The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society is confident it can ride the winds of change as it looks ahead to this month's Royal Welsh Show.

In his address to members at the annual meeting of the society, Mr John T Davies said: “In looking to the future, our resilience and ability to accommodate change will be our key to success.”

Hosted by this year’s feature county of Montgomeryshire at the home of this year’s president, Mr Tom Tudor MBE FRAgS, the 2018 AGM looked back on another successful year, and forward to this year’s show.

With an array of changes on the horizon, both politically and financially, members attending the AGM were reassured to hear that the society had already put in place measures to maximise opportunities and methods to embrace the challenges.

“Our estate continues to be our greatest asset and the society continues to be committed to the long-term investment of the showground," said Mr Davies.

Making sure it is fit for purpose, improving infrastructure and adopting new technologies, ensures we are able to take full advantage of the excellent facilities onsite and increase the number of events held throughout the year. These events not only benefit the society, but also support the community and local economy.

“Looking to develop a portfolio of other events, our aim is to create a ‘Y Maes Genedlaethol Frenhinol Cymru’, The National Royal Welsh Showground.” continued Mr Davies.

“By working with organisations such as Visit Wales, the major events team at Welsh Government and the Welsh Tourism Minister, we are clearly putting our showground on the national map as an event destination”.

As always, the incredible support and fundraising efforts of our feature counties was recognised. Thanks was given to Carmarthenshire, the 2017 feature county, whose extraordinary £528,000 has been put towards the equine project, along with the funds raised by Gwent in 2015 and a significant society investment, to make a total of £1 million spent on improving the equine facilities on the showground in recent years.

Addressing the members, Mr Tudor, the 2018 president, thanked his family, along with his Montgomeryshire team for their hard work and support during their very busy feature year.

“Money raised this year will be put towards improving the facilities on the showground for our younger members, and will include the creation of a new and improved members' bar, hopefully built in readiness for the 100th show in 2019,” he said.

Mr Harry Fetherstonhaugh, honorary show director, gave an outline of what is in store for the upcoming Royal Welsh Show.

He said agriculture maintained its place at the heart of the show and livestock entries and applications for agricultural trade stands had once again been very strong.

"This year we are celebrating the 100 Years of the Royal Air Force (RAF 100) and also recognising the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1.” explained Mr Fetherstonhaugh.

“In doing so we are delighted to welcome back the full display of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery who will entertain the crowds with their world class display twice a day. We are also looking forward to welcoming back the RAF Parachute Display Team and this year we will also have the RAF Falcons.”

For more information on the society or the show visit rwas.wales