History
In 1794, John Clerk of Builth published his book, General Views on Agriculture in the County of Hereford, and observed that there was no form of agricultural society in the county. His remark almost certainly led to the formation of Herefordshire Agricultural Society in 1797 - and the beginning of the Three Counties Agricultural Society as we know it today!
Two hundred years ago, the objectives were very much the same; to promote and encourage breeders, farmers and their employees by rewarding tillage, service, advancement of livestock breeding and horticulture.
The first Show took place on the streets of Hereford in 1798, under the Presidency of the then Earl of Oxford. Three coveted silver goblets were offered as prizes and Membership was just 100 strong!
Gradual expansion led to amalgamation with the Worcestershire Agricultural Society in 1894, and with the Gloucestershire Agricultural Society twenty-eight years later - and so the Three Counties Agricultural Society (TCAS) came into being.
Author John Lewis traces the full history of the Three Counties Agricultural Society in his book Three Into One, available from the Society on 01684 584900. Mr Lewis is a third-generation farmer from the Cotswold Vale and a past Vice President of the Society.