Country life and the importance of agricultural shows are in David Wilson’s blood.
A sixth-generation farmer and President of the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Shows (QCAS), David proudly continues his family’s farming tradition in the Scenic Rim alongside his wife Carrie and their young son Charles.
This legacy dates back to 1818 when David’s great-great grandparents first settled as graziers in New South Wales.
His family were always involved in agricultural shows in New South Wales, but David’s interest came later.
His great grandmother was involved with the Royal Adelaide Show and David still has a prize she won in 1970.
His father’s side of the family bred and showed Merino sheep in the Wagga Wagga district.
The family moved to Queensland when David was in primary school.
Initially David started volunteering with Beaudesert Show Society, helping out where needed, but in 2008 he became the Chief Steward with Agricultural Education.
He feels the Ag Ed part of the Show is important.
“There’s a growing disconnect between where food is produced and how food is produced and the people who are consuming it.”
“Typically, children and younger members of the family are a great way to drive change.”
“To be educating kids about where their food comes from, how food is produced, and health benefits is a really effective way to filter that through to households.”
Overall, David has been involved with Beaudesert Show for 21 years and is also a strong supporter of Queensland Shows and the Next Gen program.
In 2012, David joined Next Gen the program designed to get younger people aged from 18 to 40 involved in the show movement.
“That involved in being mentored – there were several people on the Board who mentored me in governance, finance, chairing meetings – all sorts of things.”
“Next Gen was also involved with running the bi-annual conference and the Think Tank that is held every year.”
“It really laid the ground work for me being able to progress through positions with QCAS.”
David became President of QCAS in 2023 and enjoys the involvement he has with shows throughout Queensland.
Outside of his voluntary work for QCAS and Beaudesert Show Society, David works on his farm and looks after Charles.
He has applied for his research Masters with James Cook University where he will study foreign policy in agriculture.
He then plans to study domestic policy in agriculture for his PHD.
David’s wife Carrie is currently undertaking her PHD in Agri Technology.
