Miss Cross won Horsham Agricultural Society's Rural Ambassador title at last year's Horsham Show to move into the Wimmera group final at St Arnaud on Friday.

She competed against two other Wimmera representatives and won.

"We got together for a dinner and each of us presented speeches," she said. "You never know how you're going to go and the other finalists, Russell Marland and Camille Bibby, were great competition.

"Russell was studying a Bachelor of Education and Camille a Bachelor of Law.

"I was a bit shaky during my interview and didn't think I had a shot to be honest. It's fantastic - I can't believe it."

Miss Cross is in her second year at Longerenong and is studying an Advanced Diploma of Agriculture and Advanced Diploma of Agronomy.

She said she was excited about competing in Melbourne in September.

"I was there last year to watch the state final and it was fantastic to see how it all comes together," she said. "I am very nervous but I'm looking forward to the experiences ahead.

"There is so much fantastic competition out there so I have my fingers crossed I'll do well."

Miss Cross said her main aim as a rural ambassador was to encourage other young people to pursue a career in the agricultural industry.