EUDUNDA fifth-generation farmer Karl Milde has taken out the honourable title of National Rural Ambassador for 2021 at the recent Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Mr Milde, 25, is passionate about youth involvement in agricultural shows, sustainable farming practices, as well as mental-health support in farming and rural regions.
“When I won state level, I was sort of in a bit of denial as to why I won, but I was pretty fortunate to have two years before national level, where I’ve been able to understand why I was selected at state level and really worked on those areas and made them a key part of who I am and what I’m trying to do,” Karl told The Bunyip.
“As much as you don’t go in expecting to win, you’ve got to give yourself credit for being there.
“It was still a bit of a shock but I thought there was some pretty exceptional people in my group, and there was, but they must have seen my passion, I think for one, the agriculture shows, and two, agriculture in Australia.
“Hopefully I can do them proud and make a contribution to our com- munity and the broader community, in years to come."
Mr Milde was chosen as the Eudunda Show Ambassador in 2018 before going on to win the 2019 state title.
The National Rural Ambassador finalists for the 2022 award included Mount Pleasant Show Rural Ambassador Rebekah Rushton, of Stockport, who attended the Sydney Royal Easter Show as part of the experience.
The award was ultimately awarded to Dione Howard from New South Wales, with runner up chosen as Matilda Scott, from Tasmania.
Mr Milde said there were jokes on the night that he was the shortest ever National Rural Ambassador for about 45 minutes.
“I don’t look at this as its going to be a great experience for the next 12 months or 18 months, I look at it as something I can do for the rest of my life,” he said.
“There’s lots of opportunity and it’s up to me what I want to make of it now.”
The 2001 inaugural national winner, Peter Angus – who was one of four on the judging panel – said Mr Milde’s authenticity and ability to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds impressed them.
“He is an enthusiastic, community minded young person who is very relatable,” he said.
“He is passionate about the engagement of youth and working with all levels within organisations to create better outcomes.”
Mr Angus, who is also the SA state co-ordinator of the Rural Ambassador and Young Rural Ambassador awards, said Mr Milde’s win would be a great chance to promote the awards in SA and the many opportunities it offered.
“Karl’s ability to engage with people will create interest and hopefully encourage other young people to get involved,” he said.
Mr Milde was recently made president of the Eudunda Show, leading a young passionate committee.
Since joining the Show, he has established an annual merino ewe hogget competition, which was important for getting farmers enthusiastic during a period of drought.
He has also been pushing an awareness to mental health help in rural communities.
Alongside father Trevor, Mr Milde runs the family farm, near Point Pass, which crops about 730 hectares (1800 acres) and has 1200 merino breeding ewes.
