This year’s theme was being proud to showcase farming heritage, which begins at local shows.

Little Big Dairy owner Erika Chesworth officially opened the show, and discussed her excitement for the township of Nyngan and the vital role the town plays not only for her business but in the Australian farming industry. 

“Nyngan is an important community to our family farm and milk business Little Big Dairy.

“This year the double cream was awarded the best cream in Australia, this is truly a shared award to all who contribute to the supply chain.

“Certainly the team at the factory do a brilliant job, but you can’t put rubbish in and receive gold. Diligence and attention to the details of the cows diet has a significant part to play and therefore so does the excellent quality grains that come from Nyngan.

“So congratulations to you on the part you played in the announcement of the best cream in Australia.” 

Ms Chesworth discussed the importance of agricultural shows in small communities to promote and display the pride of farming, which she said is the backbone of Australia. 

“Farmers are the most important people in Australia. We all know this, just think about it.

“What do teachers ask parents to do, they say they can do their job better when children come to school well fed.  Or what does a doctor say, I can do my job better if you eat well. 

“The work of farmers is apart of everyday Australian conversations, and of course farmers can’t work without the communities that serve them. Townships across Australia like Nyngan are the most important communities there are, don’t forget this.”

She noted a number of towns have put their shows on recess due in part to dry weather, but mostly from the lack of commitment of the next generation. 

Ms Chesworth described the success of their family business that has come from her husband Steve and her desire to raise their three children to be proud of their farming heritage. 

“We know relocating to the Central West 14 years ago was the best thing we have done,” she said.

“All three of our children work in the business, Duncan and his wife Danielle became members of the trading partnership 18 months ago and our daughter Emma and her husband Jim Elliott run the Little Big Dairy with complete autonomy. Our third child Campbell has been working on the farm since completing uni late last year.”

Ms Chesworth ended her address by encouraging the Nyngan community to join them in being proud of being a farmers and the role played in supporting dynamic farming industries.

“If you show produce in shows thank you for doing this, thank you for willing to be counted and proud of the part you played. If you haven't participated, consider this for next year: it is not about winning it is about telling a story in the knowledge that we are the most important people in Australia.”