That's how Bathurst Showgirl Steph Ferguson describes her experience in The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl competition, where she finished runner-up.

Ms Ferguson won the Bathurst title in 2019, but didn't have the chance to take part in the state judging last year when the Sydney Royal was cancelled due to COVID-19.

The young female ambassador event returned this year, however, and Cootamundra's Jessica Neale was named The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl winner.

READ ALSO:

"I gained a lot of networks and some really cool skills," Ms Ferguson said of her experience in Sydney.

"I had the most incredible time. The other girls were so encouraging, supportive and warm."

Ms Ferguson secured her place in Sydney when she was one of three winners in the final for Zone 6 - an area stretching from Bourke to Harden-Murrumburrah - in Dubbo in February last year.

The competition, which begins at a local show level before moving to zones and finally to Sydney, appraises contestants on ambition and life goals, general knowledge, rural knowledge, presentation and speech, among other factors.

READ ALSO: Reece Webster achieves a long-held ambition

During their time in Sydney, contestants this year did everything from visit Government House and NSW Parliament to volunteer on stands at the Sydney Royal, take part in mentorship sessions and receive media training.

"There were heaps of opportunities," Ms Ferguson said.

She said two teams of showgirls took part in a specialised exhibition section of the Young Farmers' Challenge (which involves tasks related to agriculture), defeating Rural Achievers teams, poultry teams and Royal Agricultural Society youth committee teams.

Ms Ferguson is from Bathurst, but is studying veterinary science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, where she is in her fifth year.

Her long-term aim is to move into a consulting role, meeting with producers to talk about how they can use animal reproduction to maximise profits.

Ms Ferguson will be back in Bathurst in less than two weeks for the Royal Bathurst Show, where her duties will include helping announce the latest Bathurst Showgirl winner and acting as a mentor for the winner during the show.

The Royal Bathurst Show will be held on April 30 and May 1 and 2.