Ag show envoy looks to youth

A Boyup Brook man has been crowned the 2019 National Rural Ambassador in this year’s Agricultural Shows Australia competition.

Harris Thompson was one of seven finalists and was selected as the winner from a team of judges across the country.

Mr Thompson was chosen among the finalists for his own farming enterprise in seed stock production. His entrepreneurial traits brought an innovative outlook on the National Rural Ambassador roles, as he had a passion for researching further into technology and machinery.

He is the youngest member of the Western Beef Association and the breed captain for the Murray grey and Angus breeds at the Perth Royal Show and stands on the Charolais Society of Australia publicity committee.

Thompson said he hoped his win would help him promote the social hub of agricultural shows to ensure he could highlight the need to sustain the Royal and rural shows throughout Australia.

“It’s such a prestigious event to win and it was really great to part of this experience, surrounded by like-minded people all about the agricultural show movement,” he said.

“I entered the competition to promote a real issue, which is to support your local agricultural show.

“These shows have been enjoyed by many generations prior and it would be great to see people enjoy it in many years to come.”

Mr Thompson said through the year, he was looking to push the show movement through youth and agriculture in local shows.

“Getting more young people involved in their community and (agricultural) shows,” he said.

“It’s largely an ageing population on ag show committees, so if I can encourage a younger demographic to join, we can give the older people a hand.

“They don’t necessarily have to be the chief steward, they just have to get in there and learn.”

Mr Thompson will now spend the next 12 months representing Australia as the 2019 National Rural Ambassador and introducing specific initiatives to promote successful agriculture, agricultural practices and agricultural shows.

Visit agshowsaustralia.org.au/youth-in-agriculture/rural-ambassadors/ for more information on the National Rural Ambassador competitions.