The Gunnedah agricultural advocate was at the Sydney Royal Easter Show earlier this week as part of the 2017 Rural Achievers program for young farming leaders.

The nominees featured in a debate where Ward took the affirmative side for the question: will Australia be prepared for the 70 per cent increase in global food demand by 2050?

He argued “that we will be ready” with the introduction of “prevention programs to do things better”.

Mr Ward said education was the key to ensure sustainability of resources and he named events like the Sydney show as the “perfect example” of spreading that message into metropolitan areas.

“It helps make people more aware of their inputs and outputs so we waste less,” he said.

The sheep and cattle farmer, who spent Tuesday touring Parliament House with fellow rural achievers, also has a passion for poultry.

“It was always something I enjoyed as a kid,” he said.

Mr Ward co-manages local enterprise, Great Northern Poultry, which specialises in the Chinese silkie market.

He is keen to hear what prospects might be available in China when the NSW Farmers regional branch host a presentation by Gunnedah’s recently returned trade mission delegates. However presentation arrangements are only tentative at this stage.

Mr Ward was invited to volunteer as show steward in Sydney which he described as a “great experience”.

Judging for the 2017 rural achiever winner is due to take place on Wednesday evening but no matter the outcome, this aspiring country leader was grateful to just be a finalist in Sydney.

“This was a massive opportunity so what ever happens, I feel like a winner already,” he said.

The Rural Achiever’s Award has been running for 28 years and acknowledges the achievements of young people in primary industry and rural communities.