The nation’s top young judges across Merino fleece, meat breeds and Merino sheep have been announced at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Show as part of the Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) Young Judges and Paraders National Championship.
The National ASA Young Judges and Paraders Championships celebrates the best young talent aged 15 to 25 from each state. Following success in the regional and state competitions, entrants participate in the National Championship to vie for top honours.
This year, Queenslander Grace Hillier, 23, of St George was runner-up in the ASA Merino Fleece Young Judge competition, while Hannah Haupt, 21, from Sheldon placed second in the Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judges competition.
Meanwhile, West Australian Brendan Lamont of Tambellup claimed first place in the ASA Merino Fleece Young Judge.
The competition’s youngest competitor Christine Sutton from Cobbitty, NSW was awarded ASA Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judge winner and Bateson Pittman from Walcha, NSW won the ASA Merino Sheep Young Judge.
Judging involves competitors visually assessing livestock by comparing animals against each other and explaining their decision and, for fleece, identifying traits with high commercial value.
The competition involves skills in communication, public speaking and breed-specific knowledge.
Agricultural Shows Australia chairman Dr Rob Wilson praised the work of the young judges and their valuable contribution to the agricultural sector.
“The young judges play an important role in the future of Australian agriculture by identifying the best traits that will contribute to breeding the next generation of quality livestock,” Dr Wilson said.
“Congratulations to Brendan, Christine and Bateson on their judging prowess. It is a proud achievement and wonderful to see such a high calibre of young, enthusiastic competitors coming through the ranks.
“The future of agriculture is in good hands.”
MERINO FLEECE
Queenslander Grace Hillier, 23, from St George has placed second in the ASA Merino Fleece Young Judge competition.
Grace has been involved in her family sheep stud since childhood and has travelled to shows around Queensland.
Competing in Junior Judges and drawing on what she has learned from various judges, Grace used her experience to aid her decision-making in fleece and sheep competitions.
Brendan Lamont, 23, from Kojonup, WA won the ASA Merino Fleece Young Judge competition.
Growing up on a family farm with a fine wool Merino flock and now running his own Ile de France stud, Brendan brings first-hand experience to the competition, but was completely surprised with his win.
“I didn’t think I had a chance, it was a bit of a shock,” Brendan said.
“I was looking for sound fleece with high commercial value and it was a strong, viable round overall.
“Credit must go to all the competitors who made the competition worthwhile.”
For young people interested in judging, Brendan emphasised, “Listen to your teachers and get involved in industry programs.
“It’s good to be on-farm and learn on the job, but it’s equally important to gain knowledge and experience across all aspects of the supply chain.”
Reflecting on the challenges facing the WA sheep industry, he added: “It’s tough going for the sheep industry in WA right now, but we need more young people to get involved.
“The judging competition is a great learning opportunity.”
MEAT BREEDS
Hannah Haupt, 21, from Sheldon in Queensland has placed second in the Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judges competition.
Hannah’s journey into sheep showing began in 2015 when she joined her high school’s livestock show team in year seven.
Having grown up in Brisbane, this was her first experience with agriculture and she has honed her judging skills ever since, leading her to win the Queensland state finals in 2023.
Hannah, who has a degree in microbiology, says she enjoys working with sheep and learning about the industry.
“For example, why we judge sheep and why we want to breed for specific traits and how that benefits producers,“ she said.
“I’ve enjoyed judging competitively for a while and, because I am doing well at it, I’ve also become an associate judge in Queensland.
“I’ve gained a lot of confidence through judging, especially with public speaking.
“Also, to be able to justify my decisions while speaking is an important skill I’ve learned. And, also, just how important the sheep and agricultural industries are.“
Christine Sutton, 15, from Cobbitty, NSW was sashed winner of the ASA Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judge competition, an achievement made all the more impressive as this was her first time participating in the competition.
“This is my first year entering and I’m only 15,” Christine explained. “I had hoped to win at the state qualifier, but winning the nationals was a big shock, I wasn’t expecting to win.”
Christine’s family breeds Border Leicester sheep and she’s had a keen interest in the industry since her early days – she even attended the Canberra Royal when she was two weeks old.
“I started judging at school and I’m now a senior student helping to get younger students involved. I want to continue my judging experience and next year hope to qualify for the Merino sheep finals.”
Christine is eager to encourage other young people into judging.
“It’s such a great event with lots of opportunities.
“Don’t be scared, just get involved, you never know where you’ll end up.”
MERINO FLEECE
1. Western Australia – Brendan Lamont, Tambellup
2. Queensland – Grace Hillier, St George
3. Tasmania – Cally Spangler, Bagdad
MEAT BREEDS
1. New South Wales – Christine Sutton, Cobbitty
2. Queensland – Hannah Haupt, Sheldon
3. South Australia – Elsie Johnson, Peake
MERINO SHEEP
1. New South Wales – Bateson Pittman, Walcha.
2. Tasmania – Ashley Meaburn, Runnymede.
3. Victoria – Kasey Shields, Kolara.
