Ms Muir was awarded the runner-up rural ambassador of the year at the Victorian final, held during the Royal Melbourne Show.

The Hawkesdale woman was delighted with her success and encouraged others to have a go.

The Victorian Agricultural Shows rural ambassador program is sponsored by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV).

It recognises young people who contribute to rural and regional areas with a particular emphasis on their involvement in their local show society.

The state final involved those qualified to complete a three-minute public speaking presentation, written submissions and 30-minute panel interview.

“The topic was Technology — Friend or Foe?,” Ms Muir said.  “I was a bit of a fence sitter. Technology can be a ‘frenemy’.”

Finalists were assessed on their communication and leadership qualities, and level of involvement in their local agricultural show and community. 

The winner was Melissa Neal, of Bendigo.

Ms Muir works as a research scientist with Department of Environment and Primary Industry and she represented the south-west group after progressing through a regional final at Noorat.

She has been involved with Warrnambool Agricultural Society since moving to the south-west in 2012 and this year is vice-president and chief dairy steward.

“I would encourage others interested in agriculture to get involved with their local show societies,” Ms Muir said.

“We are really keen for more people to be involved here at Warrnambool.”