For 25 years, the RAS Rural Achiever program has been part of a country-wide effort to support the next generation of leaders in the bush.
Story Kate Newsome Photo Paul Robbins
Even though his childhood was spent in the coastal Sydney suburb of Cronulla, James Stephens was reeled into the farming lifestyle through the Sydney Royal Easter Show – one of the largest ticketed events in the Southern Hemisphere. A young James wandered freely through the cattle pavilions and past the judging lawns, satisfying a budding interest in agriculture, otherwise fed by thumbing through The Land newspaper’s market reports, or the odd visit to family and friend’s farms in the Southern Highlands or Eidsvold station, Qld.
This year, James, now in his late 20s, came back to Sydney to partake in the RAS Rural Achiever program where, out of the 8 finalists, he was named the NSW ambassador. James admits he felt it was a testament to how far he’s come – from moving out of the city as soon as he graduated high school to now representing the state of NSW as a young rural leader. Living in Gresford, NSW, James has established his own rural contracting business, through which he manages properties and supports local farming operations across the Dungog Shire. Part of James’s involvement in his local community includes being a Gresford District Agriculture Society committee member. During the Gresford Show, James helps steward equestrian events and works in the yards during the campdraft.
“I hope that it proves to people that just because you’re not from the bush it doesn’t mean you can’t jump in and have a go,” James says. “I don’t often do this, I don’t put myself out there. I don’t wear a suit and tie every day – I wear a work shirt and a pair of jeans. So, it was a big change, but it was very nice to take pride and dress up, and to get into a bit of that tradition. I can’t emphasise enough how much I’ve gotten out of it so far, and it’s the beginning."
This story excerpt is from Issue #161
Outback Magazine: June/July 2025
