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 partake in the National Championship to vie for top honours.   

This year, West Australian Brendan Lamont of Tambellup took out 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.  

Sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation, the Merino sheep and fleece events showcase the next generation of industry leaders. 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 explained. 

"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."    

The National ASA Young Judges and Paraders Championships features nine categories for judging and parading across beef cattle, dairy cattle, grains, poultry, Merino sheep, meat breed sheep and Merino fleece judging, as well as parading competitions in beef and dairy cattle. 

RESULTS 

Agricultural Shows Australia Merino Fleece Young Judge

Winner: Brendan Lamont, WA 

Runner Up: Grace Hillier, QLD

Third: Cally Spangler, TAS 

Finalists: Alison West, SA; Tiffany Maestrale, VIC; Zara Kesby, NSW.

Brendan Lamont (23) from Kojonup, WA took out first place in 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."

Agricultural Shows Australia Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judge

Winner: Christine Sutton, NSW

Runner Up: Hannah Haupt, QLD

Third: Elsie Johnson, SA

Finalists: Lexie Heinrich, VIC; Zarah Squires, WA.

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."  

Agricultural Shows Australia Merino Sheep Young Judge 

Winner: Bateson Pittman, NSW

Runner Up: Ashley Meaburn, TAS

Third: Kasey Shields, VIC

Finalists: Flynn Bolt, WA; Beau Maddern, SA; Grace Hillier, QLD. 

Bateson Pittman (17) from Walcha, NSW was awarded the 2024 ASA Merino Sheep Young Judge, a proud achievement for the aspiring next generation leader. Bateson is the sixth generation on his family's superfine Merino stud, he has been a competitive young judge for five years. 

"It's a respected competition and highly recognised within the industry. I really enjoy the sheep judging and show circuit, winning the competition certainly gives you a leg up for future judging opportunities," Bateson said. 

Bateson encourages anyone with a general interest in agriculture to follow their passions. "Go for it, make yourself known, be part of the industry, enter competitions, learn and develop your skills. There's so many different paths to take, no matter your background or interests." 

L-R: Kasey Shields, VIC, Bateson Pittman, NSW and Ashley Meaburn, TAS. 

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