Cream of the Crop
Since its foundation, the Society concerned itself with all aspects of agriculture, including land reclamation, afforestation, animal husbandry, crop cultivation and even beekeeping. Initially, its key activity was the dissemination of new material on agricultural matters, and it wasn’t until 1831 that the Society held its first agricultural show.
The RDS Spring Show featured the best of breeding livestock in Ireland, along with an exhibition of agricultural implements and lectures on the practical applications of agricultural science. Prizes were awarded to competition entrants. The Phoenix Challenge Cup was presented for the best breeding animal in the Kerries and Dexters cattle classes, and The Silcock Trophy was awarded to the winner of the best Dairy Shorthorn category.
As well as establishing the agricultural shows, the Society commissioned surveys of twenty-three counties in Ireland to determine their agricultural condition; Isaac Weld made the account of Roscommon. As Honorary Secretary of the Society, Weld also established the triannual ‘exhibition of specimens of manufactures and products of Ireland’. In recognition of his contribution, the Society commissioned Martin Cregan (another student of the Society’s schools) to make his portrait.
Several of the county surveys were illustrated with etchings of prize-winning livestock, drawn by James Henry Brocas and engraved by his father, Henry. James was a student of the Society’s schools where he won prizes in 1801 and 1802, while Henry was Master of the Society’s Landscape and Ornament School from 1801-37.
The last Spring Show took place in 1992, but the RDS continues to encourage innovation and promote best practice in Irish agriculture today through its Agriculture Programme.
