[PRESS RELEASE] Queensland sweeps young farmer and poultry judging national titles at the Ekka, Victoria triumphs in dairy and grain

From the dairy ring to the grain table, Australia's brightest young agricultural talent took centre stage at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), with Queensland's home state taking out two national titles yesterday and Victoria sweeping three more today.

Poultry Young Judges

Winner: Hayley Walker, 23, Cedar Vale, QLD
Hayley Walker is the first generation in her family to have a strong passion for agriculture. She's involved in breeding and showing poultry but also has an interest in the beef cattle industry.
Hayley's an active supporter of breed club shows, including the Indian Game Club of Australia and Pekin Bantam Club of Queensland events, as well as the Ipswich Poultry Club show.
Hayley believes agricultural shows play an important role in opening doors for people from all backgrounds to build connections and lifelong involvement in the industry.
"This win means a great deal to me. I am the first generation of my family to be involved in the poultry industry. I have spent a lot of time breeding, showing and revising the breed standards to get to this position today," Hayley said.

Second: Bryson Lee, 17, Maclean, NSW
Bryson Lee has been raised around chooks since day one. He's a fourth generation poultry enthusiast and his grandfather and father have shared everything they know. Bryson's been the Sydney Royal Poultry Young Judges champion for two years running.
"I am grateful for this place today. I love all things poultry and want to continue into the industry mentoring the younger generation as well," Bryson said.

Australian Young Farmer Challenge

The Australian Young Farmer Challenge saw teams of four young farmers aged 18-35 compete in a fast-paced relay of farm tasks, including fencing, wool handling, first aid and livestock skills.
Queensland took out the win on home turf with team members Piper Christiansen, Lawrence (Larry) Schmish-Lahey, Montana Sanderson and Parker Dean.
The Queensland team's title didn't come easily. They completed the challenge three times that day, first winning the state challenge, then backing it up with wins in both the opening heat and the grand final of the national competition.
New South Wales was awarded second place with team members Kate Bourke, Blake Calderon, Cassie Bush and Jim Watts. Also competing were Western Australia with team members Jake Davies, Zachary Antonio, Sean Sandercock and Andrea Sandercock; and South Australia with team members Katherine Thiele, Charles Thiele, Nathan Lush and Katie Bell.
OzTix, Australia's largest independent ticketer, backing local venues, events and communities since 2003, sponsored this year's challenge.

Dairy Cattle Young Paraders

Winner: Abbie Hanks, 20, Cobden, VIC
Abbie Hanks began showing dairy cattle with her family's Wellcoora Holsteins stud at the age of eight, following in her mum's footsteps.
In 2023 her Red Holstein, Elmar Mirand Farlex, was crowned Junior Champion at International Dairy Week.
"It was a really tough class, the heifers and the overjudge really made us work. I am very proud of winning the National Dairy Parader class as I have always aspired to achieve this national title," Abbie said.

Runner-up: Chris Thompson, 19, Mitcham, SA
His first ever show experience was at the Royal Adelaide Show, with Mount Pleasant Show marking his debut as an exhibitor.
"I fell in love with agriculture through my grandparents' property and have never looked back since," Chris said.
In 2025 he represented South Australia in young judges at the Royal Adelaide Show. His highlight so far is winning Grand Champion Heifer at the 2026 SA Calf Day.
"Being awarded reserve in this national competition is a highlight for me. It's exciting to be over here representing my state of South Australia and I am thankful for the mentors and family who have helped me get to this level of competition," Chris said.

Dairy Cattle Young Judges

Winner: Mikaela Daniel, 21, Nathalia, VIC
Mikaela Daniel has been showing and judging dairy cattle from a young age. Now working in real estate, she's still involved in the dairy sector and enjoys getting to International Dairy Week.
Some of her fondest show memories are of competing at the Royal Melbourne Show, and winning her first handlers class.
"It's definitely not something I expected. I used to be quite scared to get on the microphone so I am quite proud of this achievement," Mikaela said.

Second: Molly Klasen, 17, Tamworth, NSW
Inspired by her grandparents' dairy farm, Molly Klasen began competing in dairy judging through school and has since built an impressive resume in both dairy and beef cattle. Now in Year 11, Molly is busy with two part-time jobs at Browns Dairy and local fruit shop Paradise Farm Markets. She won the Dairy Cattle Young Judges at the Sydney Royal Easter Show after steadily improving over three years.
"This award is very special. I feel like I am giving something back to my grandparents who have just shut their dairy but they are still very passionate about the dairy industry," Molly said.

Grain Young Judges

Winner: Hollianne Hallam, 16, Wonwondah, VIC
Fifth-generation grain farmer Hollianne Hallam has been driving a header during harvest since she was 10-years-old. Hollianne is completing Year 11 at St Brigid's College as well as a school-based apprenticeship in agriculture on her family farm, while also studying automotive skills through VET.
A long-time supporter of agricultural shows, Hollianne previously exhibited poultry before earning selection as a Grain Young Judges finalist.
"It is very special to win this award. My brother insisted I take part and I am so glad he made me do it. It has been an amazing experience and learning curve," Hollianne said.

Second: Brooke Emery, 22, Brisbane, QLD
Brooke Emery runs her own doggy daycare business and works as an agricultural assistant at Burpengary State Secondary College.
Although she grew up in Brisbane's suburbs, Brooke has been competing in judging events at the Ekka since she was 13-years-old.
"It feels really amazing especially competing against others who come from a grains background," Brooke said.

The competition is sponsored by Lawson Grains. 

The 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia National Young Judges and Paraders Championships are being held at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).
Australia's best young judges and paraders compete across beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat breeds 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 (Jac) 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," she 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

Poultry Young Judges
2025 Josh Hancock, VIC
2024 Shikira Stebhens, QLD
2023 Michael Lloyd, VIC
2022 Georgia Kirkby, NSW
2021 Michael English, QLD

Australian Young Farmer Challenge
2025 South Australia
2024 Western Australia
2023 South Australia
2022 Queensland
2021 New South Wales (virtually due to COVID)

Dairy Cattle Young Paraders
2025 Sienna Ross, VIC
2024 Lucy Newman, SA
2023 Olivia Lambkin, NSW

Dairy Cattle Young Judges
2025 Luke Gardiner, VIC
2024 Patrick English, QLD
2023 Brittany Liebich, SA

Grain Young Judges
2025 Caitlyn Grieve, VIC
2024 Emily Taylor, NSW

More information

Young poultry judges: https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/educational-resources-teachers/poultry-judging/

Australian Young Farmer Challenge: https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/youth-in-agriculture/australian-young-farmer-challenge/

Dairy Cattle Young Paraders: https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/educational-resources-teachers/dairy-cattle-parading/

Dairy Cattle Young Judges: https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/educational-resources-teachers/dairy-cattle-judging/

Grain Young Judges: https://agshowsaustralia.org.au/educational-resources-teachers/grain-judging/

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