And those ties were further evident during the week at the Zone 5 Young Judges Dairy Competition at the Nowra Showground.

More than 130 students, representing seven schools, as well as some senior entries (under 25) took part in the competition.

Jersey, Illawarra and Holstein cattle were on display with the young judges having to make their selections and the seniors also passing comment on the classes they judged.

The two senior winners will fly the region’s flag at next year’s Sydney Royal against the best young judges from around the state.

It was refreshing to see such a large representation, especially from the local schools, taking an interest in agriculture and in particular the dairy industry.

Students from Hurlstone Agricultural College even made the trek south for the event.

We often hear Australia has ridden on the sheep’s back but in the Shoalhaven it has certainly been on the cow’s back.

Many young people born on the land will follow the family tradition but others will look further afield and chase other dreams.

Dairying is a tough and challenging industry at times.

It is doubly hard for many young people who may have the dream of owning their own farm, yet will not inherit a family property.

Before they can even start they have to find available land, which in itself is a tough and very expensive proposition.

To fulfil their dreams they will have to invest millions in land, stock and machinery.

And then they are at the mercy of the weather gods with the climate often making a big difference between a great year or an average or struggle. 

But despite these challenges there are many young people out there who want to pursue a life on the land.

They must be encouraged and nurtured – after all they are the future.

And, who knows, what the new Free Trade Agreement with China will throw up for future generations of Shoalhaven dairy farmers.