Youth Group Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Skip to main content

Youth Group

The RAS Youth Group represents the Royal Agricultural Society’s dedication to investing in the next generation of industry leaders. From across metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales the Youth Group has passionately promoted agriculture for over 20 years.

Engaging with young people across the state through events at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the Youth Group promotes the industry to a range of urban and non-urban audiences.  

These events currently include: All Roads to the Royal, The NSW Young Farmer Challenge State Final, Hats Off at the Royal and the RAS Youth Medal.

The RAS Youth Group is also an integral part of the greater Sydney Royal Easter Show, with involvement across all sections of competition throughout the event. Representatives strive to build on their existing portfolio of events each year and seek other enthusiastic young professionals, keen to utilise their skills, to promote the work of young people in agriculture.

The RAS is comprised of young professionals aged 18 – 35. Members are able to serve a maximum of 6 years on the committee.

Chair

Sarah Stanbury, Manildra, NSW

While she grew up in Sydney, Sarah developed a passion for agriculture which led her to study a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Hons I) and then a Master of Environmental Science and Law. After university, she moved to Manildra to live with her (now) husband on a small mixed livestock and cropping property. Sarah works for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Orange as a Senior Information & Privacy Officer within the Legal & Governance team. Sarah joined the Youth Group with the goal to help increase consumer understanding of the Australian agricultural industry, particularly in urban areas, through the various RAS initiatives. She represented the RAS of NSW as a Next Gen Delegate at the 30th Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) Conference in Edinburgh in June 2024.

Jessica Fearnley, Bathurst, NSW

With a Bachelor of Rural Science and Graduate Certificate in Global Development, Jess works with the NSW Department of Primary Industries as an Industry Development Officer (Temperate Fruits) in the Horticulture unit. She is dedicated to enhancing the profitability and production of the cherry and apple industries through applied research and development. She is strongly interested in showcasing Australia's produce and finds agricultural shows an excellent way to bridge the divide between consumers and producers. Jess has a passion for encouraging Youth into the Agricultural show movement and is excited to be involved in the RAS Youth Group initiatives. 

Madison Tims, Sydney, NSW

Madison grew up on a small family-operated dairy farm in the heart of New Zealand, which saw her introduction to the agricultural industry at an early stage in life. This led to Madison studying agriculture and agribusiness through school and tertiary level at Waikato University.  She relocated to Australia to work within one of the top thoroughbred breeding sectors in the world, working as Head of Education and Projects at Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse, a position she has held since 2022. Maddy joined the RAS Youth Group in 2024 and is excited to continue pursuing her passion for supporting agricultural staff shortages in rural environments. The aim is to create more pathways for people to enter the rural sector, networking opportunities, and positive relationships between employees and their farm roles. In 2025 she was an AgriFutures-sponsored participant in the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program.

Jack Mayhew, Sydney, NSW

Jack holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Bioscience and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies in Animal Production. Jack has been involved in local agricultural shows for over a decade in many rolls including competing, stewarding, and more recently coaching, where he is dedicated to connecting urban students with agriculture through practical, hands-on experience. Jack currently works with an Animal Production research team focused on technological advancements in the industry and will soon start a master’s degree in beef feed-lotting. He is passionate about engaging youth, inspiring future agricultural leaders, and building stronger ties between urban and rural communities.

Courtney Nelson, Sydney, NSW

Courtney's journey in agriculture started through involvement with her high school's Angora goat stud, competing in many Young Judges and Paraders competitions. This led her to complete a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Hons I) at the University of Sydney, and subsequently a Masters of Science Communication from the Australian National University. Courtney currently works as a Project Manager for Meat & Livestock Australia with a focus on environmental sustainability. She is also Secretary for her regional Angora Goat producer group and assists with running clinics and events for school students learning how to look after their animals and prepare for agricultural competitions. She is also a qualified judge of Angora goats and Mohair.

Michael Roffe, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Although having grown up on the beaches of Sydney, Michael developed a strong passion for agriculture and for the show movement through significant time spent with family travelling regional and rural Australia, as well as through regular attendance at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. After time working in the NSW Public Service in areas of public health and ecological conservation, Michael's passion for agriculture led him to move to Wagga Wagga where he now undertakes tertiary study in Veterinary Technology. Since moving, he has become heavily involved in his new community and resultingly, was named the Wagga Wagga Show Society Rural Achiever for 2024. Following completion of his course Michael plans to undertake further study and work in areas of animal health and disease, particularly in biosecurity recognising it's importance for protection of our agricultural industry.

Youth Group Initiatives

Young Farmer Challenge

Hats Off at the Royal

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