Shows strictly agriculture in Scotland

It was the 24th conference of the Royal Agricultural Societies of the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1957 by HRH Prince Philip it beings together 21 countries from throughout the world.

Jock has been to many of the conferences and has been made a fellow of the RASC, while it was Heidi’s first time.

The conference is held over three days with an opportunity to attend the pre-tour or be part of the post-tour.

Heidi attended the conference as a next generation “under 40” delegate along with Andrew Walter of Melrose.

Heidi said the conference talked about a wide range of topics from the affects of climate change on farming to disease in animals.

“Some 180 delegates went to Edinburgh, of which there were 56 next generation delegates (under 40 years). South Australia had five representatives Belinda Cay and RAHS Councillor, Heidi Crick, Andrew and Amanda Lock and Andrew Walter,” Jock said.

The first day covered Scottish agriculture, the second global agriculture and the third agricultural show matters.

“A highlight was a day at the Royal Highland Show with a magnificent display of livestock and farming equipment over some 20 acres,” Jock said.

Heidi found the conference interesting and, having attended a Next Generation conference in Toowoomba in February, it was an opportunity to share ideas and network with next generation leaders from various countries.

She said the next generation group was mainly about shows, t ideas for fundraising and getting young people involved along with meeting and networking.

“It’s very much agriculture in Scotland,” Heidi said.

“At the Highland Show which is their main show there was not one sideshow or show bag, it was an agricultural exhibition.”

With various ideas thrown around at both the Toowoomba next generation conference and from delegates at the RASC Edinburgh conference Heidi hopes these can be brought in to play at shows across South Australia.

Heidi met and and shook hands with tcurrent RASC president HRH Princess Ann.