The 2022 Young Farmer Challenge teams line up after the event, with Queensland on the top step.

QUEENSLAND’S team won the Australian Young Farmer Challenge at the bicentennial Sydney Royal Easter Show last weekend.

The winning Queensland team members included lead show hand and truck driver Lawrence Sehmish-Lahey, 26, from north-east of Goondiwindi, veterinarian Sarah Rose, 25, from Toogoolawah, apprentice electrician and former rodeo queen Mikyla Hogno, 26, from Greymare and electrician Joshua White, 25, also from Greymare.

The Queenslanders defeated the West Australian team of livestock project officer Kelly Gorter, 27, from Kojonup, mining worker Carlton Hull, 28, from Tambellup, stockwoman Natasha Hull, 26, from Mount Barker and sheep and grain farmer Cameron Broun, 25, from Beverley.

Third place was taken by the South Australian team of wine industry worker Jaden Burns, 22, from Tarlee, Point Pass farmer Henry Schutz, 21, Hilltown farmhand Kasey Mullighan, 20, and irrigation field manager Troy Julyan, 22, from Manoora.

The competition was held in the Schmidt Arena at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and is jointly funded by Agricultural Shows Australia and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Agricultural Shows Australia chairman Dr Rob Wilson said the competition is designed to highlight the varied skills required by a modern farmer while entertaining crowds.

“Teams first compete at a local level with the winning teams being given the opportunity to compete at a regional level.

“From there, winners progress to the state finals held annually during each state’s royal show,” he said.

“All state winners are invited to attend the national finals to compete for prize money and the title bragging rights.

“These competitions are a great experience for young farmers, Dr Wilson said.

“They provide the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, think critically and expand their network with like-minded people.”

Dr Wilson said ultimately, the Australian Young Farmer Challenge is a great way for young rural Australians from across the country to network and engage with each other.

“It’s also an entertaining way for city residents to get an insight into life on the land.”