Championship judge Daniel Bacon with winner Luke Gardiner at the Royal Adelaide Show.
The Agricultural Shows Australia national championships at the Royal Adelaide Show saw the sashing of the country’s top young dairy judge — Luke Gardiner.
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Twenty-year-old Luke is studying agriculture at the University of Melbourne and grew up on a stud dairy farm at Nar Nar Goon, where his interest in breeding and showing cattle began.
He has developed a strong interest in judging, inspired by his father John Gardiner.
“Dad taught me everything I know and Mum jumped on a plane at the last minute to be here. It’s a blessing I was able to come,” Luke said.
“I started competing because I love judging and aspire to judge major shows across Australia and the world.”
Runner-up was awarded to William Dudfield, 22, from Somerset in Tasmania.
William has been around the show ring since he was three years old, and joined parader competitions at just nine.
Growing up on a dairy farm sparked his love for cattle, and even though he now works in civil construction, showing remains a big part of his life.
Championship judge Daniel Bacon with runner-up William Dudfield from Tasmania.
“I’m pretty pleased with myself, and might sneak back to the cattle sheds now to have a cold one with the cattle donors,” William said after the competition was complete.
Third place was awarded to Chris Thompson, 19, of Urrbrae in South Australia.
Chris grew up on a small family property, started showing dairy cattle while still at school and soon developed an interest that led him to establish his own Holstein and Jersey stud.
Throughout high school, Chris gained hands-on experience working on farms, and now in his first year at the University of Adelaide, he continues to show cattle at most South Australian events and some in Victoria.
His involvement in young judges competitions began at smaller country shows and quickly progressed — placing third at the South Australian final one year and taking out the top spot the next, before placing third nationally in this latest contest.
Open to competitors aged 15 to 25, the national championships showcase the best from each state, with entry earned through success at regional and state agricultural shows.
Championship judge Daniel Bacon with Chris Thompson from South Australia, who came third.
Agricultural Shows Australia chair Jacqueline Wilson-Smith said the championships showcase agricultural excellence, boost the industry and shine a light on outstanding achievements.
“These young competitors are the future of agricultural show competitions, which are so important to the growth of Australia’s food and fibre industries,” she said.
“The nationals are a fantastic opportunity for them to develop their skills, gain valuable experience, and go head-to-head with the best in the country.”
The national competition is sponsored by global livestock company Vytelle.
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