Other National Dairy Cattle Young Judges Championship contenders are:
Patrick English, 19, Malanda, Queensland
Patrick has lived all his life on a dairy farm and is following in the steps of his family which has exhibited Illawarra cows at the local show for 108 consecutive years.
More recently they have moved into Jersey and Holsteins.
Patrick has qualified for the judging in Melbourne and also the parading which will be held in Adelaide in 2025.
“It is a pretty big honour to be representing Queensland and it is the highlight of my dairy career so far,” he said.
“I grew up showing cows as a little kid and still love it.”
Bridget Liebelt, 25, Meadows, South Australia
Bridget started her own stud Torlea Holsteins and Ayrshires in 2014.
She has more than 50 animals that she breeds from and shows at the Royal Adelaide Show and International Dairy Week.
"I live and breathe dairy, having been raised on my parents’ dairy farm in Meadows, SA, in the Adelaide Hills," Bridget said.
"I started showing dairy cattle at eight years of age and was instantly hooked.
"I believe being a great judge of dairy cattle is crucial to making better breeding decisions to breed cows that are profitable and long-lasting, it also enhances your showmanship and fitting skills.
“Plus, it can create so many opportunities including travel and make long lasting friendships with people who share the same passion."
William Dudfield, 26, Burnie, Tasmania
William represented Tasmania at the 2023 national finals, coming runner-up.
“I’ve been showing since I was three years old and I’ve been a part of the paraders since I was nine,” he said.
“I really enjoy the competitive side of it and it's hard to go past coming second at nationals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show last year.
“I'm from a dairy farm and although I'm in civil construction now, it's something I'll always enjoy.”
Macs Rubain, 19, Camden, NSW
"Growing up on a property and having previous experience in the beef industry, I started working on a dairy farm after helping a local stud at the Sydney Royal Easter Show a few years ago," Macs said.
"I quickly found a passion for the dairy industry and began competing in junior judging at local qualifiers.
“I was lucky enough to win the state final and compete at the national finals in Launceston.
“Although I was unsuccessful in winning, I was asked to judge some local shows in my region.
“This year, I won the state final again and look forward to competing at the national finals in Melbourne."
Zoey Morris, 17, Woodvale, Western Australia
Growing up in the city, Zoey got a taste for country living on family camping trips.
She discovered agriculture at high school in Year 9, and this allowed her to pursue her desire of working with animals.
"At school, my close friend introduced me to the love of dairy cows,“ Zoey said.
“I followed this passion and each year in the school holidays I have attended the WA Youth Cattle Handlers Camps where I have learnt cattle handling, parading and judging for dairy cows.”
The National Dairy Cattle Young Judges Championship will be held 10am, Saturday 28 September 2024 at the Melbourne Royal Show.
For more information, visit: agshowsaustralia.org.au/youth-in-agriculture/national-championships