"I didn't expect to get this far," said Alison.

"It hasn't really sunk in.

"And I have to wait until February so I'm trying not to think about it," she said.

Minister for Primary Industries, Steve Whan, said the awards are a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of rural women, who make a huge contribution to rural industries, cities and towns.

"Alison McIntosh is innovative, extremely involved in her chosen industry and is applying the latest twenty-first century techniques to benefit rural communities," said Mr Whan.

Alison runs her own business, which provides services and training to beef producers and stakeholders in compliance with the National Livestock Identification Scheme and cattle data capture and management.

She has more than 10 years experience in the beef cattle industry, with more than three of these years providing extension and technical support for the National Livestock Identification System.

She also has a first hand understanding of the industry through her own family stud and commercial operation at Laggan.

Alison is a former Miss Crookwell Showgirl and in 2005 she was a Rural Achiever at Sydney Royal Easter Show.

She is also part of a group called Royal Agriculture Society of the Commonwealth. Every two years the group has a mission tour to underdeveloped countries providing skills and guidance.

"I always knew I would end up in agriculture," said Alison referring to her established business.

"I like to assist farmers as they are often not as up to date as they should be.

"So that's where I want to help - I want to help them keep up with the never ending technology," said Alison.

"I have also branched out a little, offering freeze branding and industry consulting, so there seems to be a few doors opening."