Show boss wants to put the ‘culture into agriculture’

President Toni Rolls….“The Royal Canberra Show is a great opportunity to ask the questions that matter.”

By Elizabeth Kovacs

Ahead of the upcoming Royal Canberra Show, new president of the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society Toni Rolls says working in agriculture has always been in her blood. 

“My parents have come from an agriculture background,” she says.

“And then I married a fifth generation farmer!”

Despite being born and bred in Canberra, Toni says she fell in love instantly with agriculture and says she’s never going to leave the country lifestyle.

“It’s in my roots,” she says.

Recently discovering that her grandfather was a founding member of the Bathurst Show Society, Toni says her recent appointment as president of the RNCAS was a nice homage to her heritage.

With “big shoes to fill”, Toni says it was a “humbling and exciting opportunity” to step up as president from her former position as vice-present.

Succeeding Rick Jones, who stepped down from the role in October, Toni says her five years of experience serving on the RNCAS Board has been a great help to her new role.

Her appointment was a unanimous decision by the society board, and she says she was appreciative of being given the “personal recognition of the ability to undertake the job”.

Toni says she’s not nervous about the upcoming show, stating her appreciation for the volunteers.

“We rely on our volunteers,” she says.

“But they do a sterling job throughout the year to plan and prepare for the show each year. I’m proud to call myself one.”

Next month’s Royal Canberra Show has a long history within Canberra and will turn 100 years old in 2027.

The show was previously held in Ginninderra and moved to Hall before coming to EPIC in 1964 for its 35th event.

Sixty years later and Toni expects more than 1300 horses on the ground, 420 cattle, 2000 dog entries as well as produce, crafts and art entries.

As the first female president of the RNCAS, Toni says she’s always been keen to break glass ceilings in traditionally male-dominated fields.

“I’ve developed a thick skin,” she says.

“But it’s a great opportunity to show recognition that women from all walks of life can do things in male-dominated fields.

“In agriculture, women are a strong component of the field, and it’s great to see more women step up into strategic positions.”

Looking towards the future, Toni says she is keen to see families getting engaged with the show and encourages them to ask questions.

“We are putting the culture into agriculture,” she says.

“I want to show a connection between what is largely unknown in Canberra to allow [families] to develop an understanding of how animals can be ethically raised, how wool is produced and how food can be grown.”

According to Toni, continuing to integrate agricultural awareness through shows into Canberra society is very important.

“If we cease to have the ability to connect, you cease the ability to educate and teach.”

Toni is also eager to get young people involved in agriculture.

“There’s a lot of science involved in the field,” she says.

“From cattle counting to food detection, there are lots of opportunities for youth to apply their skills in technology, IT and science.”

Despite a fading interest in agriculture, Toni says the growing levels of interest in technology can be a great help in the field.

“When you understand the science behind agriculture, you understand the need and dedication to continue to foster and help local communities,” she says.

“The Royal Canberra Show is a great opportunity to ask the questions that matter.”

Keenly aware of the current cost-of-living pressures, Toni says they’ve increased their selection of kids’ entertainment, making it free to ensure all ages leave with valuable knowledge and a great time.

“Whilst it is the Canberra Show, it’s also a good indication of national representation,” says Toni.

“We have international judges and competitors from all across the country.

“We hold significance on the world stage, even as a little show.”

Royal Canberra Show, EPIC, February 21-23.

First published at Canberra City News, January 22, 2025