The underway National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship.
AWI supports the National Merino Fleece and Merino Sheep Young Judges Championships to help bring through the next generation of young judges and Merino breeders.
Continuing its backing of previous years, AWI was once again the national supporter of both the National Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship and the National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship, held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April. Due to the cancellation of last year's competition due to COVID restrictions, this year's event hosted both the 2021 and the 2022 national finals.
"AWI sponsors the events to support young people within the industry to further their skills through visual selection and appraisal of wool and sheep," AWI CEO John Roberts said.
"By providing the opportunity to broaden their experiences and knowledge base through competition, the finalists become ambassadors for the wool industry. AWI is proud to support this program and many others like it encouraging the youth of our industry."
The Young Judges Championships are for people aged between 15 and 25 and are helping to train the next generation of young judges and livestock breeders. To participate in these National Championships, the competitors must first have won their own state finals.
Participants demonstrate their skills in communication, public speaking and breed and industry specific knowledge. They also get a chance to strengthen career opportunities through networking with colleagues and key industry stakeholders.
The top 3 in the 2022 National Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship.
The National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship for 2022 was won by Patrick Davis (18) of Harden in NSW, ahead of runner-up Ashley Meaburn (20) from Runnymede in Tasmania, with Phillipa Hacker (24) of Muckadilla in Queensland in third.
The 2021 competition was won by Ben Hartwich (22) from near Ararat in Victoria, ahead of runner-up Campbell Rubie (18) of Forbes in NSW, with Sym Hood (19) of Longford in Tasmania in third.
Competitors were required to judge four rams and four ewes. They then had to explain their placing of either the rams or ewes.
The National Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship for 2022 was won by Jessica Kastelein (17) of Inverell in NSW, ahead of runner-up Oaklee Treasure (20) from Cunderdin in WA, with Phillipa Hacker (24) of Muckadilla in Queensland in third.
The 2021 competition was won by Matilda Scott (22) from Cleveland in Tasmania, ahead of runner-up Clarissa Peasley (19) of Condobolin in NSW, with Hayden Baker (23) of Katanning WA in third.
Competitors were required to judge two classes of four fleeces each (eight in total) and then explain their placing of one of the classes.
