Cattle judge Grace Henderson. Photo: Agricultural Shows Australia.
An Esperance local has been chosen both to represent WA and compete in the national finals for the best young dairy cattle judge in Adelaide this September.
Grace Henderson, 18, began showing cattle at age five, marching into the ring with a heifer named Jewel Candy.
She now works at the Shade River Dairy farm in Mardella near Mundijong, milking around 300 Holstein – Friesians.
Ms Henderson is working towards a certificate IV in dairy productions and a full qualification in artificial insemination to fulfil her goal of establishing her own business.
“I made a lot of friends and memories at these shows, and would often place well in my parader competitions, usually going through to our state finals,” she said.
“I am excited for this year’s Perth Royal as I also qualified for the beef state junior judging competition, and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to learn something new from not just that experience but also from my experience at the Adelaide Royal national finals.
“Down the track I’d like to give back to the younger generation by being an active member of the WA Youth Cattle Handlers Camp, so that others can learn about the cattle industry no matter their background.”
The 2025 National Championships will be hosted by the SA Country Shows at the Royal Adelaide Show from September 1-6 and include paraders (beef and dairy cattle), young Judges (beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat breeds sheep, and poultry), Australian Young Farmers Challenge, and National Rural Ambassador Award.
The National Championships aim to bring together the best of the best in rural talent, community spirit, and industry excellence.
Young judges and paraders aged from 15 to 25 in each state gather to compete in the annual competition.
Qualification is via success in competitive regional and state competitions, with the national championships held in a different location each year.
Organisers say the prestigious competition highlights the reach and rewards of agricultural shows, from connecting communities to driving growth and celebrating success.
