Well known poultry breeder, judge and photographers Robert Johnstone will receive a Champion of the RAS Award at this year's Sydney Royal Show in April.
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The Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales (RAS) is presenting Singleton local Mr Johnstone receives the award in appreciation of his long-term support of the Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show).
Every year the RAS recognises the contributions of around fifteen individuals from across the state, acknowledging their commitment to the Sydney Royal Competitions and their impact on rural industries.
Along with an awards event, Champions will be celebrated on Monday April 15 at 4.30pm when they participate in the Grand Parade in the main arena at the Show. The hard work and many years of service the Champions have invested in the Show is acknowledged during the parade.
Mr Johnstone has been actively involved in the Poultry and Pigeons sections of the Show since 1961 - an impressive 59 Shows.
Over the years, he's won champion breed and colour awards for his hard-feathered poultry, and has been a steward and a judge.
A keen photographer, Mr Johnstone has been taking photographs of the breed champions for some time and has been instrumental in providing photographs of the birds in the auction catalogue.
He has also been promoting the Show with his images and reports in the National Poultry Magazine for the past 25 years.
"The Sydney Royal Show has always had such a special atmosphere - I love how it bridges the gap between urban and rural NSW, " he said.
"I love participating in the Show, not for recognition, but for the chance to see my birds with all the impressive poultry on display, and to meet up with fellow fanciers, new and old - the people I've met at the Show continue in my memories."
President of the RAS, Robert Ryan congratulated Mr Johnstone on his Award.
"All our Champions epitomise what the Show is about - celebrating the people, practices and produce of Australian agriculture, and this award is a fantastic way to acknowledge that," Mr Ryan said.
"The parade gives the RAS and the entire Show community the opportunity to honour our Champions. It also allows us to recognise the stewards, judges and supporters who are vital to making the Show such a success."
In 2019, 25,000 entrants will compete across 42 competitions and over 5,500 competition classes, covering everything from livestock and domestic animals to arts and crafts, and woodchopping.
"I commend each of the 2019 Champions, and thank them for their outstanding contribution to the Show, and their efforts in furthering our nation's agricultural industries," Mr Ryan said.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
