Young judges make a mark on industry

Overjudge Nick Gorrie, Hall, NSW, placed Jasmine Shields, Queanbeyan, NSW, as champion judge after finishing the competition on 194 points of a possible 200.

Ms Shields placed ahead of second place competitor Tareva-Chine Atkin-Zaldivar, NSW, who finished on 193 points and third place Leanna Dau, Pilton, Qld, on 192 points.

Mr Gorrie said the competition showed great encouragement that youth were interested in judging.

"The national and state line-up of contestants definitely showed we have a great future for judging," he said.

Mr Gorrie said he was looking for participants that had technical skills to identify traits of a quality mohair fleece but also an ability to orally present their opinion.

"It was vital contestants were able to articulate what they are thinking," he said.

"It was not about necessarily identifying the perfect rankings of the fleece and animals, we tried to award a capacity to explain their decisions."

Mr Gorrie said champion judge Jasmine, stood out early in the competition.

"She is on top of her game and at a top level of judging," he said.

"The top three judges in the national competition were clear front runners."

Jasmine won reserve champion at the Sydney Royal judging competition last year and competed in SA after the champion was unable to attend.

"I attended a week of work experience at Cullbookie stud, NSW, to gain more experience and understand fleece qualities," she said.

"To win national champion at my fifth competition was incredible."

The state champion title was won by 15-year-old Katrina Manguera, Eudunda Area School.

Katrina finished the competition on 183.5 points, ahead of Westminster School students Olivia Stead on 169 points and Maddi Bryson on 167 points.

Katrina said after being involved in the school competition program at the Royal Adelaide Show, it increased her judging confidence and ability.

"This was only my second judging competition attempt and it was so exciting to win the title," she said.