Chapman Valley farmer Bayden Ley named 2024 Mid West Rural Ambassador at Nabawa awards night

A Mid West farmer passionate about rural communities will represent the region at the State awards after being dubbed Rural Ambassador for Chapman Valley. The Chapman Valley Agricultural Society held the 2024 Mid West Rural Ambassador awards at the Nabawa Community Centre on Saturday, July 20. Chapman Valley’s Bayden Ley won the title of Mid West Rural Ambassador for 2024 and will represent the region at the Royal Perth Show State awards. Growing up in and around Geraldton, Mr Ley attended school at St. Francis Xavier and Nagle Catholic College before completing his education at Cunderdin Agricultural College. When he was not at school, he was putting his energy into his family’s farm at Chapman Valley, where his passion for agriculture and skills in shearing, wool classing, fencing, mechanics, engineering and butchery developed. Mr Ley spoke about the importance of social connectedness and mental health at the function. He hopes to share his passion for farming, shine a light on mental health and encourage young people to enter the industry. Emily Swift represented the Mullewa Agricultural Society and Arran Teakle represented the Northampton Districts Agricultural Society. Both spoke about opportunities in the regions and bridging the country-city divide. Affiliated Ag. Societies Mid West president Jenny Harris and secretary Di Hulme presented Mr Ley with the winning sash, while Chapman Valley life member Jan McCagh told of memories from previous shows. The Chapman Valley Show will be held on August 31.