The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) was first known as the North East Agricultural Association of Ireland which was formed in 1854 following the Great Famine and a desire to improve agriculture. The Society was to embrace the counties of Down, Antrim, Armagh and Monaghan by holding Agricultural Shows and giving agricultural instruction.
In December 1903, the name was changed to the Ulster Agricultural Society, then in January 1904, His Majesty King Edward VII commanded that the Society be known as the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society. The Society has charitable status and its income is applied towards the promotion of its objectives.