Australia’s emerging agricultural leaders are headed to the Agricultural Shows Australia national finals of the prestigious 2024 National Rural Ambassador Award.
These finalists, representing various industries and sectors, will be vying for the national title in the competition’s 32nd year.
The National Rural Ambassador competition celebrates young leaders who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to their communities, agricultural industries, and regional development.
Finalists have advanced through local, regional, and state-based competitions, with the national winner to be announced at a gala event.
Meet the finalists
QUEENSLAND: Harrison Lehman
Harrison Lehman, hailing from Alpha, Queensland, manages a 45,000-acre beef cattle breeding operation.
His deep involvement in the Alpha Show Society includes co-stewarding the highly successful Stockman’s Challenge, which he introduced to attract more participants to the show.
Harrison’s accomplishments include serving as the president of the Alpha Show Society and being instrumental in promoting beef cattle production at local shows.
A former Boarding Vice-Captain at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, Harrison’s leadership in Queensland’s beef industry has been complemented by his community contributions to local rugby and rodeo events.
VICTORIA: Louise Hobbs
From Kaniva in Victoria, Louise Hobbs is an accomplished advocate for the wool and cropping industries.
Her involvement in agricultural shows includes stewarding, exhibiting, and serving as a volunteer at the Kaniva Agricultural Show.
Louise also plays a significant role in her family’s mixed farming operation and is committed to fostering rural leadership in her region.
A passionate advocate for young people in agriculture, Louise has led various youth initiatives in her community and is particularly focused on enhancing the profile of women in agriculture.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Lachlan Johnson
Bordertown local Lachlan Johnson has a diverse background in agricultural mechanics and mixed enterprise farming.
He is heavily involved in the Mundulla Show, where he has initiated and led multiple projects, including the construction of a Young Farmers Challenge trailer and the successful Scrap Heap Challenge.
Lachlan serves as the current Vice President of the Mundulla Show Society and was previously awarded the Tatiara Young Citizen of the Year for his contributions to the region.
In addition to running his own business, Johnson Built Bordertown, Lachlan also manages farming operations and contributes to his local community as a lieutenant in the Bordertown CFS Brigade.
TASMANIA: Caitlin Radford
Representing Tasmania, Caitlin Radford operates a successful farm in Moriarty, growing peas, beans, cauliflowers, and potatoes, alongside producing prime lamb.
Caitlin’s extensive show experience includes her role as Vice Chair of Agfest Field Days, a key event on the Tasmanian agricultural calendar, attracting over 60,000 visitors annually.
A past winner of the Tasmanian Young Farmer competition and the 2020 Australian Apprentice of the Year, Caitlin is an emerging leader in Tasmanian agriculture.
She is also an accomplished equestrian, having represented Australia in international competitions and served as an event director for the Tasmanian Dressage Championships.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Lauren Patane
Lauren Patane, from Myalup, Western Australia, is a fourth-generation vegetable farmer.
Her family business, Patane Produce, grows and exports carrots, broccoli, potatoes, and onions, producing around 25,000 tonnes of vegetables annually.
In addition to her work on the farm, Lauren is an active member of the Brunswick Agricultural Society, where she has stewarded the vegetable competition and helped organise displays showcasing agricultural innovation.
As the captain of her local women’s AFL team and a volunteer firefighter, Lauren is a committed community leader, with a strong focus on promoting horticulture and sustainable food production.
The finalists will participate in interviews and presentations as they compete for the title of National Rural Ambassador, showcasing their leadership, industry expertise, and dedication to rural Australia.
The winner will be announced at the National Rural Ambassador Gala Lunch on Sunday, 6 October.
