[MEDIA ALERT] Victoria wins prestigious national championship for young dairy paraders; South Australia takes runner up

The finalists in Agricultural Shows Australia's national championship for young dairy paraders have traveled from around the nation to compete in the prestigious class, having qualified to represent their states.

Today, at the Royal Adelaide Show, Sienna Ross, 17, Katamatite was the victorious young parader ahead of William Phillpot, 19, Murray Bridge, under championship judge Daniel Bacon. 

Sienna is a proud first-generation dairy farm kid growing up milking cows, rearing calves, and driving tractors. Now in Year 12 and School Captain at Sacred Heart College Yarrawonga, Sienna hopes to one day become a qualified embryo technician. She also competed last year where she was awarded runner up. 

"My family definitely are the main reason I now have such a love for showing dairy. I have dad's love of cows, mum's support and her determination for me to succeed, my brother's skills building all my new gear, and my sister by my side at all the shows to learn new things."

"I grew up on a dairy farm and started with American cattle with my family which we run together."

When asked about winning, Sienna said, "I'm pretty stoked, not many words I can say to be honest."

She received a halter from Goulburn-based store, The Cattle Shop.

Runner up was William Phillpot, 19, Murray Bridge representing South Australia.

Showing dairy cows has been a big part of William's life since age 12, when he attended the SA Dairy Youth Camp and met mentor Bridget Liebelt. Today, William regularly shows top-quality stock alongside Bridget at local and interstate events, and works at Daish Irrigation and Fodder in his hometown.

"I can't believe it," William said after the competition was run, "I never thought I would make it this far and I guess if you keep trying and keep practicing you can make it to achieve your goals."

"I started competing with dairy cattle at a young age, with what started as a small hobby, quickly grew into a lifelong passion and skill. My dedication and willingness to learn helped me progress my talent and skills into the show ring. I have had so many amazing opportunities to compete in handlers classes, with much success along the way."

Third place was awarded to Patrick English, 20, Malanda representing Queensland.

Patrick has been hands-on with the preparation and presentation of his family's large show teams from a young age. He works full-time at the Mareeba Saleyards and part-time on the family's dairy farm. A standout moment in his show career was the Royal Queensland Show when his family claimed both Supreme Intermediate Female and Supreme Champion Cow in 2019.

"My family are multi-generational dairy farmers and have exhibited dairy cows at every Malanda Show since 1916. Our family has always been competitive - with six siblings there is always competition - and I have enjoyed parading animals since I could walk.

Open to competitors aged 15-25, the championships showcase the best from each state, with entry earned through success at regional and state agricultural shows. It features competitions in Young Judges (beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat breeds sheep, poultry), Paraders (beef and dairy cattle), the Australian Young Farmers Challenge, and the National Rural Ambassador Award.

Held in a different part of Australia each year, Jacqueline (Jac) Wilson-Smith, Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia, said the championships showcase agricultural excellence, boost the industry, and shine a light on outstanding achievements.

"These young competitors are the future of agricultural show competitions, which are so important to the growth of Australia's food and fibre industries. The nationals are a fantastic opportunity for them to develop their skills, gain valuable experience, and go head-to-head with the best in the country," she said. 

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Media contact: Katie Stanley, Executive Officer, Agricultural Shows Australia: execofficer@agshowsaustralia.org.au