A young cattleman from Alpha has been named this year's Queensland Rural Ambassador at an awards ceremony in Brisbane on Saturday night.
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Harrison Lehman, 24, representing the Central Highlands sub chamber and Alpha Show Society, was awarded the prestigious title at Royal on the Park after a five-day Ekka experience.
"What an honour. I'm lost for words," Mr Lehman said.
"The week we've just experienced has been life changing for 10 young humans and I'm sure each of us is going to give back as much as we possibly can.
"I've just met nine of my lifelong friends and I really can't wait to continue a relationship, catch up and share ideas."
The rural and agricultural leadership program encourages participation within local agricultural shows, and identifies those who advocate for agriculture and represent rural communities.
Mr Lehman has a long history of show involvement, starting from his upbringing in Inverell, NSW.
At just 21, he moved to Alpha to accept a managers role at a 40,000 acre property in the area.
He now works within his partner's family beef cattle operation holding a certificate III in agriculture, and aspires to own and operate his own beef cattle property.
The captain of Alpha's rugby league team, he also holds the position of vice president of the Alpha Rodeo and Campdraft committee.
Together with his partner, he organised the Stockman's Challenge at the Alpha Show.
Brianna Baron was named Rural Ambassador runner up, representing the Darling Downs sub chamber and Cooyar Agricultural Society.
She is currently the show society's secretary, showgirl coordinator and canteen coordinator.
Beyond agriculture, she finds joy in weekend campdrafting and recently acquired a 700ac property in Cooyar.
Ms Baron aims to establish a comprehensive primary production enterprise focused on cattle breeding, backgrounding and trading.
Her professional journey includes marketing, social media management and livestock handling at Barron Bros Livestock, as well as holding a certificate II in agriculture.
Matthew Petty was the recipient of the Community Spirit Award, representing West Moreton & Brisbane Valley sub chamber and Marburg Show Society.
He has a rich history of exhibiting stud cattle and judging at events such as Ipswich Show and the Ekka.
Mr Petty's interests include hay cultivation, beef cattle breeding and pasture improvement.
In 2021, he founded Scenic Valley Contracting and holds qualifications in rural operations, carpentry and civil construction.
He now aims to expand his family farm and business.
The Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards marked 20 years on the weekend and was contested by 10 sub chamber winners.
On the judging panel was Australian Country Choice chief people and compliance officer Rachael Corcoran; 2004 National Rural Ambassador, AgForce cattle board director South East Queensland and Esk Show Society vice president Ben Drynan; 2012 Queensland Rural Ambassador runner up and Wicks & Co Agencies managing director Amy Wicks; and 2006 NSW Rural Achiever state finalist and RM Williams RAS Rural Achiever Award lead councillor Yvette McKenzie.
