[MEDIA ALERT] South Australia claims victory in the 2025 Australian Young Farmer Challenge

State pride and serious skills were on full display as finalists from across Australia competed in the 2025 Australian Young Farmer Challenge. Teams of four young farmers, aged 18-30, representing New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia rolled up their sleeves at the Royal Adelaide Show and went head-to-head in a series of hands-on challenges that tested their skills, strength, smarts, and sense of humour.

FINAL RESULTS:

- Champions: South Australia

- Runner Up: Queensland 

- Third: Victoria

- Fourth: Western Australia

- Fifth: New South Wales

From fencing and first aid to problem-solving under pressure, these young guns proved that farming is a team sport - and that the future of agriculture is in capable hands.

"Spectators witnessed a whirlwind journey through a day in the life of a farmer," said Henry Scott of the host organisation SA Next Generation. "There was action aplenty - and ultimately, triumph for the South Australian team. It was high-energy and great entertainment throughout."

The competition showcased incredible skill, teamwork, and passion for Australian agriculture from all competitors, with each state bringing their unique strengths and rural expertise to the national stage.

The event was sponsored by Oztix, Australia's largest independent ticketing company. Founded in 2003, Oztix is an Australian owned and operated ticketing company, working with artists, venues, festivals and promoters. Kristen Goldup, Brand Director, Oztix, said the company was proud to support the event.

"There's nothing more exciting than watching the next generation of ag leaders rise to the challenge, and the Australian Young Farmer Challenge brings that energy in spades. Oztix is proud to back these bold, capable state legends, as they lead the future of agriculture with grit, smarts, and serious community spirit," she said.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA - CHAMPIONS

- Kahlia Jenke, 29 | Eudunda

- Robbie Ward, 30 | Sandy Creek 

- Jake Schmidt, 27 | Robertstown

- Samuel Doering, 25 | Neales Flat 

From fifth-generation farmer and Eudunda Show dynamo Kahlia Jenke, to tractor-pulling mechanic Robbie Ward, shearer-baker Jake Schmidt, and historian-PhD student Samuel Doering, this crew brought serious rural skills and unexpected talents (sponge cakes and saxophones included) to claim the national title.

QUEENSLAND - RUNNER UP

- Fraser McLardy, 23 | Sunshine Coast 

- Rebecca Roellgen, 22 | Brookstead

- Bella Mott, 22 | Toowoomba

- Cole Sutor, 21 | Sunshine Coast 

Four Queenslanders with very different backstories came together for glory in the 2025 Australian Young Farmer Challenge. Fraser McLardy is an AgriBanker who moved to Australia from South Africa and now has his eye on agtech venture capital. Rebecca Roellgen grew up on a cotton and grain farm, competes in equestrian and is studying dentistry. Fun fact: she only mastered a ratchet strap this year. Bella Mott is a barber with bush roots, big acting dreams and a soft spot for dagwood dogs at the Ekka. And Cole Sutor swapped the mountains of Canada for the Sunshine Coast, works in strategy consulting and runs a charity called Kicks for Kids, delivering sports gear to kids in need.

VICTORIA - THIRD PLACE

- Freyja Kenrick-Johnson, 24 | Melbourne

- Jeremy Rees, 23 | Wattle Glen

- Tess Runting, 26 | Mornington Peninsula

- Bahlin Wishart, 25 | Mornington Peninsula

Team Victoria brought determination from the high country and beyond. Jeremy Rees joined the team bringing a supply of energy (Jeremy is an electrician) while Freyja Kenrick-Johnson brought working dog expertise (she trains dogs for a living while training to be a primary school teacher). Bahlin Wishart is a trades subcontractor and musician who was talked into competing by his partner Tess Runting, only to discover he had a knack for it. Rounding out the team was Tess, a farm manager at the local high school and owner of her own Corriedale stud and livestock husbandry business.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA - FOURTH PLACE

- Oaklee Treasure, 23 | Beverley

- Ashlee Topham, 23 | Moora

- Damon Topham, 21| Moora

- Leah Taylor, 19 | Bindi Bindi

WA's team brought brains, banter and boots on the ground know-how to the national stage. Oaklee Treasure is a research agronomist and Rural Ambassador finalist, Ashlee and Damon Topham are siblings from Moora, and Leah Taylor from Bindi Bindi (population: 8) is a vet nurse with a deep love for agriculture.

NEW SOUTH WALES - FIFTH PLACE

- Claire Liversidge, 25 | Goulburn 

- Bronte Talbot, 27 | Lake Macquarie

- Lillian Floyd, 19 | Crookwell

- Mackenzie Shepherd, 18 | Goulburn

NSW was led by captain Claire Liversidge, a Merino wool maven from Goulburn who's been dancing for 21 years and competing in shows since she could walk. Bronte Talbot is a flautist, a drone-flying remote sensing scientist, and a decorated equestrian who's basically grown up at the Sydney Royal. Lillian Floyd from Crookwell wrangles 500 sheep, 15 racehorses, and a Welsh Cob named Teigr, all while studying science and planning a future in vet medicine. Rounding out the team was Mackenzie Shepherd, an 18-year-old third-generation cattle farmer and heavy diesel ag mechanic who was baling hay at 15.

For those considering getting involved in future competitions, Henry encouraged new faces to give it a go. "There's no prerequisite to enter, if you haven't competed before, just jump in. The challenges are usually demonstrated beforehand, so you're set up for success. There's no better time to get involved at your local show - we just might see you at Nationals next year."

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For more information, please contact Katie Stanley, Executive Officer, Agricultural Shows Australia: execofficer@agshowsaustralia.org.au | 0402 127 001.