Richard Elmhirst set to pass on presidency

This will mark not only the end of a very hectic three days for Mr Elmhirst and his wife Jenny, but the close of two years of close involvement with the running of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

Mr Elmhirst says: “The invitation to be president came completely out of the blue, but I have enjoyed it tremendously.

“I have been coming to the Yorkshire Show for a very long time, initially with my children when they were small, and latterly selling our Round Green Farm venison. I have been a member of the exhibitors committee for a number of years, but even I didn’t realise just how much work is done by the society.

“Running the show is just part of that, but it is very much the flagship and fund raiser for all the educational and charity work which the Yorkshire Agricultural Society undertakes. Educating the public about food and farming plays a big part.

“An example is the hugely successful Countryside Days, which are attended by thousands of schoolchildren, giving them the opportunity to learn more about agriculture. Countryside Live is also getting bigger and better each year.

“The show does seem able to bridge the gap between the town and the countryside and appeals to all types of people. It is very much a showcase for pedigree livestock breeders and attracts the best stock in the country.

“We also get a number of international visitors and I think this is an area which will expand in the future, which has got to be good for international trade.

“Traffic management has improved drastically and the fact the showground is easily accessible by train and bus links is another positive aspect and people are becoming more accustomed to using public transport to get there.”

Part of the role as president involves attending meetings held by all the different sector committees throughout the year as they plan for the show, as well those encompassing the management and financial aspects.

“I have been very impressed by the calibre of management. There is a good team in place and they keep to a very tight budget, which is key to its success.

“It has always been a very forward thinking society and was the first in the county to have a permanent showground. The fact the showground and the Yorkshire Events Centre are used so much throughout the years means they are constantly generating revenue.

“The last big investment was the Regional Agricultural Centre and Fodder. Now that is up and running it is a question of ‘what next’.

“We can’t stand still and are looking for the next opportunity for development, which will bring in a return out of the show days.”

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