2024 ASA Merino Sheep Young Judge competition runner-up Kasey Shields, left, with winner Bateson Pittman and third placegetter Ashley Meaburn.

HOMEGROWN experience has helped young Merino sheep and fleece judges achieve success at the national finals in Melbourne this week.

The events sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation at the Melbourne Royal Show this week have showcased the next generation of industry leaders, Agricultural Shows Australia said.

Bateson Pittman, 17, from Walcha in New South Wales was awarded the 2024 ASA Merino Sheep Young Judge award.

Bateson is the sixth generation on his family’s superfine Merino stud, he has been a competitive young judge for five years. He manages the family’s Glenburnie Merino stud and has been a competitive young judge for five years. He recently won the Sydney Royal state final after qualifying at the Rabobank National Merino Sheep Show.

“It’s a respected competition and highly recognised within the industry,” Bateson said in Melbourne at the ASA final.

“I really enjoy the sheep judging and show circuit, winning the competition certainly gives you a leg up for future judging opportunities,” he said.

Bateson encouraged anyone with a general interest in agriculture to follow their passions.

“Go for it, make yourself known, be part of the industry, enter competitions, learn and develop your skills.

“There’s so many different paths to take, no matter your background or interests,” he said.

Runner-up was Ashley Meaburn from Tasmania and Kasey Shields from Victoria was third. Other finalists were Flynn Bolt from Western Australia, Beau Maddern from South Australia and Grace Hillier from Queensland.

Judging involved competitors visually assessing livestock by comparing animals against each other and explaining their decision, and for fleece, identifying traits with high commercial value. The competition also involved skills in communication, public speaking and breed-specific knowledge.

Winning young Merino fleece judge came from Western Australia

2024 ASA Merino Fleece Young Judge competition winner Brendan Lamont, centre, with the other award finalists.

Brendan Lamont, 23, from Kojonup in WA took out first place in the ASA Merino Fleece Young Judge competition.

Brendan grew up on the family farm with its fine wool Merino flock. He is now running his own Ile de France stud. Despite his first-hand experience, Brendan said he was completely surprised with his win.

“I didn’t think I had a chance, it was a bit of a shock.

“I was looking for sound fleece with high commercial value, and it was a strong, viable round overall,” he said.

“Credit must go to all the competitors who made the competition worthwhile.”

Brendan said young people interested in judging should listen to their teachers and get involved in industry programs.

“It’s good to be on-farm and learn on the job, but it’s equally important to gain knowledge and experience across all aspects of the supply chain.”

Brendan said it is “tough going” in the WA sheep industry at the moment, but it needed more young people to get involved.

“The judging competition is a great learning opportunity.”

The runner-up was Grace Hillier from Queensland and Cally Spangler from Tasmania was third. The other finalists were Alison West from South Australia, Tiffany Maestrale from Victoria and Zara Kesby from New South Wales.

Agricultural Shows Australia chairman Dr. Rob Wilson praised the work of the young judges and their valuable contribution to the agricultural sector.

“The young judges play an important role in the future of Australian agriculture by identifying the best traits that will contribute to breeding the next generation of quality livestock,” he said.