Canowindra's Jacob Moriarty has joined seven other young leaders from across New South Wales in being been celebrated as the 2025 finalists of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW's prestigious RAS Rural Achiever Award on Monday, December 2.
The award recognises individuals aged 20-29 who have distinguished themselves as future leaders in Australian agriculture and aims to support their development by offering a unique 8-day leadership program at the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show.
As part of the RAS Rural Achiever program, finalists will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge across a range of activities, including a public speaking showcase, and participate in various intensive professional development sessions and networking opportunities at Australia’s largest agricultural event.
One finalist will then be selected to represent New South Wales at the National Rural Ambassador Awards which is set to take place in September 2026 at the Royal Adelaide Show.
The 2025 RAS Rural Achiever finalists are:
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Tasha Hurley, Condobolin
Jacob Moriarty, Canowindra
Brooke Watts, Molong
Katherine Munn, Albury
Georgina Haire, Wee Waa
James Gilmour, Bukkulla
James Stephens, Gresford
Roy Elder, Wongarbon
Rural Achiever Program Councillor in Charge, Yvette McKenzie, said the eight finalists chosen have all made outstanding contributions to rural and regional communities across New South Wales and have identified themselves as the leaders of the future.
“It is always incredibly rewarding to announce our RAS Rural Achiever Award finalists and recognise the impressive individual achievements and contributions these young leaders have made to their communities, and in such a short period of time,” Ms McKenzie said.
“The Rural Achiever and National Rural Ambassador programs play a significant role in arming the next generation of leaders with the skills and connections to help both their professional and personal lives moving forward, and it is a privilege to offer this opportunity to our very deserving 2025 finalists.”
Jacob discovered a passion for agriculture following high school and has pursued this through various roles within the farming sector. He is currently completing a Diploma in Agriculture while working as an Assistant Farm Manager in Canowindra.
His responsibilities include enhancing soil carbon levels in dryland cropping and managing livestock in the mixed farming system.
Jacob is an active member of the Canowindra Show Society and serves as the organiser of the Canowindra Crop Competition. In 2024 Jacob was honoured with the Canowindra Rural Ambassador Award recognising his enthusiasm for community engagement and agricultural advancement.
The 2025 RAS Rural Achiever Award finalists will receive a share in $17,000 prize money, complimentary one year RAS Membership, official Rural Achiever uniform provided by R.M.Williams & embroidered Akubra and opportunities to represent the RAS of NSW throughout 2025.
“We look forward to welcoming this year’s finalists to the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show for what will be an experience of a lifetime," Ms McKenzie said.
