LEETON’S Alan Chesworth has always had a love for agriculture, particularly cattle, but he never dreamed where it would take him.
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Mr Chesworth was recently honoured at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with two prestigious awards.
He was given life membership to the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) for his many decades of voluntary service, as well as being inducted into the Guernsey Walk of Fame for is contributions to the Guernsey breed of cattle.
Mr Chesworth has been attending the Sydney Royal Easter Show since 1963 as an exhibitor, judge and steward.
In that time he has only missed one year due to a broken leg.
This year he was aware he would be receiving the life membership to RAS, but the second award was a complete surprise.
“I feel very honoured to have been given both awards,” he said.
“I first started going to the show to exhibit Guernsey cattle (when he was 19) and it has gone from there.”
His hall of fame induction comes after many successes with the cattle breed, which he has sold right throughout the country.
Mr Chesworth’s daughter Louise Johnstone nominated him for the award.
In her submission she reflected on his many achievements.
“Although being a mammoth task to coordinate, prepare and show many cows, sometimes over 20, he always enjoyed the atmosphere, competition and camaraderie between the exhibitors,” Mrs Johnstone wrote.
“He was extremely proud of the extraordinary number of ribbons he won with the cows, but winning champion cow many times is an accomplishment of which he is very proud.”
While Mr Chesworth no longer has cows on his property, he remains heavily involved with the show.
He said it was vital the event not only continued, but that its focus should always remain on agriculture.
“During my speech for the (RAS) lifetime membership I spoke about the need for that to be increased … I hope I wasn’t out of line, but it’s important the focus stays on agriculture,” Mr Chesworth said.
“For people in the city the show is their chance to learn about agriculture.
“It’s important they learn milk doesn’t just come from a carton or their fruit from a tin. They need to know what goes into making it and why they should be buying the Australian items … if you’re buying something from overseas you don’t know what’s in it.”
Mr Chesworth also noted the important of the event, as well as country shows and the role they play. “I think they are extremely important events and they certainly need more helpers,” he said.