The agriculture industry means a lot to Chevalier College student Sarah Pace.
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Her passion for the industry allowed her to take out equal second spot at this year's Norman Lethbridge awards.
The 17-year-old received $900 and will use it for her future education.
"I will put that towards my university degree next year," Sarah said.
"The aim is to go to Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga and do a Bachelor of Agriculture degree."
Coming from a family farm, the agriculture industry means a lot to her.
"I've been brought up in agriculture," Sarah said.
"My parents are third generation poultry farmers.
"I want to be able to make a difference in the industry.
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"I love being able to learn about the wider areas of agriculture from beef cattle to sheep production to horticulture."
After being nominated by her agriculture teacher Jennifer Caines, Sarah was selected for an interview in March.
"I was very nervous as it was my first formal interview," she said.
"I showed off my passion for the agriculture industry and I'm glad they picked me as runner-up."
For others preparing for the interviews in future years, she had one piece of advice.
"Just be yourself," she said.
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"It's a good opportunity and a good learning experience as well."
The Norman Lethbridge Award was presented during the Angus judging at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show by NSW minister for agriculture Adam Marshall.
The award began in 2002 and was named in honour of the NSW State Committee's past secretary Norman Lethbridge.
He was a stock and station agent for most of his working life, with the majority of his clients in Cumberland in Sydney.
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