Toowoomba woman to represent Queensland in National Ag competition

A line-up of talented women have come out on top statewide and will be competing in a national youth Ag competition. Representing Queensland, a Toowoomba woman said she is amazed to see the growth in the industry for women like her.

Jaime Colley at the 2024 Queensland State Sheep Show in Blackall.

After giving merino fleece judging a go last year, a Toowoomba woman who was inspired by her mum, will be representing Queensland in the National Competition.

Growing up on a sheep and cattle property in Texas, Jaime Colley, 24, had been brought up surrounded by strong women in agriculture and after living in Brisbane for six years while studying law and creative industries she knew she wanted to get back to the land.

Last year she went out to the Blackall Show for work with AgForce Queensland, and after a few of the stewards pushed her to try fleece judging, she won the event.

She has gone on to win local and state competitions, and will now be representing Queensland in the National Championships.

This year’s six national young fleece judging finalists are all women.

“Get it girls,” she said.

“It really goes to show that we are here, we’re keen, we’re dedicated, and we’re putting our hands up to get involved.

“Agriculture has been very male-dominated historically and traditionally, but I think now that’s changing.”

Ms Colley said women have always played a role in agriculture but now they are being louder and becoming more recognised.

“Women have probably always been getting involved but now we’re getting involved in ways that are at the forefront,” she said.

“Women aren’t afraid to take up those opportunities.

“Now there’s nothing at all holding them back.”

Ms Colley said she was inspired by the powerful women in her life, but particularly her mum who was a wool classer.

“This is something that has been such a big part of her life for a really long time,” she said.

“It was a win for me but it was a win for her too.”

Agricultural Shows Australia Executive Officer Katie Stanley said it’s amazing to see a group of women making up the Young Finalists, something that hasn’t always been the trend in the agricultural industry.

“This year it’s quite amazing, and even in our rural ambassadors we only have one gentleman, which again is not normal,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to see so many young women interested in being in the industry.”

Ms Stanley said the finalists went up against hundreds of others starting at a local level, then state, and now national.

“It is quite an achievement,” she said.

“The whole point of these competitions is to give these young people a platform.

“We’re providing judges for the future.”

The six finalists will compete at the Royal Adelaide Show which goes from August 30 to September 7.

Find out more at theshow.com.au.