Tasha Hurley of Condobolin has been named as one of eight finalists in the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Rural Achiever Program for 2025.

Known for her passion for the land and rural Australia, as well as her kind, generous and vibrant nature, Tasha said she is honoured and excited to accept the leadership opportunity.

“It is such a great program, and I am really looking forward to making the most of it.

“I am very passionate about our regional communities and agriculture, so to be given the opportunity to develop my own skills and knowledge to further advocate for these things is unbelievable. There have been so many great finalists who have been through the program before me, so it is very special to be following in their footsteps.

Tasha Hurley - Image supplied

“I am so happy to have made it through to Sydney as a finalist – anything more than that is a bonus. Whatever happens, I will continue to work in agriculture in regional NSW and volunteer on all the committees I currently do.

“One day I would love to combine my love for agriculture and cooking to create a recipe book which doubles as an educational tool. In the hopes of dividing the lag in agricultural knowledge between regional and metropolitan areas,” said Tasha.

“It will be a beautiful coffee table book which can be gifted to anyone in your life. It will tell the stories of farmers, show the production calendar for the product, the sacrifices, risks and the processes it takes to grow their product, method of getting it to market and costs associated with it all.

 Tasha Hurley - Image supplied

“It will then be followed by two or three recipes which feature their product as the main ingredient. Hopefully anyone who reads it will feel like they have a more personal connection to that farmer, and they’ll subconsciously choose to purchase the Australian grown options when doing their groceries, rather than the (sometimes) cheaper imported alternative,” she added.

The Rural Achiever program recognises emerging agricultural industry leaders who are making a significant difference to their local communities, shows and regional NSW.

Tasha, who grew up on a 22,000-acre sheep and cattle grazing property northwest of Condobolin holds a Bachelor in Agricultural Business Management.

Employed for three years at Forbes Livestock and Agency Co, as Livestock Marketing and Business Development Officer, she has recently joined ‘On the Box’ as an Agency Representative, making buying and selling online easier.

A former chair of the Royal Agricultural Society Youth Group, Tasha has advocated for agricultural advancement on both local and national levels, she spends much of her time working on many committees in Condobolin and Forbes organising and supporting local events and committees, making her a worthy candidate for the Rural Achievers program.

Bec George of Nyngan former RAS Rural Achiever Finalist - Image Royal Agriculture Society

Former RAS Rural Achiever Finalist Bec George of Nyngan says it is a once in a lifetime experience that gives selected candidates a great chance to learn take home lessons about how to continue to give back to community.

“The Rural Achiever program gives those selected recipients an opportunity through the seven-day program to have amazing networking opportunities with industry leaders, a behind-the-scenes experience of the Royal Easter Show, as well as lifelong connections and friendships.”

“Passionate young people within our farming communities are imperative to the prosperous future of Australian Agriculture,” according to the RAS Rural Achiever program organisers.

The finalists will take part in an all expenses paid, eight-day program at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2025, with one finalist named as RAS Rural achiever.