Murray Wilton

In its role as an exponent for excellence in agriculture, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) organises events, and competitions, acts as a guardian for the state’s agricultural heritage, 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. The RAS runs Australia's largest annual event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, when Sydney celebrates the vital role that agriculture plays in the health and wealth of our nation and applauds the highest achievers in agricultural excellence. The Sydney Royal Wine, Dairy & Fine Food competitions showcase the best of Australia's food, wine and dairy industries display their finest produce in head-to-head competitions, where a win represents the highest industry accolade. The RAS Foundation promotes educational excellence within the field of agriculture and helps build strong, vibrant rural and regional communities in NSW. The Australasian Animal Registry (AAR) is Australia's largest and most comprehensive not-for-profit animal registration and recovery service, with a database of over 1,800,000 animals from across Australia and New Zealand. Membership of the RAS confers a number of valuable privileges, including entry to the Gold Members Reserve section at many sporting events at ANZ Stadium and accommodation discounts as well as unlimited entry to the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Youth holds the keys to the future, and the RAS is committed to developing their skills. Within the umbrella of its Youth Programs, the RAS celebrates the achievements of rural youth and provides financial assistance to children and young men and women in rural communities to encourage them to achieve their own ideas and ambitions and to enhance their educational opportunities.