Sophie is a federal ambassador
LONGFORD’S Sophie Crooke Lay has been named the first Victorian to win Agricultural Shows Australia’s National Rural Ambassador award.
After representing Gippsland for the second time in the Young Rural Ambassador state final at the Royal Melbourne Show last October, Ms Crooke Lay beat eight other finalists to walk away with the gold.
The 25-year-old travelled to South Australia last weekend, and was awarded her new title on Sunday at a presentation dinner at the Royal Adelaide Show.
Judging at the national level includes a written submission, an interview with a judging panel and a second interview at the presentation dinner.
Ms Crooke Lay, who is junior vice-president of the Sale Show, runs an Angus beef cattle breeding herd with her husband, and has goals to produce their own brand of grass-fed beef in 2019.
She also works as a laboratory technician with Esso, and holds a Bachelor of Science, majoring in animal science and zoology.
Ms Crooke Lay said she was delighted to be named National Rural Ambassador and looked forward to working to promote the valuable role that shows played in rural communities.
“My win was highly unexpected, as I was in awe of how incredible all the other finalists were and their amazing achievements,” she said.
Ms Crooke Lay just pipped West Australian farmer Luke Hall, who was runner-up, as well as other finalists from New Zealand and every state and territory of Australia except the Northern Territory.
The finalists came from a diverse range of backgrounds, including health, education, engineering and farming, however all were passionate about using their skills to benefit country shows and their communities in general.
In her leadership role at the Sale Show, Ms Crooke Lay has started a young members committee, providing support and camaraderie to those working in agriculture in Wellington Shire.
“Supporting local shows is essential in keeping the farming community, particularly young farmers, together, especially when times are tough,” she said.
“It is so important for young people in our farming community to come together and feel a sense of belonging, to be a part of something fun and inclusive.
“Agriculture in our local community faces many tough times such as drought, low milk prices, farmers in financial hardship and issues with disease outbreaks.
“This is where our young members group is a great way to stay connected and provide support to one another.”
This year at Sale Show, to be held from November 2 to 4, Ms Crooke Lay will be ringmaster, keeping events on schedule, as well as hosting the ever-popular Young Farmers Challenge, and announcing a new addition to the show this year, jousting, to be held on the Saturday.
As Agricultural Shows Australia’s National Rural Ambassador, Ms Crooke Lay hopes to encourage more young people to get involved in the show movement, particularly in leadership roles, in order to preserve its life span.
“By giving someone the responsibility to organise something they’re passionate about gives room for wonderful input and achievement by young members, giving them a sense of commitment and belonging, which is so important,” she said.
Agricultural Shows Australia chair Dr Rob Wilson said the National Rural Ambassador Award attracted an outstanding field of candidates, all emerging leaders within their communities.
“The judges had an incredibly hard task in choosing the winner as all finalists were enthusiastic, talented and extremely knowledgeable about the issues facing their communities and agricultural shows in general,” he said.
“Judging by the high quality of finalists, it’s obvious the show movement is in good hands.”
Dr Wilson said the Rural Ambassador Award helped shine the spotlight on the importance of agricultural shows from an economic and social perspective.
“There are over 580 agricultural shows in Australia, with a combined economic value of $965 million annually,” Dr Wilson said.
“Over six million Australians attend agricultural shows each year.
“They play a vital role in forging a connection between the country and the city, and in strengthening rural communities.”
The National Rural Ambassador Awards recognise emerging agricultural leaders, aged 20 to 30, who have shown commitment and leadership within the agricultural show movement.
The winner receives a $6000 scholarship to contribute to learning and development, while the runner-up receives $4000.