The 18-year-old has been working on the family property full time for the last two years. He is a third generation farmer and his grandfather, who is in his 80s, will still come into the shearing shed and count sheep at shearing time. Connor has been involved in full time feeding of 1000 ewes with lambs.

"Earlier this year, UNICEF Australia produced a report on the impacts of drought as told to us by children and young people in NSW," said Tony Stuart, CEO of UNICEF Australia.

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"The report revealed how little is known about the experience of children and young people during drought, or about how best to support them in the face of these significant challenges."

"My neighbour Keith Ellis, is a part of the UNICEF community and he recommended I apply for the summit. I am grateful to have the opportunity to communicate and share experiences about the drought and the impact it has had on my family," Connor said.

"I will form relationships and support networks with people in the same predicament as myself. I hope that I will be able to convey my opinion to government decision makers and give ideas on how we could improve the sustainability of agriculture throughout NSW and Australia.

"As I set out in my agricultural career, being a leader within the agricultural sector would be a valuable asset. I would also like to make more of a contribution in the industry as I feel like it's often overlooked from a young persons perspective. I am currently completing a Certificate 4 in agriculture.

"It is only times like these when the agricultural industry is considered and I feel like we need to implement long term strategy's instead of off the cuff decisions on how to prevent droughts on going impacts," Connor said .

Supported by the NSW Government, the three-day summit, which starts on Wednesday at Lake Macquarie, will improve our understanding of the impacts of drought on young people.