Representing Tasmania: Madeleine Muirhead (26)
Madeleine is the Tasmanian state finalist at the 2021 Agricultural Shows Australia National Rural Ambassador finals held at the Royal Queensland Show. Agricultural Shows of Australia sat down Mady to the young leader who live on a mixed operation farm near Campbell Town, Tasmania which is nearly half way between Hobart and Launceston.
I’ve been involved in the agricultural industry my entire life, growing up in rural settings across Australia. Having studied Equine Business Management at Marcus Oldham College and the Agribusiness at the University of Tasmania, I now work for Nutrien Ag Solutions and live and work on a mixed operation farm with my husband in Tasmania.
I am a part of the executive committee of the Midlands Agricultural Association and organise and run the equestrian events at the annual Campbell Town Show, the longest running agricultural show in the southern hemisphere.
I work for Nutrien Ag Solutions as Corporate Affairs Coordinator.
In ten years time I would like to still be living and working on our farm and have increased our production of cropping and livestock outputs. I would also like to still be working in a role in the wider agricultural industry where I can be making a difference and promoting the importance of agriculture nationally and globally.
This is my first time competing in the rural ambassador award (our MAA president at the time, George Gatenby, recommended me as an applicant) having applied for our state competition in 2019 and winning. I decided to compete as I thought it would be excellent in creating awareness of our show society and the show itself as I am very passionate about the Campbell Town Show and its important history in the district.
I am a passionate equestrian and have had my own business for the past 5 years coaching young riders.
My favourite show in Australia is Campbell Town Show as I love the history of the show and how much it brings the community together. The Friday night cocktail party where everyone gets together for a good catch up, good food and a good wine is a real highlight. The funniest and most entertaining part of our show is the dachshund races and wedding.