Penola Show Association vice president Jake Rowe has finished second runner up in the state rural ambassador title in Murray Bridge.

Stockport cattle farmer Rebekah Rushton was announced as the winner of the award as the coveted awards program undertook a COVID-19 pivot.

With last year’s event cancelled due to the impacts of the global pandemic, this year the final interviews and awards took place away from the event’s traditional home at the Adelaide Showground due to the cancellation of the Royal Adelaide Show.

The award program was open to people aged between 20-30 who are committed to their local show and community and highlights the importance of youth in the agricultural show movement.

Ms Rushton, representing the Mount Pleasant Show Society and Central Districts, was selected as the winner after judging was completed with Mundulla’s Brody Lock first runner up followed by Mr Rowe.

All three received cash prizes and are expected to be invited to participate in a two-week study tour in 2022.

Depending on travel restrictions, all finalists will attend interstate shows in 2022.