Cromwell's Jimmy Dundass (56) no longer lives in the area, but continues to take an active role in the annual show, held at the Omakau Domain.
"I used to farm in the Ida Valley and Moa Creek. You can take the boy out of the valley but you can't take the valley out of the boy," he said.
Association president Pauline Huddleston announced the award following the grand parade and applauded Mr Dundass' continuing enthusiasm for the event.
He had served as president for three years from 1988.
"He excelled by doing what he is best at; entertaining people," she said.
"His innovative thinking saw the show go from strength to strength, with the crowds flocking in."
He instituted the shearing competitions, which still remain as part of the show programme.
Mr Dundass said he was honoured by the award.
"I've always enjoyed my involvement with this show. I started by showing sheep and working in the yards, helping with the stock and I guess I've been involved in almost all the other sections - I've never ridden a horse though."
He has only missed one show - when he was competing as a tennis player in the Masters Games a few years ago.
It was a big week for the Cromwell College caretaker, as he also released his first CD of folk songs, called About Time.
Mr Dundass wrote and sang all the songs.
Mrs Huddleston was pleased with the 113th show on Saturday and said although horse and pony entries were down, entries in other sections such as the trade displays were up on previous years.
"We had a bit of rain on Friday night, which the farmers were happy to see, but the weather was good for the show and everyone had a great day."
Secretary Bernie Allen said it was difficult to accurately estimate the size of the crowd, as the 700 members of the association all received complimentary tickets.
However, she believed attendance was slightly down on the previous year, probably because the cold weather and dark skies early in the day had put off people from attending.
The entertainment for the day included a magic show, fashion show and wearable art parade, shearing competitions, Omakau Fire Brigade display and a Jack Russell race.
Results:
Sheep: Supreme champion, Robbie Calder (Lauder Station), Merino; supreme champion ram, D. McLean, South Suffolk; supreme champion ewe, Robbie Calder, Merino.
Wool: Supreme and reserve fleece, A. D. and S. D. Patterson; champion stud fleece, Ida Valley Station; champion flock fleece, A. D. and S. D. Patterson; champion black fleece, A. Eckhoff.
Horses: Champion, Vicki Roberts (Shaddys Lad); reserve champion, Sharon Templeton (Zeus); supreme champion hack, Jo Dowling (Birchfield Integrity).
Pony: Supreme champion, Bailey Kennedy (Glen Cree Glizzard).
