The future of agriculture is strong in the New England, with two of the eight finalists in the 2025 NSW Royal Agricultural Society Rural Achiever Awards representing our region.
The RAS Rural Achiever Award recognises outstanding young leaders who are making significant contributions to their local community and show society and to the improvement of Australian agricultural excellence.
Eight finalists are selected to take part in an intensive eight-day leadership program during the Sydney Royal Easter Show (11th – 22nd April), including an official reception at Government House, stewarding, behind-the-scenes look at the Show, networking with agricultural industry leaders, and most importantly a chance to promote the work the finalists are doing within their own communities.
From the small town of Bukkulla just north of Inverell, young agricultural superstar James Gilmour will proudly fly the flag for the New England.
“I was quite honoured when respected members of our local show society suggested that I nominate,” James said.
“When I considered all my achievements and current ventures I decided to throw my hat in the ring.”
James has been a regular at the Sydney Royal Easter Show since 2015, representing his region in Junior Judging competitions. These experiences have also been a springboard to him passing his knowledge and passion for livestock to future agricultural leaders.
“It has been such an incredible decade of networking and fostering the relationships that were born at the show, and honestly it quickly became the pinnacle of my year,” said James.
“As I aged out of these junior competitions, I wanted to navigate new and different pathways to continue my time at the Royal Easter Show and maintain connections. This led me to assisting in the stewarding of the Merino Sheep Production Class over the last 2 years.”
“I now travel across my zone – including Walgett, Armidale, Warialda, Bingara, and Narrabri – serving as the over-judge for junior competitions. Through hands-on demonstrations, I share the techniques and confidence needed to excel as a junior judge.”
“My motto remains: “Throw your hat in the ring and have a go – you’ll never know unless you try!”
Developing his love of agriculture in a small town of just 150 people, James is a strong advocate for supporting the vitality and sustainability of rural communities from the very grass roots level of local agricultural shows.
“With farmers often working in isolation, our local shows not only provide a social platform fostering a sense of belonging, pride, and togetherness in rural communities, but are also an important melting pot of traditional and emerging farming practices,” James said.
“Education is the key to industry growth. Local producers can showcase new products and practices and benchmark their practices against others, ensuring the highest standards in livestock breeding, crop production, and pavilion exhibitions – all while enjoying a bit of friendly rivalry.”
“Beyond agriculture, these shows unite the community, with groups like the CWA, Apex, Rotary, and SES volunteering to keep them running, from managing gates to staffing food stalls. More than just events, our local shows are a cornerstone of rural life – bringing people together and preserving traditions.”
While James has a remarkable passion for agriculture and for inspiring and mentoring others to continue advancing rural Australia, his determination knows no barriers.
“Inclusion is incredibly important to me. I want other young competitors to see firsthand that anything is possible, that it’s possible to run two sheep studs and a Santa Gertrudis stud, to qualify as a wool classer, and to earn recognition like the ASC Next Generation award and being a finalist in the Rural Achiever Award,” James said.
“Ultimately, I nominated for the NSW Rural Achiever program because of my desire to keep connected, and win, lose, or draw, it will (and already has been) an amazing opportunity for me to network with other passionate people in the industry and extend my leadership abilities and goals.”
Georgia Haire of Wee Waa is also a finalist in the NSW Rural Achiever Awards.
After completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2020, Georgia chose to return closer to home. She has always been passionate about agriculture and wanted to take more responsibility in her family’s farming business through share farming. Georgia has also strived to empower other young people to return and work in our smaller communities through her involvement in the RAS Young Women’s movement.
Since returning home, Georgia has partnered in a physiotherapy clinic in Narrabri while also completing further studies in women’s health physiotherapy. She plans to undertake further studies in rural generalist practice to widen her skillset and help overcome healthcare accessibility barriers for people living in rural and remote communities.
A share in $17,000 prize money benefits is on offer to the winners, as well as networking opportunities and support and mentorship for a year.
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