Watch: John Henning reflects on 'honour' of being 37th RUAS president ahead of this week's Balmoral Show

He has been in the role for just over two months but is certainly no stranger to the workings of the RUAS explaining: “I have been involved in the society in all sorts of ways for a number of years.

“I attended my first show in the 1960s. I joined the society in the late 70s. I became a member of council in 1995, so you could say the RUAS has been a big part of

my life for a long time. It is an important part of the agricultural industry.

“There are probably a lot of people don’t fully realise the RUAS organise the Balmoral Show.

“Part of my job is to create greater awareness of the RUAS and what it does.

“We are certainly very keen to encourage new members to join the society and particularly younger members as they will be the future.

Balmoral Show: an “edutainment business”

During his two-year term as RUAS president, the 2024 event will be one of two Balmoral Shows Mr Henning will oversee.

John says: “You have got to make the most of that opportunity.”

When asked what he will bring to the society John is modest in his approach saying, “I’ll leave history to judge what I have contributed but certainly my involvement with the society over the length of time has been very much about doing a job, getting stuck in, and trying to make the society and its events bigger and better.

“In the case of the Balmoral Show its very much about educating and entertaining the public so you bridge that gap between farmer and consumer.

“You could say the Balmoral Show is in the edutainment business where we educate people by entertaining them."

Agriculture in the present day

“The topical issues get a good airing during the show as farmers take the opportunity to pass on their thoughts to all they get to meet.

“Some of the big issues at the minute include the weather. We have had very difficult conditions over a number of months now. We had a good spell last week which allowed a lot of work to be started but there is still more to be done.

“There are issues around bovine Tb and how that is still a problem. Fairness in the supply chain is obviously a constant bug bearer for farmers.

“The ongoing mental health challenges and rural isolation can be topical issues.

“By having the show, if we manage to get plenty of farmers attending and get them talking about some of those issues then that has to be a big benefit. It is a win-win for the industry and those on the periphery."

Presidency and Prize-winners

Despite his role as president taking priority this year, John and his family are back in the show ring with their renowned Drumcorn Aberdeen Angus cattle.

“This year will be our 30 th consecutive occasion when we have exhibited. That doesn’t happen very often because there can be all types of reasons why you don’t manage to get.

“We have been very fortunate that we have been able to bring out cattle every year, usually a fairly big team as well.

“We brought the cattle in on Monday and that is my involvement or job done as far as the cattle goes.

“No doubt I’ll be expected to weigh in on Saturday evening and help get them back home again, win or lose,” John concluded.