Cowra Show is a time to put the spotlight on our agricultural industry and the opportunities it offers, and our new junior rural ambassador is delighted to have the opportunity to be part of it.

Kiaya Blackmore was named ambassador at the Spring Show cocktail party, where she spoke of her passion for our community and agriculture.

The Year 12 student - currently doing her HSC - is an eighth-generation local with a vision to become a veterinarian.

Kiaya entered the show-based competition to advocate and educate people in what the agriculture sector has to offer in the community that has nurtured her to be the person she is today.

"As I child I was always in the garden, picking and eating veggies straight out of the dirt and I’ve been blessed by my loving parents to always have animals around me," she said.

"I want to be the leader some may need and give the confidence and encourage people to become a leader in our community as this can open a world of opportunities."

Kiaya particularly wants to encourage those who know the toll mental health takes on young people.

"You can feel like you’re not quite worth it and don’t know what to do in life as I have felt this myself," she said.

"Becoming a rural ambassador will give me the opportunity to encourage and help those people who suffer from this and encourage people to come out into community and learn how big of an agriculture influence Cowra has.

"Educating and influencing people to know what is out there can have a major impact on their lives and open up new opportunities they may never have thought of."

Kiaya will spend a gap year working after her HSC, she's already received early entry to study equine science at university in Wagga Wagga.

"My goal after school is to become a veterinarian and go into the agricultural sector to help all animals large and small," she said.