The official opening was held in the Main Arena, with Member for Bathurst Paul Toole among a number of people to praise the show’s success.

He said the show highlights the importance of agriculture and local businesses.

“Agriculture is important in this state, agriculture is worth billions of dollars here in New South Wales,” he said.

“We want to make sure that young people are still involved in agriculture.

“I think today with the Rural Achievers and the quality and the number of people involved, [it] shows that our schools are very committed in this area.”

Mr Toole said attendance at shows in some regional areas has declined, but the Royal Bathurst Show continues to be supported by large crowds.

“In some communities, shows have actually declined or they’re no longer taking place. Bathurst is defying that,” he said.

“It is a community event that we want to see continuing to grow and be supported.”

Among the young people who were involved in agriculture were siblings, and All Saints’ College students, Sam, 15, Angus, 13, and Charlie Rendall, 10. 

The trio are part of the college’s cattle team and have spent most of the Royal Bathurst Show in competition rings with some of their poll herefords.

Sam’s entry, Fintona Charlotte, was awarded the junior female champion and then the supreme champion on Friday.

“She’s got good lines,” he said of his winning entry. “It’s taken a while to get a decent heifer that I really like.”

“She’s got really good length for her age. She’s going to be a big one.

“The judge told me he likes length, he doesn’t like them too stocky.

“I just love them. I’ve always had a passion for them.”

Younger brothers Angus and Charlie have also been leading cattle for judging, and when asked how they manage animals in excess of 400 kilograms in weight, the answer was easy.

“There’s a bit of technique involved,” Angus said.

This year is the first time Charlie has been involved in the college’s cattle team, and already he said “I just love it”.

“I just love the cattle and how you get to lead them around and how you can get ribbons,” he said.