Adelaide Show: Frick finds forte as junior judge

Ben, 15, from Padthaway, won the fully-sponsored trip after beating out eight other competitors in the state meat sheep young judges final.

The competitors were critiqued by overjudges Emily Davidson, Morton stud, Lucindale, and Michelle Thiele, Murray Bridge, on their oral presentation, handling score and their placings of four Corriedale and Poll Dorset rams.

Ben won ahead of Tom Megson, 16, Kanmantoo, in second place and Tahlia Lockwood, 20, Blackwood, in third.

Ben said he won the Prime SAMM sheep young judges competition last year, so thought he'd try a new competition this year.

"I like the networking side of the competition and the practice in public speaking," he said.

The Naracoorte High School student said he gets advice from his ag teachers and has observed other judges during the show.

Ben hails from Gypsum Hill White Suffolk and Suffolk stud, with father Andrew a judge at this year's Royal Adelaide Show.

RELATED READING: Nerves no worries for junior alpaca handler champ

RELATED READING: Check out the faces at the show | PHOTOS

In the under 15s section of the competition, Evie Krieg, 12, Hahndorf, won top junior, with Zoe Lush, 13, Inman Valley, named runner-up.

Evie said she really enjoyed the experience, also competing in the meat sheep young judges competition last year, in which she came third.

"I enjoy strolling through the pens, looking at the different breeds," she said.

"Judging is a good experience and a bit of fun, it also helps me with my showing skills, to learn how to handle the sheep while I am in the ring."

Evie's family run the Aylesbury Farms White Suffolk and Suffolk stud at Karoonda.

The Landmark achievement award went to Brett Smith, Gumeracha, who also won the award last year.