General News
30 October, 2025
Tara a RAS Rural Achiever finalist
Tara Kennedy has been chosen as a finalist in the 2026 Royal Agriculture Society Rural Achiever program, representing the Nyngan Show Society.
Tara, 29, grew up near Eugowra in the state’s central west where her family managed properties, and moved to the Nyngan/Nevertire district where she is the merchandise manager and animal production adviser with Delta Agribusiness. Tara married local farmer and grazier Tom Kennedy in April this year, and is actively involved in the family agricultural business. She and Tom have several enterprises including ultra white shedding sheep, a Brangus cow herd and they also operate a backgrounding and trading business.
“My role at Delta allows me to combine my deep-rooted love for agriculture with a particular passion for animal health - an area where my interest and commitment truly shine,” she said.
“At home, my involvement in the family farming business gives me daily, hands-on experiences and I can continue to expand my knowledge of the agricultural industry and reinforce my commitment to its future.”
Tara is one of eight young people from around NSW chosen as Rural Achiever finalists.
She will now spend time at the 2026 Royal Easter Show, seeing behind the scenes and networking with other people who are passionate about agriculture and the rural show movement.
Tara has been working in and around agriculture from an early age.
“I remember being about six years old, heading out with Mum and Dad to help feed the sheep before school. Like most farm kids, my brothers and I were always outside - helping Dad wherever we could and spending plenty of time on horses. “When I was 13, I began competing in junior judging competitions, and after starting at Red Bend College, I became involved in showing and judging cattle.
“These experiences really deepened my love for agriculture and set me on the path I’m on today.
“At school, I had the honour of representing my group at the state level to show cattle. This not only helped shape my career path but also allowed me to build a lasting network within the agricultural community.
“Since school I’ve judged at numerous local shows and served as chief cattle steward at both the Eugowra and Nyngan Shows. These opportunities have deepened my understanding of industry traditions and the importance of giving back.”
Tara’s has helped to organise a junior judging workshop in Eugowra as a way of engaging and mentoring youth in the industry and now has plans to expand this initiative further.
“I was lucky to have strong mentors growing up people I still rely on today and I understand how vital that support can be for young people in rural areas who may not have the same opportunities,” Tara said.
“I’ve also had the privilege of representing my community as the 2019 Eugowra Showgirl and the 2022 Central West Rural Ambassador and was most recently featured in the Rural Women’s Network’s #BeRural movement (2023), which celebrates women making a positive impact in the bush.”
“These experiences have motivated me to keep ‘saying yes’ to new challenges and opportunities that allow me to contribute meaningfully to my community and the wider agricultural industry.”
Tara’s energy and desire to make a difference has already helped people in need.
Following the 2022 floods, which wiped out rural fencing across much of the region she worked with Delta Ag and Waratah on the “Purchase a Post” fundraising campaign.
The initiative raised enough money to donate 4000 fence posts to flood-impacted landholders.
“It was a rewarding and humbling project and a reminder of the strength and generosity of rural communities when we come together,” she said.
Before moving to Nyngan Tara completed a Certificate IV in Agriculture through TAFE.
Her first job out of school was at Moxey’s Dairy in Eugowra, which provided an introduction to intensive operations.
“I then worked for Elders as a livestock agent trainee, before joining Delta Ag in Nevertire in a Merchandise and Animal Production role, further expanding my experience in the industry,” Tara added.
Tara has maintained an interest in the Eugowra district, where her parents have retired and own a small block of land, but is also embracing new opportunities in her new home town.
“Nyngan is a great place to live - the people are so friendly, and it’s such a welcoming community. Earlier this year, I received a call asking if I could assist with the cattle section at the Nyngan Show. I was more than happy to get involved and help keep the section running. I’ve also recently joined The Long Table committee, which has been a fantastic way to connect with others and contribute,” she said.
She is grateful for the opportunities the Rural Achiever program offers.
“It is powerful platform to highlight the incredible resilience, opportunity, and spirit found in rural Australia. I want to help shift the narrative to show that the bush is not dying, but a thriving, innovative, and dynamic community filled with leaders, changemakers, and future builders.”
Read More: Nyngan