Youth Group
- Youth Group
- Meet the RAS 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.
Deputy Chair
Maddie Broomfield, Armidale, NSW
Holding a Bachelor of Applied Science (Veterinary Technology) and Master of Science focusing on internal parasites in Merino sheep, Maddie has a passion for the Australian agricultural industry, particularly the sheep industry. Recently, Maddie moved to Canberra from Armidale NSW, having joined the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in the National Residue Survey Animal Program. Maddie's passion for agriculture extends to ensuring that today’s youth are given opportunities to be involved and see what the agricultural industry has to offer.
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.
Stephanie Clancy, Walbundrie, NSW
Stephanie joined Youth Group in 2021 after her tenure as The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl (2019-2020) where she represented the small town of Walbundrie. Stephanie is a high school Agriculture and Science Teacher, runs an agricultural services contracting business with her husband, while also managing their small farm. The Clancy family have just welcomed their first child, Paddy, who will be in attendance for the 2025 SRES.
Imogen Clarke, Nowra, NSW
Imogen Clarke is a Medical Science graduate from Nowra currently working in Rehabilitation. Whilst her love for healthcare is strong, Imogen is passionate about her community and the agricultural industry. Imogen has previously represented the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and AgShows NSW as The Land Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman runner-up in 2022 and has welcomed onto the RAS Youth Group in 2023.
Imogen loves being apart of the RAS Youth group as it gives her the opportunity to work with like-minded people and encourage others to get involved with agricultural Shows across NSW.
Jillian Burgess, Sydney, NSW
Jill is currently completing her PhD with the Livestock Production Group at the University of Sydney, working in beef feedlotting to predict animal growth and composition. Jill grew up in Sydney with a passion for agriculture, stemming from being involved in all aspects her family beef farm, now based at Retreat, NSW, where she has also just begun her stud. She's extremely passionate about exposing youth to the variety of career paths available throughout agriculture, and strives to continue to bridge the city to country gap.
Justin Matthews, Armidale, NSW
Justin Matthews is a dedicated and passionate advocate for agriculture; born and raised in rural Queensland, and continuing a career in the agricultural Sector – Justin resides in Armidale, in the picturesque New England Region of NSW with his wife Kate.
A member and active participant of shows and show societies throughout QLD and NSW since he was old enough to compete in his first led Stock Horse Class, Justin is a passionate supporter of Agricultural Shows.
Justin is an accomplished Ring Announcer working across Qld and NSW at agricultural shows including the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where he serves as an Announcer on the Cattle Lawns and as a Steward. Justin has also announced at other Royal Shows in Australia, as part of the National Young Farmers Challenge – a competition that is held close to his heart.
Justin enjoys nothing more than the opportunity to see excellence in agriculture presented through friendly & spirited competition in the rings and pavilions.
In addition to his official roles, Justin participates in the Pavilion Sections at his local shows and has even been known to dabble in the Men’s Chocolate Cake and Men's BBQ Sauce Classes at his local show.
Outside of showtime you can often find Justin working on production crews at events across the state, capturing photographs, and enjoying pyrotechnic displays.
Katie Armson-Graham, Orange, NSW
Katy has a Bachelor of Agriculture and has recently completed a Masters of Teaching, with a determination to provide access to an agricultural education to students wherever they live. Katy currently teaches agriculture in the central west of NSW where she encourages students to become involved in the agricultural show movement. Katy is primarily involved in the alpaca section where she works to encourage youth members to be involved in the show.
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 the Education and Projects manager for Thoroughbred Breeders Australia. 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.
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 helped develop her love of livestock and led her to complete a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Hons I) at the University of Sydney, majoring in livestock production systems. She subsequently also completing Masters of Science Communication from the Australian National University.
Over the years, Courtney has maintained an active involvement with her regional Angora Goat producer group, Eastern Region Mohair, and serves as their social media manager. She also 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.
Courtney is also passionate about the sustainability and longevity of the Australian agriculture industry and currently works for Meat & Livestock Australia as the Sheep Sustainability Framework Manager.
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.