Judging championships foster young talent
AWI supports the National Merino Fleece and Merino Sheep Young Judges Championships to help bring through the next generation of young judges and Merino breeders.
Continuing its backing of previous years, AWI was once again the national supporter of both the National Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship and the National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship, run by Agricultural Shows of Australia and held this year at the Launceston Royal Show in October.
“AWI sponsors the events to support young people within the industry to further their skills through visual selection and appraisal of wool and sheep. By providing the opportunity to broaden their experiences and knowledge base through competition, the finalists become ambassadors for the wool industry,” AWI CEO John Roberts said.
The Young Judges Championships are for people aged between 15 and 25 and help to train the next generation of young judges and livestock breeders. To participate in the National Championships, the competitors must first have won their own state finals.
Participants demonstrate their skills in communication, public speaking and breed and industry specific knowledge. They also get a chance to strengthen career opportunities through networking with colleagues and key industry stakeholders.
Chairman of Agricultural Shows Australia, Dr Rob Wilson, underscored the competitions’ significance: “These young talents represent the future of agricultural shows, crucial for the continual enhancement of Australia's food and fibre. This national competition offers an invaluable chance to hone skills against the best in the field,” he said.
National Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship
Winner Tess Runting from Victoria.
The National Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship was won by Tess Runting (24) of Mount Eliza in Victoria, ahead of Monte Barnes (22) from Hay in NSW in second place, with Cody Jones (19) of Leighton in South Australia in third.
The other finalists were Libby Hardingham (16) of Murradup in WA, Sym Hood (20) of Longford in Tasmania, and Angus Hacker (20) of Roma in Queensland.
Competitors were required to judge two classes of four fleeces each (eight in total) and then explain their placing of one of the classes.
“The win is pretty special as it’s my last national finals. I am proud that I can take the win home to inspire more young people,” said Tess Runting representing Victoria.
“My journey into agriculture started in high school where I had some great mentors and it’s come full circle as I’m now a farm manager at Flinders Christian Community College where I’m so lucky to be involved and help students in the same way I was.
“As a kid, junior judging can seem nerve racking, but I’m able to say to my students, ‘I’ve done it and it's taken me all over the country and given me amazing opportunities’. It's also allowed me to bring back ideas that I now use in my local shows, Pakenham and Red Hill.”
National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship
Winner Lindsay Brown from NSW.
Lindsay Brown (22) of Armidale in NSW won the National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship ahead of runner-up Zoe Wilson (20) from Ouyen in Victoria, and James Hillier (22) of St George in Queensland in third place.
The other finalists were Cody Jones (19) of Leighton in South Australia, Sym Hood (20) of Longford in Tasmania, and Tamara Keens (18) from Wembley in WA.
Competitors were required to judge four rams and four ewes. They then had to explain their placing of either the rams or ewes.
“Being given the opportunity to compete at this elite level in another state is an honour. I’m just grateful to be a part of it and learn so much along the way,” said winner Lindsay Brown representing NSW.
“I’ve been involved in junior judging since high school and building towards winning at [the state championships at Sydney for a few years so that was amazing, but the biggest thing I've gained is public speaking skills and the confidence to help me refine where I want to go in the sheep and wool space.”
More information: www.agshowsaustralia.org.au
This article appeared in the December 2023 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
