The competition will go on; Ag Shows Australia announces new dates for finals

Agricultural Shows Australia today confirmed that the 2021 National Championships for Young Judges and Rural Ambassadors will be hosted at the 2022 Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The competitions, which see 70 people under the age of 25 selected to represent their state and compete in one of ten competition from poultry judging to dairy cattle parading, were scheduled to be held at this year’s Royal Queensland Show, The Ekka, which would be on now, was cancelled days prior to the opening due to Covid-19 restrictions in South East Queensland.

Agricultural Shows Australia Executive Officer Katie Stanley said that several options were considered prior to the decision to postpone the national finals.

“Our priority is our duty of care to competitors, sponsors and volunteers and with the support of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS of NSW), Queensland National Competitions Organising Committee and the Agricultural Societies Council of NSW; the decision was unanimous that Sydney Royal should host the National Finals next year,’” Ms Stanley said.

This decision now means that both the 2021 and 2022 National Championships will be held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show 8 – 19 April 2022.

“Agricultural Shows Australia, RAS of NSW, ASC of NSW and Queensland Ag Shows will endeavour to make sure all competitors gain the most out of the experience of competing in a National Championship.”

More details on this will be circulated as the event approaches.

“Rescheduling the event will allow recognition of the skills and expertise that these Young Judges and Rural Ambassadors possess along with countless opportunities in terms of development and networking.”

“The decision to reschedule reflects the commitment of Agricultural Shows Australia to ensuring the longevity of agricultural shows, education and involving the next generation of enthusiasts.”

The ten competitions are:

● National Rural Ambassador finals

● Beef Cattle Judging

● Dairy Cattle Judging

● Merino Sheep Judging | Sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation

● Meat Sheep Breeds Judging

● Merino Fleece Judging | Sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation

● Beef Cattle Parading

● Dairy Cattle Parading

● Poultry Judging | Sponsored by Australian Eggs

● Alpaca (Animal and Fleece)