fair in December, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. Once again it is a sell out for trade and promises to be an exceptional event. It is worth noting the incredible support from Danske Bank, who have been the sole sponsor of the Winter Fair for all of those 40 years. Our sincere thanks to them for the sustained support and commitment. I look forward to welcoming many of you to both events.
As 2026 draws towards a close, I thank all our members, staff, stewards, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors and supporters for everything they have contributed throughout another very successful and busy year for the Society.
Julie joins me in wishing you and your families a very Happy Christmas and every good wish for 2027 and beyond.
