“The depth of quality across the competition was exceptional,” Mr Davies said.
“A great group of young people, showing passion and ability to explain cattle. If this is the future of the industry, it is in great hands.”
Candina began competing in junior judging in 2018 with her school team, and has loved it ever since. Now a school teacher, Candina has had many show ring successes, including taking out Grand Champion Herdsman at the Tasmanian Junior Beef Expo with her foundation female, Quarterway Pythia.
Runner-up was awarded to Barnawartha’s Matilda Sullivan, who hails from a farming family producing Hereford and Murray Grey cattle, 1500 free-range Isa Brown hens and an olive tree harvest.
She first competed in her local show at age nine with her primary school show team. From there, Matilda took her own Hereford cattle to local shows before progressing to royal shows where she competed individually and for other studs.
At just 16, she’s still exploring the possibilities for her future.
“I’m really, really happy and didn’t expect it as I’m so young,” Matilda said at the presentation.
“When I saw the cattle, I just judged them and it felt natural.
"In 10 years’ time I hope to have completed my ag science course and either have a job in livestock genetic science or agronomy, and be actively working in the industry. I still aim to run my Hereford and Murray Grey studs and I still want to be showing."
Third place went to Queensland’s Alexandra Olive, 19. Alexandra grew up on her family’s mixed beef and cropping enterprise in central Queensland, where her love for agriculture — especially the red meat industry — was sparked early.
The competition is sponsored by Cattle Australia.
