University of New England student James Cleaver won this year's Rural Achiever Award at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
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The award was announced on Thursday, and James will now represent NSW at the 2019 National Rural Ambassador Awards, to be held in New Zealand next year.
James, a Robb College student, comes from a family run agricultural enterprise at Nyngan and said he aims to utilise his leadership skills and agricultural upbringing to build successful farm business practices and support the future of agriculture.
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He works as a Rural Support Worker for the Department of Primary Industries.
Using his economic and law background, James is aiming to create a sustainable future for Australian agriculture.
"I'm honoured to be part of the 2019 Rural Achievers program and am thankful for the opportunities that have stemmed from my involvement in the program," James said.
"It was great to meet members of the council during my time at the show and understand the work that goes into pulling the show together.
"I'm excited to promote the future and sustainability of the Australian agricultural industry and build the capacity of our rural communities through continuing to educate customers on what we do out on the land," he said.
The Rural Achiever Award is a state-wide leadership program run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) to recognise future young leaders who are working hard to make a significant contribution to their local community and to rural Australia.
General Manager Agriculture & Sydney Royal Easter Show, Murray Wilton, said the award acknowledges the achievements of young people (20 - 29 years of age) in primary industry and rural communities.
"I congratulate James Cleaver on his worthy selection as winner of this year's Rural Achiever Award and wish him all the best for his future in Australian agriculture," Mr Wilton said.
"As future leaders of agriculture, we're proud to encourage and see these young Rural Achievers embracing agriculture as a career and are excited to follow their future endeavours."
The Rural Achievers participate in a 12-month program that provides a range of networking and professional development opportunities, including a seven day behind-the-scenes experience at the 2019 show, official functions with RAS councillors and Agricultural Societies Council of NSW representatives, as well as visits to Government House and the NSW Parliament.