The Royal Agricultural Society of WA has announced the appointment of Anne Stroud as its new President, the 67th President in the organisation’s 195-year history.
Anne steps into the role after serving as a Vice President since 2023 and as a Councillor since 2020, bringing extensive experience across agriculture, media and governance.
Growing up on a sheep and mixed grain property near Miling in Western Australia’s wheatbelt, Anne continues to be actively involved in agriculture through the ownership and management of a mixed enterprise farming property in the Donnybrook region.
She succeeds John Snowball, who now takes on the role of Immediate Past President following his leadership of the Society during a significant period of growth and renewal.
A strong connection to agriculture and community
Royal Agricultural Society of WA President Anne Stroud said she was honoured to take on the role at an important time for agriculture and regional communities across Western Australia.
“It is a privilege to serve as President of an organisation that has been bringing Western Australians together for nearly 200 years.
“The Royal Agricultural Society of WA plays a unique role in connecting city and country and celebrating excellence across our agricultural industries. The organisation aims to educate and encourage current and future generations to not only consider career pathways in agriculture, but to better understand where their food comes from and why agriculture matters.
“As someone who has spent much of my life embedded in regional Western Australia and farming, I understand the importance of ensuring agriculture remains visible, valued and understood within the broader community.”
Building on a strong foundation
Immediate Past President John Snowball congratulated Anne on her appointment and expressed confidence in the Society's future under her leadership. He said, “It has been a true honour to serve as President, and I’m delighted to see Anne step into the role.
“Anne cares deeply about agriculture, regional communities and the future of the Society, and I know the Royal Agricultural Society of WA will continue to thrive under her leadership.
“Anne brings a valuable combination of agricultural experience and governance leadership to the role.
“Her appointment comes at an exciting time for the organisation as we continue strengthening the Society’s impact across agricultural education, industry engagement and major community events including the Perth Royal Show and Perth Royal Food Awards.”
Continuing to champion agriculture
Anne is the first woman to serve as President in the Society’s nearly 200-year history.
Her appointment aligns with growing global recognition of the importance of agricultural communities and rural leadership, with 2026 recognised by the United Nations as both the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the critical role rural industries play in food security, environmental stewardship and regional economies.
Anne currently serves as Chair of the Royal Agricultural Society of WA’s Education and Community Committee and has played an active role supporting initiatives including the Rural Ambassador program, NextGen WA and the Young Farmers Challenge. She has also been a member of the Society’s Redevelopment Committee and the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.
The Royal Agricultural Society of WA continues to support and celebrate Western Australia’s agricultural industries and regional communities through initiatives including the Perth Royal Show, Perth Royal Food Awards and a range of agricultural education and community programs.
