Footer
Produced and published by the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne
Published July 2008
Published July 2008
Partners
The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) promotes agricultural excellence, manages the Show-grounds and organises the Royal Melbourne Show. Precursors were the Pastoral and Agricultural Society of Australia Felix (1840) and the Port Phillip Farmers' Society (1848). Established in 1870, the National (renamed the Royal in 1890) Agricultural Society of Victoria, with 'Speed the Plough' as its motto, has played a key role in agricultural associations and breed societies. It oversaw regular harness racing at the Showgrounds until 1980. Incorporated and significantly restructured in the 1990s, the RASV faces the challenges of popularising agricultural education, maintaining attendance at the Show and redeveloping its heritage-listed site.