RASC Next Generation Mission Strengthens Ties and Builds Knowledge in Botswana
The Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) is delighted to share the success of the Next Generation Mission to Botswana, which brought together nine outstanding young agricultural leaders from across the Commonwealth.
Hosted in partnership with Zamag Tours, the mission provided an extraordinary opportunity to explore Botswana’s dynamic agricultural sector, learn from innovative producers and connect with leading voices in southern African farming.
RASC Next Generation delegates pictured during their Mission to Botswana
Highlights of the Mission:
Visits to large-scale cattle operations and leading beef exporters, showcasing Botswana’s world-renowned reputation for high-quality beef production.
Insights into sustainable farming practices in arid climates, including pasture management, water use and disease control.
Meetings with senior figures from the Botswana National Beef Producers Union, government representatives and private agribusinesses.
First-hand experience of community-based farming initiatives, highlighting the importance of agriculture to rural livelihoods.
Cultural exchanges and opportunities to experience Botswana’s landscapes, from agricultural heartlands to conservation areas.
The mission was chaired and managed by Will Streatfeild, who ensured the smooth running of the programme and represented the RASC as one of their Next-Generation Facilitators:
“RASC's dedication to reaching every part of the Commonwealth has taken the Understanding and Assistance mission to some exciting places. Our trip to Botswana was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The farmers and rural communities we met left an indelible mark on my life.
This mission would not have been quite so successful without the Next Generation attendees; their curiosity, passion, and fun personalities helped us all get the most out of the week. I am genuinely grateful to the representative societies for funding them to take part in this mission. I hope that by participating, the leadership skills they have developed during the week will help their agricultural societies and provide a great return on investment.
This experience further strengthened my belief that farmers, no matter where they're from or how big their operations are, face similar challenges. By participating in global communities like RASC, we are all better equipped for whatever the future holds.”
Special thanks are extended to Michael Lambert, past Honorary Secretary of the RASC, and Daphne & Christie Lindsay of Zamag Tours, whose expertise, local knowledge and logistical support made the mission possible.
We also warmly thank each of the nine delegates, who represented their societies and the RASC with great credit. Their commitment, curiosity and contributions throughout the mission exemplified the spirit of the Next Generation network.
Each delegate has submitted a report capturing their learnings and insights. Below are some short excerpts from their reflections:
1.
From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I was struck by how different — yet in many ways familiar — its agricultural landscape was to my own in Australia. The vast distances, challenging climate, and deep cultural heritage all shaped the way people work the land, manage their livestock, and sustain their communities. It was a privilege to witness this first-hand, to listen to the stories of Botswana’s producers, and to share in their pride for their land and industry.
Grace Pearce – Representing the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales
2. The week in Botswana was an unforgettable experience. It offered a deep and honest look into the country’s agricultural systems, the challenges faced by farmers, and the innovations being developed to overcome them. I was particularly inspired by the resilience, adaptability, and community spirit that characterise Botswana’s rural economy.
Jess Madge – Representing The Royal Bath and West Society
3. As an agricultural teacher, I am particularly excited to bring these learnings back into the classroom. I believe this experience was not solely for my personal growth, but also for the benefit of the 100 students I teach each day, who will now have the opportunity to engage with and learn from the insights I gained about African agriculture.
Domonique Wyse – Representing the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales
4. The 2025 RASC understanding and assistance mission to Botswana was an experience that was truly unforgettable, full of insights into agriculture and made special by all of the people involved that we were lucky enough to meet along the way.
Alys Probert – Representing the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society
5. This mission was far more than a fact finding trip, it was an inspiring, once in a lifetime opportunity to connect, learn, and share knowledge with like minded young professionals from across the commonwealth, as well as speaking to and learning from agricultural professionals within Botswana. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of it and look forward to keeping in touch with the delegates I met during this unforgettable experience.
Katy McFadyen – Representing the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland
6. I loved the ‘This is Africa’ attitude. Worldwide issues don’t really factor in Botswana; they tend to focus internally on the issues they can control and do this well. It’s similar to one of the take home messages from the RASC 2024 conference in Edinburgh:
‘You can’t change the world, but you can change your world.’
Craig Peddie – Representing the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland
The Botswana Mission highlighted the importance of international collaboration, knowledge exchange and fostering leadership in the next generation of agriculturalists. The RASC looks forward to building on this success as preparations continue for the 2026 RASC Conference in Cape Town, South Africa next November.
For more information about the RASC Next Generation programme, please contact the following RASC Next-Generation Facilitators:
Will Streatfield at: willstreatfeild@hotmail.co.uk
Tobie Payne at: tobiepayne@gmail.com
W: www.therasc.com