Following a two-year break, the Royal Welsh Show returns with major changes at the helm. Barry Alston reports.
Ever since 1904, the Royal Welsh Show has played a significant role in life across Wales and Aled Rhys Jones, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s (RWAS) soon-to-be new chief executive, says he is not only ‘proud and honoured but excited’ to take on the undoubted challenges that lie ahead.
With a previous four-year spell under his belt as Steve Hughson’s deputy, Mr Jones is well acquainted with the workings of the showground at Llanelwedd – but also aware that a great deal has changed after his career move back in 2017.
Training
Since then the Reading University graduate has been pursuing his training as a chartered surveyor and agricultural valuer, as well as taking on the lead role on the early morning Radio Cymru Welsh language farming bulletin.
He learned a great deal during a 12-month Nuffield Scholarship which took him around the world looking at how other agricultural shows operate.
“Make no mistake, taking on the RWAS mantle is a massive challenge – but one I look forward to tackling,” says Mr Jones.
“Primarily, the show is based around its farming roots and that must remain a priority, given agriculture’s economic situation.
“I am brimming full of ideas and excitement for what lies ahead. There will be challenges to overcome, but we have gone through tough times before and we will again.
“Rebuilding from the pandemic and ensuring livestock exhibitors, competitors, traders, sponsors, stewards and visitors return in numbers will also be important.”
Relevant
Remaining commercially relevant in the context of the changes that will happen to farming in the years ahead cannot be ignored either, says Mr Jones.
“This includes withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme and the move from direct payments to environmental payments, dealing with changing trade patterns, changing public tastes and dietary beliefs, increased regulation over biodiversity, air and water quality and the impact of climate change and debates over land use.
“Bridging an increasing divide as people get further away from the land and lose their emotional connection and understanding of agriculture will be more important than ever going forward.
“Not to be forgotten must be attracting people – staff, volunteers and members – who are the lifeblood of the society and necessary to safeguard its future sustainability.
“Overcoming these challenges will require clarity of vision. My Nuffield Scholarship gave me a global perspective of agriculture and I will be aiming to raise the profile of the Royal Welsh around the world while learning more from other major events.
“People are central to the success of the Royal Welsh and all it stands for and I am looking forward to working alongside the talented team of colleagues, volunteers and members who make it all happen in order to showcase Wales and what it means to be Welsh.”
Farewell Steve Hughson
Almost 10 years after being appointed the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s chief executive, Steve Hughson retires shortly after this year’s Royal Welsh Show.
He was born in Builth Wells in 1963, the same year the society moved to its permanent setting at Llanelwedd. And like all major changes, there was opposition at the time.
Mr Hughson says: “I am sure that today everyone would agree the decision was the right one, allowing the society to develop an iconic event site to be proud of.
“Needing to change and move with the times is as relevant today as it was then, probably more so with increasing costs, skill shortages and supply chain issues some of the challenges facing the whole event sector.”
That is why, Mr Hughes says, hard work has been put in to improve the society’s financial position, ensuring it is run like a business under the mantra ‘no money - no show’.
As a result, it has moved from a challenging financial position in 2012 to a strong and robust one today.
He says: “Part of that efficiency drive has been a strategy of modernisation, embracing new technologies, developing the showground to include solar panels, private water management systems and even 5G phone masts and superfast broadband.
“As a member-led organisation, I thank all those who work so hard to support the society through the featured county structure. I started the chief executive’s challenge to show my support and appreciation for the work the counties do that underpins our success.
“The society is more than a show and being chief executive is more than a job. My passion and pride is as strong today as it was in 2012 and I want to thank everyone who has been part of my tenure.
“Looking to the future, I wish Aled every success. He will bring youth, enthusiasm and new ideas to the role and carry on that journey of change that will be necessary in this post pandemic world - diolch yn fawr.”
