AUSTRALIA's five best young poultry judges have been named to compete at the Ekka on August 7-9.
The finalists are:
- Queensland - Michael English, 17, Nanango.
- NSW - Olivia Broughton, 19, Camden.
- Western Australia - Thomas Spencer, 19, Bullsbrook.
- South Australia - Emmeline Vivian, 23, Cowirra.
- Tasmania - Georgia Weavell, 26, Campania.
Queensland representative Michael English first entered the competition for young judges at the Ekka four years ago.
"I really enjoyed the experience judging many different birds," said Michael, who now works as stationhand on Wahcumba, between St George and Mitchell.
"Travelling around to different shows and judging has become a real passion of mine.
"It's a great way to meet new people and learn so much from experienced breeders."
Queensland Ag Shows president Kerri Robertson said the competitors placed results and were compared to experienced judges.
"After careful inspection and consideration the over-judges assess the competitors oral presentation in combination with the competitor judging results to determine a winner," Mr Robertson said.
There are nine categories for judging and parading each year under the ASA national competition program: beef cattle, dairy cattle, alpaca, poultry, Merino sheep, meat sheep breed and Merino fleece judging, as well as parading competitions in beef and dairy cattle.
The national competition is organised by the Agricultural Shows of Australia, which oversees the nation's 572 agricultural shows.
Agricultural shows attract some six million visitors annually and contribute nearly $1 billion to the national economy.
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