Raised on a New South Wales cattle farm, Amy showed an early interest in all things farming, particularly animal husbandry and welfare.

"Growing up on the family farm I developed a fierce passion for Australian agriculture, while being involved in the family butcher shop gave me first hand experience in the ‘paddock to plate' process," Amy said.

Amy's unfiltered exposure to farming life ignited a fire within, leading Amy out the family's farm gates to Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, where she started studying a Veterinary Science degree.

"From a young age, I knew that as a veterinarian I'd be able to make a difference to the industry by assisting producers at the grass roots level. I have a keen interest in food security and believe that increasing production and ensuring animal welfare goes hand-in-hand," she said.

Ben White, general manager of Research, Kondinin Group, said Amy was a fantastic role model for other rural and regionally-based teenagers soon to make a decision about their future.

"Amy has shown how a childhood growing up on a farm can lead to an exciting, ag-based career," Ben said.

Belinda Allitt, general manager, Communications and Capacity Building at AgriFutures Australia said Amy was an outstanding Award recipient and that her enthusiasm for agriculture was infectious.

"Amy continues to demonstrate an amazing attitude to her studies and Australian agriculture more broadly." Belinda said.

"We are thrilled to be able to support Amy once again, first with the Horizon Scholarship and now this Award. The opportunities and learnings that Amy has received from the projects she has been part of, including the international travel to further her education and understanding of animal welfare, will ensure continued success for this young leader. The combination of her willingness to learn and her zest for agriculture is a clear differentiator for Amy."

Amy has travelled internationally to further her experience and has visited India with fellow veterinarian students to volunteer in a two-week Spey Clinic and rabies vaccination program. Amy also undertook a six-week placement in Norway in January of 2020 ere she worked within both the large and small animal faculties of the University of Oslo.

As part of her Honours project studies, Amy developed an Australian first of its kind study which explored everyday sexism in veterinary practice. Amy wanted to shed light onto how gender affects the everyday experiences of Australian veterinarians—male, female and gender diverse.