THE future of the stud cattle judging competition in Australia is bright with 308 competitors participating in the year's Farm and Garden Products Young Judges competition at Beef Australia on Friday morning.
The competition was split into three rings at the Rockhampton showgrounds with three judges: Josh Heck, Rockhampton, judging the Limousins' (16-17 years), Brent Evens, Kingaroy, judging the Brahmans' (13-14yrs and 15 years) and Julie Pocock-Iseppi, judging the Droughtmasters (18 years older and 12yrs and under).
After several rounds of competition, the champion trophy went north of Rockhampton to Ridgelands, with competitor Maddison Rose, Danami Brahmans, scoring the highest aggregate points in the whole competition..
Maddison placed first in the 16-17 years age group, where she spoke on a junior Limousin bull class.
Ms Rose has been judging cattle since 2019 and she said she was very surprised to win the Young Judges Champion trophy at Beef.
"It feels amazing. I seriously did not ever think that I would get this far, but I'm very thankful for this opportunity and everyone that has helped me especially my Dad," Ms Rose said.
"Also, the local show societies around here, I wouldn't have achieved this result if it wasn't for you guys."
Maddison was presented with the Beef Australia Angus and Vicki Lane perpetual trophy for 'Best Junior Judge' by Don Bellert, Rockhampton, who has been a volunteer at Beef since 1988.
Competition coordinator Tania Sainsbury, Tanic Charolais, Glandore, Monto congratulated the more than 300 young judges who participating in the stud judges competition.
"Thank you to all the schools that have made the effort to be able to come and let the kids have a go on this competition," Ms Sainsbury said.
"I know first and foremost that you know this is a wonderful opportunity to be able to get young people out and about in the industry and improving their public speaking."