The Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) has appointed Janelle Anderson as its first ever female president.
The historic appointment will see Ms Anderson become the first women to take on the reigns of the society, which formed in 1843.
Ms Anderson, 36, said her appointment reflected the changing face of Scottish agriculture.
“Compared to when I was a little girl, the number of females actively involved in agriculture is a lot higher now,” she said.
“And it’s now more common to see females involved with all different aspects of agriculture.”
She said she was excited about her new role and hoped the society could mark the milestone of having its first female president throughout the year.
For example, RNAS plans to have a line-up of female-only judges at next year’s Spring Show.
Ms Anderson, who hails from Easterton Farm, near Old Rayne, is a familiar face in the agricultural community.
Away from her day job at grain co-operative Aberdeen Grain, where she manages the co-op’s administration, she is involved with various different agricultural organisations and societies.
She has been a director at RNAS for nine years, and is currently the vice-chairman of the North East of Scotland Farm Management Association and secretary of the North-East Aberdeen-Angus Club, which organises the Black Beauty Bonanza every year.
She previously held the position of north region chairman for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Club, and two years ago was presented the RNAS under-35 award for her services to the sector.
She has also represented Scotland at the biennial conference of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth in Canada, New Zealand and Zambia as well as chairing the Next Generation group when the conference came to Scotland in 2010.
Joining Ms Anderson to head up the RNAS team are senior vice-president Robbie Newlands and junior vice-president Rodney Blackhall.
Mr Newlands farms at Cluny, Forres, while Mr Blackhall farms at Balbridie, Banchory. The society rules mean Mr Newlands will go on to become president next year, while Mr Blackhall will move up to the role of senior vice-president before taking on the presidency in 2018.
RNAS has around 900 members and 40 directors from across the agricultural community sit on its board.
