- 03 5338 1877
- Ballarat Showgrounds - 6 Rose Hill Road, Mount Rowan VIC 3352
Since 1856, the Ballarat Agricultural & Pastoral Society (BAPS) has been bringing agriculture and community together across the region. What started as a simple ploughing competition between Ballarat, Burrumbeet, and Creswick has grown into a vibrant organisation celebrating the diversity and strength of regional life.
Now based at our brand-new home since 2024, we host a much loved 3-day Show each November. It’s a chance for the community to come together and experience everything from Beef and Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Poultry, Birds, and Cats to homegrown talent in cooking, textiles, art, and craft.
With a strong sense of history and an eye on the future, BAPS continues to evolve while staying true to what matters, supporting our producers, celebrating excellence, and creating great experiences for the whole community.
Our mission defines our purpose and guides our commitment to supporting agriculture, strengthening community, and delivering meaningful experiences across the region.
The Ballarat Agricultural & Pastoral Society (BAPS) is committed to promoting and advancing the agricultural, pastoral, and rural industries of the Ballarat region through inclusive events, educational initiatives, and community engagement. We strive to support primary producers, foster innovation and excellence, and create opportunities for participation, learning, and connection across all generations. Guided by our strong heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we aim to deliver meaningful programs and experiences that strengthen regional communities, celebrate local achievement, and ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for agriculture.
Our values guide everything we do, shaping how we support our community, celebrate agriculture, and create meaningful experiences for all.
Community
We bring people together, creating inclusive and welcoming experiences that reflect the spirit of our region.
Agricultural Excellence
We champion innovation, quality, and best practice across all areas of agriculture and primary production.
Heritage & Tradition
We honour our history while continuing to evolve and remain relevant to today’s community.
Education & Opportunity
We support learning, skill development, and pathways for young people and emerging leaders in agriculture.
Collaboration
We work in partnership with volunteers, industry, and community to deliver meaningful and impactful outcomes.
Sustainability
We are committed to supporting a resilient and sustainable future for agriculture and regional communities.
Author Phil Roberts
Published 2006
Golden Showtime: The History of the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society 1856–2006 by Phil Roberts traces 150 years of the Society’s role in shaping agriculture and community life in Ballarat.
The book explores how the organisation grew from a small local ploughing competition into a major regional institution, highlighting key events, people, and milestones along the way.
It also reflects on the Society’s ongoing impact in promoting agricultural development, supporting producers, and bringing the community together through shows, competitions, and shared traditions.
$40
