The RAS Youth Group is a committee that develops programs and events to connect young people (20-35) with agriculture in Australia. With a vision for “a strong, vibrant youth community engaged in agriculture through the RAS”, the Youth Group has been growing steadily since 2004. Opportunities for RAS Youth Group members include networking with likeminded individuals, providing a voice for youth on RAS Committees and representing the RAS at Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth events.

Ensuring the next generation of agriculturists develop from the land, and follow their own field of dreams this year the Youth Group devised a program that would connect rural youth with the Sydney Royal Easter Show. The Show is the cream of the crop for the RAS, the event that brings together city and country, competitor and spectator and curious crowds. But it is also out of reach for some, geographic isolation and financial stress, at times, can prove a barrier too great to overcome. To help youth from the bush have access to the Show, the Youth Group initiated All Roads to the Royal, a unique fully funded experience of the Show. Aimed at students from rural New South Wales, especially those who have never attended the Show, All Roads to the Royal will collect up to forty students from a regional high school and take them behind-the-scenes for four days delivering an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Transport, accommodation and meals are covered as is entry to the Show and ‘money can’t buy’ experiences. All Roads to the Royal will expose students to excellence in competition, meetings with industry leaders and eyeopening exhibitions and educational displays.

OTHER RAS YOUTH GROUP EVENTS AND INITIATIVES AT THE 2019 SHOW INCLUDE:
• Agrichats Saturday 13 April from 10:30am, Fashion Stage
• Youth Networking Saturday 13 April from 1pm, See Room Sydney Showground Stadium
• Young Farmer Challenge Saturday 20 April from 10am, Schmidt Arena