Agricultural
29 October, 2025
2026 RAS Rural Achiever Award finalists announced
Beginning in 1989, the state-wide program celebrates the achievements of young people, aged 20-29 years, who are excelling in their chosen endeavours and helping to shape the future of rural and regional NSW.
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) has today named its 2026 RAS Rural Achiever Award finalists, celebrating eight young agricultural leaders who will now go on to participate in a life-changing development program at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Held annually at Australia’s largest agricultural show, the RAS Rural Achiever Award consists of an eight-day personal and professional development program that takes young leaders behind the scenes of the iconic event, providing various hands-on opportunities and networking with leaders from across the Australian agriculture industry.
Finalists are judged on their conduct throughout the program, and a winner is selected to represent NSW at the National Rural Ambassador program.
RAS Rural Achiever Program Councillor in Charge, Yvette McKenzie, congratulated this year’s finalists and said the program is a fantastic way for finalists to expand their networks.
“Our RAS Rural Achiever Award finalists represent eight young leaders who are passionate about agriculture, rural and regional NSW, and the agricultural show movement, and who wish to become ambassadors and a voice for our industry,” shared McKenzie.
“The program provides an incredible opportunity for finalists to not only grow their own skills through personal and professional development activities, but most importantly, connect with like-minded individuals and industry leaders; with the program often opening doors they didn’t even know were available to them.
“I look forward to watching this year’s finalists grow and thrive through this experience and have their chance to be at the forefront of Australian agriculture.”
The future leaders being recognised in 2026 are:
Loretta Nicholas, Warren:
Loretta has a strong passion for agriculture and wishes to positively contribute to the industry that feeds, fuels and clothes the nation. With a background in stud and commercial cattle and Agribusiness, Loretta currently works as a Livestock Manager and is actively involved in her local ag show of Warren, on the committee and hosting events. Loretta also represented her show in the Ag Show NSW Young Woman competition.
Through the program, Loretta wishes to “Strive to better myself personally and professionally with mentorship opportunities, expand my networks, meet like-minded, passionate ‘aggies’, and challenge myself to show up in a more beneficial way in every aspect of life.”
Jared Lawrence, Dubbo:
Currently working in Dubbo as a Junior Doctor, Jared has a great appreciation for the Australian agricultural industry, having grown up on a beef cattle property in Singleton. This appreciation inspired his passion for rural and remote medicine, and in particular, an interest in mental health in the agricultural community.
Jared also wishes to inspire those who come from a farming background or live in regional and remote areas that a career in healthcare is achievable.
"I believe the RAS Rural Achiever Award will allow me to expand my foundations, develop connections and raise awareness about rural and remote health, with the aim to inspire the next generation of rural clinicians that feel a career in healthcare is unachievable.”
Joanna Balcombe, Bendick Murrell:
Growing up on a Poll Dorset Sheep Stud in Canowindra and being heavily involved in sheep showing and judging at agricultural shows, Joanna has a deep passion for agriculture and wishes to share that with the next generation. This passion inspired her to take on a Master of Teaching (Agriculture), after completing her Bachelor of Agriculture Science degree and to use her skills to encourage the next generation to become involved in the industry she loves. Joanna was also a state finalist in the 2023 The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman competition.
“I wanted to be a part of the RAS Rural Achiever program to connect with my fellow finalists, meet RAS members and councillors and experience the Sydney Royal Easter Show from a new perspective. This opportunity will force us to get out of our comfort zone, and I look forward to creating new experiences and meeting new people through the program.”
Melony Bartlett, Gunnedah:
Formerly from Gilgandra, Mel is a community-driven client solution specialist and agricultural machinery contracting business owner based in Gunnedah. She has a deep passion for community development, fostering strong networks within the agricultural industry, and encouraging youth involvement in rural enterprises. Mel is actively involved in her local ag show and is the current inaugural co-secretary of the Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce NextGen program.
"What draws me most to the RAS Rural Achiever program is its focus on nurturing future leaders in rural Australia through valuable industry networking opportunities. The chance to learn from established leaders and connect with like-minded individuals is truly invaluable.”
Laura McKillop, Grose Vale:
Agriculture has always been a constant in Laura’s life, helping shape her career, values, and purpose. As the owner and editor-in-chief of the Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine and the co-founder and co-host of the podcast DogTorque, she shares stories of the people and dogs who keep rural Australia moving.
Through her work, she champions an industry that is innovative, inclusive, and full of opportunity for anyone willing to give it a go. Passionate about storytelling and community, Laura strives to show that there’s no single path in agriculture but rather it comes in many forms, each playing a vital role in shaping the industry’s future.
"The RAS Rural Achiever program offers an opportunity to expand my work, connect with like-minded peers, and represent my community and my industry at a broader level.
As a 2026 Rural Achiever, I would be proud to share the message that agriculture has space for everyone, whether they come from the city, the country, or anywhere in between."
Sam Parish, Forbes:
Sam Parish is a passionate agribusiness professional based in Forbes, NSW. As a Project Support Officer with Wise Repro, Sam brings a strong background in cattle genetics, reproduction, and rural enterprise development. He plays a key role in advancing innovative agricultural services across Australia and connecting producers with practical solutions and emerging technologies. Through podcasting and a wide range of media, Sam actively promotes the value and diversity of agriculture globally. Deeply involved in local initiatives such as Forbes Rugby, agricultural shows, and charity events, he strives to strengthen the link between the general population and the people, places, and possibilities of agriculture.
Anna Sutcliffe, Rutherford:
Anna is a young dairy farmer currently working at Tocal College. Anna is on the Alumni and received the Tocal Medal for Achievement in Personal Development in 2018. A natural leader, Anna plays an active role in training the next generation of students. Anna places sustainability at the heart of everything she does, and in 2023 was selected as a Global Footprints Agriculture Scholar recipient. She’s also deeply involved in her local community, from exhibiting at her local show to volunteering with respected charities such as Samaritan’s Purse International and the Red Cross.
“As a young dairy farmer, I am passionate about contributing to the future of Australian agriculture by learning, connecting with like-minded people, and actively serving rural communities across our nation”.
Tara Kennedy, Nyngan.
Tara’s passion for agriculture and animal health has helped her shape a successful career in agribusiness as a Merchandise Manager and Animal Production Advisor, while also playing an active role in her husband’s family farming enterprise. A familiar face on the local show circuit, Tara is the chief cattle steward at the Eugowra and Nyngan shows. She has also represented her region as the 2019 Eugowra Showgirl and 2022 Central West Ambassador. Tara has lent her leadership skills to multiple rural campaigns and initiatives, particularly around youth engagement and mentorship, with plans to extend her reach and impact in this space.
“My experiences have ignited a strong desire to serve and empower others, particularly the next generation of rural leaders. I was lucky to have strong mentors growing up, and I understand how vital that support can be for young people in rural areas who may have limited opportunities”.
