The RHASS (the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland) Innovation Awards are the oldest competition run by RHASS, and the 2025 awards will be taking a fresh approach with a name change and the introduction of categories.
Previously known as the RHASS Technical Innovation Awards, the name of the awards has been revised in an effort to broaden the scope of the competition beyond technology. The introduction of different categories will also allow the awards to highlight trail-blazing innovations across all sectors within the industry. These categories include; mechanical and engineering, digital and management solutions, and crop and animal feed advancement.
Last year’s winners included AgXeed B.V. & Soil Essentials Ltd., who received a Silver award for their AgBot Autonomous Tractor, a fully autonomous solution that boosts efficiency and supports precision farming. ILivestock also earned a Silver award for their platform that integrates software and hardware to streamline data capture, helping livestock farmers improve productivity and sustainability.
Katy McFadyen, Competitions Executive at RHASS, said: “The Innovation Awards are one of our longest-running competitions at RHASS. Since their inception, they have recognised amazingly talented individuals and innovations that have been pivotal to the progression and future of Scotland's Agricultural Industry and have helped to advance technology and the way the industry operates on a daily basis.
“In acknowledgement of the broad range of innovations present across the sector, the 2025 awards will have a range of categories to allow for a fairer assessment from the judges, so that each innovation can be evaluated fairly based on criteria relevant to its functions. This will include mechanical and engineering, digital and management solutions, and crop and animal feed advancement.
“We’re really excited to see the types of businesses that come forward to apply!”
The new Innovation Award categories are:
Mechanical and Engineering Advancements (Machinery, Robotics and Automatic Solutions).
Digital and Management Solutions (IT and Computing solutions & Livestock and Arable management. Can include but not limited to Apps, Electronics, GPS Software, Farm Software, Livestock and Arable Management).
Crop and Animal Feed Advancement (Chemical or technical advancement within crop production or animal feeds. To include advancement of breeding programmes or innovation to arable crops during their production cycle and enhancement to animal nutrition).
The deadline for applications is Monday 17th March, with applicants informed if they are successful in May. Awards will be presented at the Royal Highland Show 2025, which takes place at the Royal Highland Centre from 19th – 22nd June.
Convenor of judges and RHASS Director Andrew Rennie, of John Rennie & Sons (Farmers) Ltd in Turriff, said: "RHASS has a proud history of supporting agriculture and innovation, and as someone with an agricultural contracting business, I’m honoured to be part of this legacy. The new categories in the Innovations Awards are particularly exciting, as they highlight a broader range of innovations that drive progress in our industry. These awards play a vital role in promoting fresh ideas and inspiring innovation across the sector.
“For anyone considering applying, this is a great opportunity to showcase your work and its potential impact. With so many opportunities on the horizon, it’s an exciting time for growth, creativity, and transformation in agriculture."
The competition invites entries from across the agricultural spectrum, including prototypes and commercial products in areas such as machinery, equipment, apps, and data platforms.
Winning entries will be awarded either a Certificate of Commendation, Silver Award, or the coveted Gold Award, which recognises exceptional marketplace success and influence. In addition to the accolades, award winners will be invited to display their winning entry in a central display area during the Royal Highland Show and will also have the opportunity to work with RHASS, who is committed to helping showcase their products and share their stories to a wider audience.
For more information and to submit your entry, visit www.royalhighlandshow.org