[MEDIA RELEASE] Top of the crops: NSW’s Emily Taylor crowned Champion Young Grain Judge at 2024 Melbourne Royal Show

The National Grains Young Judges Championship has crowned its 2024 winner at the Melbourne Royal Show, marking the culmination of months of intense competition. 

Emily Taylor from Quipolly, NSW, demonstrated a sophisticated ability to assess grain quality, outshining competitors from across Australia.

As part of the Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) Young Judges Championships, the national competition brought together the best young agricultural talent, each selected after rigorous state and regional finals. 

Sponsored by Lawson Grains, the competition tested not only on the young judges' ability to evaluate grain quality but also their oral presentation skills.

Currently a second-year Bachelor of Rural Science student at the University of New England, Emily also runs her own stud, Eclipse Poll Herefords, and serves as the chief beef cattle steward at the Quirindi Show. 

She has competed in a wide range of young judging competitions, including beef cattle, grains, fruit and vegetable and Merino fleece, highlighting her passion for the industry.

Runner-up Olivia Delaforce, 21, hails from Mt Beppo, Queensland, and competes in both grain judging and beef parading. 

Zoe Skinner, 19, from Woogenellup, Western Australia, placed third and also competes in both categories. Other talented finalists included South Australia's Emily Chambers, Tasmania's Matilda Scott and Victoria's Ruby Gow. 

ASA's Katie Stanley expressed her pride in all the participants, saying, "This is an extremely prestigious competition that highlights the talent and dedication of Australia's young agriculturalists."

"These young people are the future of agricultural show competitions and I commend them on their performances today," she added. 

Emily Taylor now joins a prestigious list of young judges who have proven their abilities on the national stage.

For more information on the ASA Young Judges Championships and the national competition program, visit: https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/youth-in-agriculture/national-championships/
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