Agricultural Shows Australia is proud to introduce the seven outstanding young leaders selected as the 2025 National Rural Ambassadors. Representing every state and territory, these inspiring individuals are passionate advocates for agriculture, community, and the show movement.
This year, each ambassador also produced a short video to share more about their story and what drives them — we encourage you to take a look and get to know them better.
Grace Collins – New South Wales (2025 National Rural Ambassador)
Grace is an agricultural educator and advocate from Armidale, originally from Sydney. Deeply involved in cattle showing, youth mentoring, and agricultural education, Grace founded Stockyard Scarves and works at Pymble Ladies’ College while completing her Master of Teaching. She is passionate about bridging the rural–urban divide and pushing for a national agriculture curriculum.
🎥Watch Grace’s video
Thea Walker – Western Australia (2025 Runner-Up National Rural Ambassador)
Thea is a horticultural farm business consultant and fourth-generation farmer from Manjimup. Working with growers nationwide to improve sustainability and reduce food waste, she also contributes to her local show committee and the WA Next Generation Group. Thea champions agricultural shows as vital platforms for education, connection, and youth engagement.
🎥 Watch Thea’s video
Dylan Bellchambers – Tasmania
Dylan, from Ulverstone, is a field officer at Harvest Moon and Chairman of Agfest. Passionate about vegetable production, he aspires to run his own farm. Dylan is a proud member of Kingborough Huon Rural Youth and values agricultural shows for their role in building strong communities and inspiring future leaders.
🎥 Watch Dylan’s video
Caitlin Grieve – Victoria
Caitlin is a sixth-generation farmer and agricultural historian from Clarkes Hill. Actively involved in sheep showing and judging, she holds degrees in Agricultural Science and History. Through her show involvement, Caitlin is committed to sparking curiosity about agriculture among non-farming audiences, while also volunteering and mentoring youth in her community.
🎥 Watch Caitlin’s video
Kayla Starkey – South Australia
Kayla is a sheep farmer and agricultural science teacher from Mount Pleasant. Co-managing her family’s historic stud and serving as SA’s 2024 Rural Ambassador, Kayla mentors youth, stewards at the Royal Adelaide Show, and leads local community initiatives. She is a strong advocate for hands-on agricultural education and rural sustainability.
🎥 Watch Kayla’s video
Stephanie Laycock – Queensland
Stephanie, from Toogoolawah, is a beef cattle farmer and entrepreneur managing High Country Droughtmasters and her cattle photography business, Stud Stills by Steph. With degrees in Agribusiness and Sustainable Agriculture, Stephanie mentors youth, organises cattle camps, and serves on show committees. She is dedicated to youth leadership and modernising agricultural shows.
🎥 Watch Stephanie’s video
Dakota Gough – Northern Territory
Dakota is an early childhood educator from Katherine and founder of “A is for Agriculture,” a program introducing children to farming. She also runs cattle judging schools and has achieved success in multiple youth competitions. Dakota is a vibrant advocate for making agriculture a core subject in schools and inspiring young people to engage with the show movement.
Together, these seven ambassadors embody the values of leadership, education, and community that are at the heart of the show movement. They highlight the bright future of Australian agriculture and the importance of investing in youth who are passionate about both their industries and their communities.