The award is a state-wide leadership program run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW to recognise future young leaders who contribute to their community and rural Australia.

As a sixth-generation farmer herself, Dione Howard, 26, has a passion for helping to make rural and regional communities prosper. Currently, she works as a qualified district vet with the Riverina Local Land Services.

"Rural and regional communities have so much to offer young people. I am passionate about having opportunities for young people to stay in their area and also opportunities to bring new residents to the area," Ms Howard said. "That's what helps them thrive."

As the state winner of the 2021 Rural Ambassador, Ms Howard will go on to represent NSW in the national finals (which includes New Zealand) and will next year be held at Sydney Royal.

Ms Howard said she was grateful for all the opportunities she has had and what she learnt during the process.