Origins of SA Country Shows
South Australia's country shows have a rich history, with many dating back over 150 years. The earliest shows began in the mid-19th century, shortly after European settlement, as a way to bring communities together and showcase agricultural achievements.
The earliest country shows in South Australia were inspired by agricultural fairs in England, focusing on livestock, crops, and farming innovations. The first official country show in SA is believed to be the Gawler Show, which began in 1854, making it one of the oldest agricultural shows in Australia.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, country shows had spread across the state, becoming annual traditions in towns and regions. These events celebrated local agriculture, skills and crafts, while also serving as important social gatherings for rural communities.
Many SA country shows have been held continuously for over a century, surviving through challenges like wars, economic depressions, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, South Australia's country shows continue to thrive, blending tradition with modern entertainment and education, while still honouring their roots in agriculture and community. This enduring legacy highlights the significant role these shows play in celebrating and preserving South Australia's rural heritage.
Formation of South Australian state body and Federal Council of Agricultural Societies.
1970
It was in the environment of the successful development operation of the various State organizations of Agricultural Societies that the movement for an Australian wide body was initiated in 1969 and accomplished early in 1970 by the foundation of the Federal Council of Agricultural Societies.
In South Australia, the Southern Country Shows Association (through their president Mr Tait Kidman) was instrumental in calling a meeting of the various SA show Associations, to consider the formation of a South Australian organisation in order that SA Societies could become eligible to join their counterparts.
This meeting was held at Wayville during the 1970 Royal Show and was attended by representatives of most Associations. Following several meetings and much discussion the Agricultural Societies Council of SA was formed, comprising of the nine associations covering almost all Societies in SA.
A constitution covering the aims and objects of the Council was drafted and adopted.
Delegates were of the opinion that the incorporation of the Council was desirable and accordingly the necessary legal formalities were completed enabling the public notice to appear in the Advertiser.
A new National body
2017
For a number of years show societies across the country had 3 national representative bodies; The Federal Council of Agricultral Societies (FCAS) representing the country shows across Australia, the National Council of Agricultural Societies (NCAS) representing the Royal shows across Australia and the Australian Council of Agricultural Societies (ACAS), which included representatives from both FCAS and NCAS. In 2017 it was decided to formulate a single organisation to represent all agricultural shows across Australia, and Agricultural Shows Australia was formed (ASA).
A fresh look for South Australia
2020
The state body of South Australian agricultural shows had been marketed for 50 years as the Agricultural Societies Council of SA. The committee felt that the name of the council was no longer reflective of the modern image of the organisation, and so created SA Country Shows, together with a new logo, to better reflect today’s South Australian agricultural societies and their shows.
Today
We now see an organisation that supports the state’s 48 Agricultural Societies from Wudinna to Mt Gambier, and Wilmington to Parndana, encompassing 8 regional associations and attracting over 160,000 attendees to South Australian Country Shows every year. With websites, social media, national youth competitions and over 2000 volunteers, SA Country Shows are more than just events; they are vibrant celebrations of rural life that capture the essence of South Australia’s culture, history, and community pride.
