Meet our new Show President, Mr Jan Boomaars

   05 Jul 2023

The Joint Chairmen of the Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show are very pleased and proud to announce that Jan Boomaars has agreed to take on the role of Show President. With seven generations of farmers in his family before him, our new Show President couldn’t have a greater passion for agriculture and food production.

Of Dutch heritage, Jan moved to the UK in 1987 and farms some 1500 acres at Vexour in Chiddingstone. Alongside a busy arable operation Jan and his team are renowned breeders of Charolais, Hereford and Angus cattle and of Texel and Charollais sheep.  

Much more than just a figurehead, the Show President has a very interesting and varied role to play. Over the two years of their tenure they attend the meetings of our organising committees and they advise and use their skills to help drive positive developments for the long term good of the show.

Energy and ideas are certainly in abundant supply with Jan Boomaars. After a distinguished career as a partner with Goldman Sachs he became CEO and part owner of leading market maker Optiver in 2015.   

At home he and his family have been a keen supporter of The Garden Classroom charity and host many of their summer activities at their farm. At Vexour Jan has invested heavily in technology and facilities to make his farm a model of efficient design and environmental performance. He opens the farm regularly to student groups and other farmers to share knowledge and ideas.  

Despite still working and travelling extensively, through his presidency Jan is determined to help his favourite agricultural show find a more resilient future. Speaking of his new role he said “I’ve been attending and exhibiting cattle at Edenbridge & Oxted for many years now and it’s an event that’s very close to my heart. The quality of the show and its competitions rivals any ‘Royal’ or ‘County’ show and it’s a superb example of what a traditional agricultural event really should be. Being the best example of its kind in the South East and being so close to London I’m keen to see how we can help attract more visitors who haven’t connected with food and farming before.” 

Bill Peters, Joint Chairman of the Show and Farm Manager of the Titsey Estate said “Jan is very well-known for his commitment to pedigree cattle and sheep breeding, and is very well-respected for his innovative approach to farming. We are honoured that he has accepted this role and proud to have created the type of show that attracts the support of people of this calibre. We look forward to working together with Jan over the next two years.” 

Buy your tickets here with an advance purchase discount. Tickets can be used either on the Sunday or the Monday.

Or consider joining us as a member for tickets to enjoy the show on both days and for access to our Members' Marquee with the best view of the Main Ring.