[MEDIA ALERT] Victoria wins Vytelle national young dairy judges championship; Tasmania takes runner up

The Agricultural Shows Australia national championships at the Royal Adelaide Show saw the sashing of the champion young dairy judge Luke Gardiner, 20, Nar Nar Goon ahead of finalists from around the nation. 

Luke is studying agriculture at the University of Melbourne and has grown up on a stud dairy farm, where his interest in breeding and showing cattle began. He's developed a strong interest in judging, inspired by his dad John Gardiner, who Luke says taught him everything he knows about judging and dairy cattle. 

"Dad taught me everything I know and mum jumped on a plane at the last minute to be here. It's a blessing I was able to come," Luke said.

"I started competing because I love judging and aspire to judge major shows across Australia and the world."

The national competition is sponsored by global precision livestock company, Vytelle, reshaping how cattle producers worldwide optimise their herds.

Runner up was awarded to William Dudfield, 22, Somerset representing Tasmania. 

William has been part of the show ring since he was three years old, and joined paraders competitions at just nine. 

Growing up on a dairy farm sparked his love for cattle, and even though he now works in civil construction, showing remains a big part of his life. 

"I'm pretty pleased with myself, and might sneak back to the cattle sheds now to have a cold one with the cattle donors," William said after the competition was complete. 

Third place was awarded to Chris Thompson, 19, Urrbrae representing South Australia. 

Chris grew up on a small family property, started showing dairy cattle through school and soon developed an interest that led him to establish his own Holstein and Jersey stud. 

Throughout high school, Chris gained hands-on experience working on farms, and now in his first year at the University of Adelaide, he continues to show cattle at most South Australian events and some in Victoria.  

His involvement in young judges competition began at smaller country shows and quickly progressed - placing third at the South Australian final one year and taking out the top spot the next, before placing third nationally today.

Open to competitors aged 15-25, the national 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.

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," Jac said. 

Learn more about the competition here. https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/educational-resources-teachers/dairy-cattle-judging/ 

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