CODY Jones, Booborowie, has won the state Merino sheep judging competition in his first attempt at just 16 years of age.
The Burra Community School student beat out classmate Emily Hams, 16, by just half a point, in a very tight competition.
Third-placed Kayla Starkey, Mount Pleasant, was just one point further behind in the competition, which attracted 30 competitors.
Overjudge Ian Rowett, Marrabel, said the quality of entrants was a step up from previous years, and it was clear agriculture students were being well-tutored in the industry.
“The speaking ability of the students was particularly impressive, and Cody gave a good all-round performance,” he said.
Cody said his parents were in the sheep industry, which encouraged his involvement in the agriculture program at Burra.
He said his main aim when judging sheep was to “be consistent” and he did just that – awarded the full 50 points for visual placings.
Cody will now head to Perth next year to represent SA in the national Merino sheep judging competition.
“I really enjoyed the judging and I will definitely do some practice before the national competition,” he said,
“I really enjoy being hands on with the sheep and want to be in the sheep industry.”
In the junior competition, close to 60 students from 12 to 15 years entered with overjudge Wayne Fiebig, Sanderston.
First-time competitor 12-year-old Matilda Baumgurtel placed first.
The Karoonda Area School student said she looked at the wool first, then checked the head, before looking at body structure overall.
Matilda comes from a sheep property and this year helped out with shearing, working on the board.
She said she would definitely be back next year.
“I had never done this before so it was a new experience and I really enjoyed it,” she said.
Mr Fiebig, a previous state winner at the competition, said it was great to see all the students willing to have a go.
“If they keep going, they will have plenty of years of practice, and the competition gives young people the opportunity to travel interstate, meet new people and experience different things,” he said.
In another tight race, Matilda was just one point ahead of second place Will Kelsh, Lucindale, with Alesha Ludwig, Lucindale, in third.