17/03/2026
Congratulations Charles, we hope you have a great year!
We are delighted to announce Charles Burgoyne as our new President for 2026!
Charles is a well-known and long-standing supporter of the Society, having volunteered for more than 25 years, serving as trustee from 2013 to 2025 and chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2016.
A farmer by background, Charles manages a beef, arable and formerly dairy farm, and a business park in Wivelsfield, Mid Sussex - land that has been in his family for four generations. He also manages the 600-cow dairy operation next door at Heaselands Estate near Haywards Heath, selling milk to Sainbury’s. Charles is also a former chairman of the 1000 Cow Club and currently serves as chairman of the Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group representing 150 farmers nationwide who supply all the supermarket’s milk.
During his time as chairman of the South of England Agricultural Society, Charles played a key role in significantly increasing the income of the South of England Event Centre (which is owned by the Society) and guiding the charity through the Covid-19 pandemic, thus ensuring its continued success. He also oversaw several important milestones in the Society’s history, including multiple Royal visits, the appointment of a new Royal Patron and the Society’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Charles has four children, all of whom have helped at Society events over the years, with his daughter Imogen Burgoyne now sitting on the education committee.
Commenting on his appointment, Charles said:
“I am honoured to be selected as President of the South of England Agricultural Society for 2026. Having worked closely with the Society for many years and seen first-hand the important work it does, I look forward to meeting exhibitors, competitors and trade stands at our shows this year and continuing to champion the agricultural industry.”
#2026
