Olivia Delaforce from Mt Beppo in Queensland was last month crowned champion young beef parader at the Melbourne Royal Show.
Mitchell Taylor from NSW, meanwhile, claimed champion young beef judge.
Olivia, 21, helps run her family’s Santa Gertrudis stud and also works for a large-scale Speckle Park stud in Oberon, NSW.
Parading cattle since she was around eight, Olivia’s experience and passion for the industry shone through her performance.
She was also crowned runner-up in the grains young judging competition.
Olilvia says she enjoys the friendships, competitive rivalry and learning new ways to show off cattle.
“Winning the 2023 Royal Brisbane Show State Finals has allowed me this incredible opportunity to compete at nationals,“ she says.
“Being around cattle and, more importantly, complying with cattle has taught me, patience, resilience, strength and even though there is always one winner, teamwork and the importance of good friends and the show community helps you get to the top.“
Olivia hopes to build a career in a rural industry. Although unsure of the direction, she is keen to continue judging and parading and teaching children the benefits of these agricultural events.
“I also enjoy the aspect of breeding beef cattle , like good genetics, good food, good environment and good temperament so a career along those lines would be cool too!“
The Beef Paraders and Young Judges Championships brings together the best young paraders and judges, aged 15 to 25, from each state to compete at the national finals.
Qualification is through success in competitive regional and state competitions.
Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) executive officer Katie Stanley, expressed immense pride in the calibre of young paraders and judges that were on display.
“This prestigious competition showcased finalists who not only possess immense talent, but whose evident passion and dedication for the agricultural industry is truly admirable,“ she said.
“These young people are the future of agricultural show competitions and future industry leaders who have made themselves, their families and their communities very proud.“
Champions Olivia Delaforce and Mitchell Taylor now join a prestigious list of young paraders and judges who have proven their abilities on the national stage.
