A FORMER city kid with a passion for agriculture was named this year’s NSW Rural Ambassador as part of the Sydney Royal Show.
Samuel Martin, 24, manages the Walcha district property, “Mingary”, for owners Erica and Stuart Halliday who operate the Ben Nevis Angus stud, and is looking forward to helping bridge the gap between city and country in the coming 12 months.
Samuel was one of eight Rural Achievers at Sydney Royal this year.
As well as the 10 days at Sydney Royal, the Rural Achievers will participate in a 12-month program that provides a range of networking and professional development opportunities.
During the Royal the achievers got a behind-the-scenes experience at the show, and attended official functions with Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) councillors and Agricultural Societies Council of NSW representatives; a cocktail reception at Government House, and a tour of NSW Parliament House and Fairfax Media’s office at North Richmond, home of program sponsor The Land.
The achievers will also represent the RAS at Royal shows and events across the country in the coming year.
One Rural Achiever will be selected to participate in the Woolworths Agricultural Business Scholarship Program and there may be the opportunity for others to attend the National Rural Ambassador Awards as well as the 2014 RAS of the Commonwealth Biennial Conference and Next Gen Missions in Brisbane.
All finalists will receive $2000 in prize money, a 12-month RAS Alumni membership and be fitted with the latest country clothing from Akubra and Thomas Cook Clothing.
