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[PRESS RELEASE] Australia's top young sheep judges crowned at the Ekka today

Announcement posted by Writers Who 08 Aug 2026

Australia's top young sheep judges have been crowned on day two of the 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia National Young Judges and Paraders Championships at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).

 

Merino Sheep Young Judges sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation and National Council of Wool Selling Brokers

Winner: Angus Knox, 20, Conargo, New South Wales

Growing up on his family's farm near Conargo, Angus developed an interest in livestock through working with Merino sheep and Angus cattle. He began jackarooing with Wanganella and Poll Boonoke Merino Stud after leaving school and got into Merino sheep shows and junior judging competitions.

Angus is an overseer at Burrabogie for Australian Food & Agriculture and has competed at major sheep shows across Australia, including Adelaide, Bendigo and Dubbo. 

"I have been very lucky to have industry legends to mentor me and support my journey since leaving school. They have taught me so much and I am grateful to their time and knowledge they continue to pass onto me," Angus said.

Second: Ryan Philp, 16, Manoora, South Australia

Ryan Philp is a Year 11 student (and self-described cricket tragic) raised on a cropping and Merino sheep operation. Ryan got his start in agricultural shows through the South Australian School Merino Wether Challenge at the Royal Adelaide Show and has since competed in young judges competitions across South Australia. 

"It's amazing to come away with runner up especially as I look to pursue a career within the Merino industry. I would like to thank my family and mentors in the industry who have helped me so far on this journey," Ryan said.

 

Merino Fleece Young Judges sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation and National Council of Wool Selling Brokers

Winner:  Taylor Kain, 17, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Taylor Kain spent her early childhood in Melbourne, but when her family moved to the Mornington Peninsula at age 11 she immediately joined the school-based Flinders Sheep Show Team and discovered her love for animals.   

Today, the Year 11 student mentors younger students and has recently started her own small sheep flock, with plans to grow into stud breeding. Taylor hopes to work in agriculture-based education, helping the next generation of young show competitors.

"This win means so much to me. I hope that all the kids on the Flinders Sheep Show Team that I mentor see this win for them as well," Taylor said.

Second: Megan Bird, 22, Western Creek, Tasmania

Megan Bird never planned to work in agriculture but she's now built a career around wool, working full-time as a wool handler for the past four years. She is studying an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management and a Certificate IV in Wool Classing at Longerenong College in Victoria. 

"Coming to the National Championships has been a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections. I am currently completing my wool classing certificate and I look forward to continuing in the industry," Megan said. 

 

Meat Sheep Breeds Young Judges 

Winner: Jessica Gregory, 20, Bittern, Victoria

Jessica Gregory grew up on a family farm and began showing sheep through her school's sheep stud at age 13. She's been working on qualification for the national championships since she was 15. Jessica works in the cropping industry in Victoria's Wimmera region.

"Lots of hard years of work. I have travelled to NZ and many mentors along the way. It has been a great experience and very encouraging for the next generation," Jessica said.

Second: Charlotte Poker, 23, Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Charlotte Poker found her way into agriculture through sheep showing at Urrbrae Agricultural High School and went on to complete a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide. 

She now works with Thomas Foods International as a Livestock Administrator, while still staying involved in shows and associate judging across South Australia.

"This award means a lot. I have competed for five years in South Australia in this competition and I am delighted to represent the state in this competition today," Charlotte said.

 

The 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia National Young Judges and Paraders Championships is at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) until 10 August.

Australia's best young judges and paraders compete across beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat sheep and poultry, alongside the Australian Young Farmer Challenge and National Rural Ambassador Award.

Competitors qualified through regional and state championships, with this year's national finals hosted by Queensland Agricultural Shows.

Agricultural Shows Australia Chair Jacqueline Wilson-Smith said the championships celebrate the next generation of agricultural leaders and highlight the important role shows play in developing skills and industry connections.

"These young competitors have earned their place through months of competition, and the national championships give them the chance to test themselves against the best in Australia," Jacqueline said.

"Agricultural shows have always been about learning, mentoring and creating opportunities. The experience these young people gain here will stay with them throughout their careers and help strengthen Australia's food and fibre industries."

 

Previous winners

Merino Fleece Young Judges

  • 2025 Olivia Baker, TAS
  • 2024 Brendan Lamont, WA
  • 2023 Tess Runting, VIC

Meat Sheep Breeds Young Judges

  • 2025 Miranda McGuifficke, NSW
  • 2024 Christine Sutton, NSW
  • 2023 Kate-Elizabeth Worth, QLD

Merino Sheep Young Judges

  • 2025 Tiffany Maestrale, VIC
  • 2024 Bateson Pittman, NSW
  • 2023 Lindsay Brown, NSW

More information

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