THE longest standing RHASS competition encourages innovation in the design and manufacture of machines, equipment, and appliances that advance agricultural practice and celebrates significant steps forward being made in all kinds of agri innovation – from apps that monitor herds and crop-monitoring drone software to the latest tractor technology and livestock equipment.

Winners of the awards are offered a platform at the 2024 Royal Highland Show in the Agri-Innovation Arena – a new area to the show as of 2023. The arena acts as a platform for showcasing and demonstrating innovative machinery and technology that is shaping the future of agriculture and forms a busy business hub in the show’s agri zone.

In 2023 gold was awarded to two innovations, Murray Machinery for their Gravel Road Grader and Lely’s Discovery Collector for their app managed robot manure scraper. Additionally, four silvers were awarded including carbon mapping technology TerraMap that helps growers obtain accurate carbon baseline measurements.

As RHASS celebrates its 240th anniversary year, the charity reflects on innovations supported by the Society throughout its history. This award is the oldest on record, the first iteration being from 1793 where Rev. Alexander Campbell was awarded a premium for the invention of a new plough. Since then, RHASS has continued to support innovations at the forefront of Scottish Agriculture.

Convener of Judges, Andrew Rennie said: “Innovation is a major focus for the Society and for the 2024 Royal Highland Show.

"We’re looking for innovative excellence and are particularly interested in investing in more sustainable and climate focused initiatives as well as data platforms and app-based technologies which increase productivity and sustainability. We welcome all applications across the sector and look forward to seeing entries from businesses who are leading the pack in innovative design and thinking.”

The judging format will be a hybrid of in-person demonstrations, user evaluation, and electronic submissions.

Applications opened on Monday, February 26 – and can be made at www.royalhighlandshow.org/

The entry deadline is Friday, March 29.