Young sheep and wool judges rise to the national challenge

Held at the Royal Queensland Show, known as the Ekka, the National Championships brought together competitors who had qualified through regional and state competitions across Australia.

New South Wales finalist Angus Knox was named the National Merino Sheep Young Judges Winner, while Victoria’s Taylor Kain claimed the national title in the Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship.

The two competitions, run by Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) and supported by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers, support an important pathway through which young people can develop practical skills, connect with industry mentors and explore careers across the sheep and wool sector.

National Merino Sheep Young Judges Runner Up, Ryan Philp from SA, and Winner, Angus Knox from NSW, are congratulated by AWI National Extension Manager Emily King, Over-Judge Nigel Brumpton from Mount Ascot Merinos in Mitchell, QLD, and ASA Chair Jacqueline Wilson-Smith. Image with thanks to Agricultural Shows Australia.

For 20-year-old Angus Knox, the national title recognised a journey grounded in practical experience, strong mentoring and a lifelong connection to livestock.

Growing up on his family’s farm near Conargo in southern NSW, Angus developed his interest while working with Merino sheep and Angus cattle. After leaving school, he began jackarooing with Wanganella and Poll Boonoke Merino studs, where he became involved in Merino sheep shows and young judges competitions.
Angus is now an overseer at Burrabogie for Australian Food & Agriculture and has competed at major sheep shows across Australia, including Adelaide, Bendigo and Dubbo.

He credited the knowledge and generosity of experienced industry figures with helping him develop both personally and professionally.

“I have been very lucky to have industry legends to mentor me and support my journey since leaving school,” Angus said.

“They have taught me so much and I am grateful to their time and knowledge they continue to pass onto me.”

South Australian Year 11 student Ryan Philp, 16, was named Runner Up in the Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship.

Raised on a cropping and Merino property at Manoora, Ryan began competing through the South Australian School Merino Wether Challenge at the Royal Adelaide Show. He has since taken part in young judges competitions across South Australia and hopes to pursue a career in the Merino industry.

“It’s amazing to come away with Runner Up especially as I look to pursue a career within the Merino industry,” Ryan said.

“I would like to thank my family and mentors in the industry who have helped me so far on this journey.”

National Merino Fleece Young Judges Winner, Taylor Kain from Victoria. Image with thanks to Agricultural Shows Australia.

National Merino Fleece Young Judges Runner Up, Megan Bird from Tasmania, finalises her scores under the watchful eye of Over-Judge John Croake from AWN at Tamworth, NSW. Image with thanks to Agricultural Shows Australia.

In the Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship, 17-year-old Taylor Kain of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula secured the national title.

Taylor spent her early childhood in Melbourne before her family moved to the Mornington Peninsula when she was 11. She soon joined the school-based Flinders Sheep Show Team, where she discovered a love of animals and agricultural competition.

Now in Year 11, Taylor has begun mentoring younger members of the Show Team and recently established her own small flock of sheep, which she hopes to develop into a stud breeding enterprise. She is also considering a career in agricultural education, helping another generation of young competitors build their knowledge and confidence.

“This win means so much to me,” Taylor said. “I hope that all the kids on the Flinders Sheep Show Team that I mentor see this win for them as well.”

Tasmania’s Megan Bird, 22, was Runner Up in the National Merino Fleece Young Judges Championship.

While Megan had not originally planned to pursue a career in agriculture, she has now worked full-time as a wool handler for four years. She is also completing an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management and a Certificate IV in Wool Classing at Longerenong College in Victoria.

“Coming to the National Championships has been a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections,” Megan said.

“I am currently completing my wool classing certificate and I look forward to continuing in the industry.”

The national field represented every state. Angus Knox (NSW) and Ryan Philp (SA) were joined in the National Merino Sheep Young Judges Championship by Queensland’s Angus Hacker, Tasmania’s Charlton Skirving, Victoria’s Ava Harris and Western Australia’s Summer Sutherland.

The Merino Fleece Young Judges finalists were NSW representative Jocelyn Cafe, Queensland’s Angus Hacker, South Australia’s Gwendolyn Van Zwol, Tasmania’s Megan Bird, Victoria’s Taylor Kain and Western Australia’s Savannah Trevenen.

Nigel Brumpton served as over-judge for the Merino Sheep Young Judges, with John Croake overseeing the Merino Fleece Young Judges.

ASA Chair Jacqueline Wilson-Smith said the Championships celebrated the next generation of agricultural leaders and highlighted the important role agricultural shows play in building skills and industry connections.

“These young competitors have earned their place through months of competition, and the National Championships give them the chance to test themselves against the best in Australia,” she said.

“Agricultural shows have always been about learning, mentoring and creating opportunities. The experience these young people gain here will stay with them throughout their careers and help strengthen Australia’s food and fibre industries.”

This article appeared in the AWI Woolgrower Newsletter September 2026. Reproduction of the article is encouraged and should be attributed as follows: This article was first published in the AWI Woolgrower Newsletter.