Livestock judging: Young Merino fleece, Merino sheep finalists named

Find out who is competing in the national finals for the 2021 young Merino fleece and sheep competitions at the Ekka. SEE THE LIST

Erin Douglas will represent Victoria in the young judges competition at the Ekka next month.

The national finalists in the 2021 young Merino fleece and Merino sheep judging have been announced.

The group of 14 young judges will compete for the prestigious titles at next month’s Royal Brisbane Show.

The competition brings together the best young Merino fleece and sheep judges, aged between 15 to 25 in each state.

The national competition is held in a different location each year to promote livestock judging, parading and the industry as widely as possible throughout Australia.

Agricultural Shows of Australia chair Rob Wilson said the competition was designed to recognise and support the best new talent in judging livestock nationwide.

“These young people are the future of agricultural show competitions which are crucial to the continual improvement of Australia’s food and fibre. The national competition is a coveted opportunity to grow personally and professionally by practising skills against the cream of the crop,” Dr Wilson said.

MERINO FLEECE YOUNG JUDGES FINALISTS

Erin Douglas, from Mornington, will represent Victoria.

Hayden Baker, from Katanning, will represent Western Australia.

Will Hacker, from Muckadilla, will represent Queensland.

Matilda Scott, from Cleveland, will represent Tasmania.

Sophie Nuske, from Port Lincoln, will represent South Australia.

Clarissa Peasley, from Condobolin, will represent NSW.

Niamh Barnett, from Dannevirke, will represent New Zealand.

MERINO SHEEP YOUNG JUDGES FINALISTS

Ben Harwich, from Bullygrogran, will represent Victoria.

Sym Hood, from Longford, will represent Tasmania.

Kurt Richards, from Dowerin, will represent Western Australia.

Will Hacker, from Muckadilla, will represent Queensland.

Campbell Rubie, from Forbes, will represent NSW.

Robbie Harper, from Cheviot, will represent New Zealand.

Klay Smith, from Cowell, will represent South Australia.

Fleece judging.

Queensland Ag Shows president Kerri Robertson said the task of judging was a subjective one, based on selected production systems and changing market conditions.

“It is important that entrants are able to use their skills and articulate their approach. Our goal is to expand the knowledge and skills of the entrants, helping them as youthful individuals to develop their careers.”

Overall there are nine categories for judging and parading each year under the ASA national competition program: beef cattle, dairy cattle, alpaca, poultry, Merino sheep, meat sheep breed and Merino fleece judging, as well as parading competitions in beef and dairy cattle.

Qualification for the national finals is via success in regional and state competitions.

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