The future of SA's country shows looks bright with a talented group of youth vying for the State Young Rural Ambassador title at the Adelaide Showground on Friday night.
Even though they are only 17-19 years of age many of the regional finalists had been putting indoor entries in the show for years or competing in the horse, sheep or cattle sections.
Many are already volunteering their time to ensure their shows remained a success.
The master of ceremonies for the night was 2022 Young Rural Ambassador winner Cody Jones with Voice It's Annabelle Homer interviewing each of the finalists.
Also on the program the 2022 state Rural Ambassador finalists Lisette Hutchins and Jesse Chapman spoke about their time at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Sarah Hazel from the SA Next Generation Group addressed the dinner about the Agricultural Shows of Australia conference which is now less than 50 days away. It is being held in Adelaide with several international keynote speakers.
Primary Industries & Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven, who was one of the night's guest speakers, spoke about her personal connection to country shows, with her mother serving as the assistant secretary at the Mount Gambier Show for 16 years.
Her children have also entered many indoor exhibits at shows and even won an aggregate trophy.
Ms Scriven said country shows were a wonderful way to showcase of the importance of agriculture to South Australia
"It is a really positive experience for so many people who even if they live regionally don't necessarily experience agriculture in the way that it is offered through country shows," she said.
"We need to promote that agriculture is the backbone of the state- It not only just the foundation of the state it is also the future with opportunities in ag tech and the use of AI innovation."
Stock Journal is one of the sponsors of the Young Rural Ambassador award, along with PIRSA, the Show Society Foundation, Gallagher Insurance, RM Williams and the Showmens Guild of SA.
