Founded in 1893 by William Broomhall, the CGA initially published journals that provided advice on farming and estate management. Specialists, such as architects and tax advisors, were on hand in the offices and within a few years the CGA was a highly valued source of rural and professional information.

The journals were soon followed by the CGA’s trading division, which was capable of delivering landowners, farmers and people in rural areas with the essentials and equipment required for their way of life. It was an enterprising and ambitious concept that proved immensely successful. Membership of the CGA entitled receipt of its journals and catalogues, which offered anything from substantial farm equipment and chicken wire through to mousetraps, carpets, seeds and light bulbs.

Events became a natural extension to the operation and in order to meet the expectation of its members, the CGA actively moved into the services sector and swiftly earned respect for its bespoke advice and attention, particularly in the fields of Insurance, Accountancy and Finance.

Innovative and forward thinking, the CGA always welcomed ladies to its ranks and never sought to involve itself with a political party.

The trading division eventually closed in the 1980s, but the CGA still publishes its magazine, stages events for its members and CGA Services continue to thrive. The CGA has retained its principles and remained loyal to the values of its founding generation.