William Shaw (agricultural writer)

In his position as editor Shaw played a leading role in advocating innovative farming techniques[5] and the formation of agricultural societies and farmer's clubs in Britain.

"[8] The Farmers' Almanack and Calendar continued to be issued annually in their joint names, notwithstanding Shaw's death in 1853, until 1872.

[9] In 1844 Shaw and Johnson translated and brought out an English edition of Von Thaer's Principles of Agriculture.

Between 1846 and 1849, Shaw edited the Steeplechase Calendar and collaborated with Henry Corbet, editor of the Mark Lane Express since its foundation in 1832, and Philip Pusey in an investigation into tenant rights.

This was a digest of the evidence on tenant right given in the previous year before the famous committee of the House of Commons presided over by Philip Pusey.

He was managing director also of a less successful venture, the Farmers' and Graziers' Mutual Cattle Insurance Association, established 1844, which fell into difficulties in 1849.

In November 1852 he fled to Australia to escape bankruptcy,[4] where, some time in 1853, he died very miserably in the gold diggings far up the country, with only a few pence in his pocket.

There is a small portrait of him by Richard Ansdell (1842) in the rooms of the Royal Agricultural Society at 13 Hanover Square.