Ruby's Royal judging win

Mortlake's Ruby Canning said she has been competing in junior judging competitions since she was eight.

"My pa started me and I've been doing it ever since," she said.

"He really encouraged me."

Judge Andrew Wilson, Kerlson Pines Poll Herefords, Keith, said Miss Canning impressed him with the clearness of her speech, and her ability to compare animals.

However, as the highest placed South Australian, second placegetter Nick van den Berg, Blackwood, will represent SA at the national young judges final in Launceston, Tas.

“His firm knowledge of the industry was portrayed in the way he spoke,” said Mr Wilson.

“He’ll be a fine example for SA.”

Mount Gambier’s Nicole Muller placed third in the older division.

In the under 15 category, young Red Angus breeder Angus Llewellyn, Willalooka, took the title, while his younger sister Eliza placed third behind Hahndorf’s Oscar Golding.

Mr Wilson said he was very happy to see such strong numbers in the juniors.

“I’d encourage them all to keep going with their junior judging,” he said.

He said all entrants were well presented and spoke well, and provided a promising future for the South Australian beef industry.

Beef cattle young judges

Judge: Andrew Wilson, Kerlson Pines Poll Herefords, Keith

Tate Kidman Memorial Trophy, 15-25 year olds

1: Ruby Canning, Mortlake, Vic

2: Nick van den Berg, Blackwood

3: Nicole Muller, Mount Gambier

Waterman Trophy, under 15

1: Angus Llewellyn, Willalooka

2: Oscar Golding, Hahndorf

3: Eliza Llewellyn, Willalooka

Achievement award: James Alexander