The winning South Australian Young Farmer Challenge team.

SOUTH Australia’s team emerged victorious in the 2025 Australian Young Farmer Challenge, with Queensland taking runner-up position in an action-packed competition at the recent Royal Adelaide Show.

State pride and serious skills were on full display as finalists from across Australia competed in the 2025 Australian Young Farmer Challenge.

Teams of four young farmers, aged 18-30, representing New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia rolled up their sleeves at the Royal Adelaide Show and went head-to-head in a series of hands-on challenges that tested their skills, strength, smarts, and sense of humour.

The Victorian team placed third, Western Australia was fourth and the New South Wales team came in fifth.

The South Australian team included fifth-generation farmer and Eudunda Show dynamo Kahlia Jenke, 29, from Eudunda; tractor-pulling mechanic Robbie Ward, 30, from Sandy Creek; shearer-baker Jake Schmidt, 27, from Robertstown, and; historian-PhD student Samuel Doering, 25, from Neales Flat. The crew brought serious rural skills and unexpected talents – including sponge cakes and saxophones — to claim the national title.

The Queensland team included ‘agri-banker’ Fraser McLardy, 23, from the Sunshine Coast; cotton and grain farmers’ daughter Rebecca Roellgen, 22, from Brookstead; barber Bella Mott, 22, from Toowoomba, and; strategy consult and charity manager Cole Sutor, 21, from the Sunshine Coast.

The Victorian team included trainee school teacher and working dog trainer Freyja Kenrick-Johnson, 24, from Melbourne, electrician Jeremy Rees, 23, from Wattle Glen; high school farm manager and Corriedale breeder Tess Runting, 26, from Mornington Peninsula, and; tradie and musician Bahlin Wishart, 25, from Mornington Peninsula.

The Western Australian team included research agronomist Oaklee Treasure, 23, from Beverley; siblings Ashlee Topham, 23, and Damon Topham, 21, from Moora, and vet nurse Leah Taylor, 19, from Bindi Bindi.

The New South Wales team included captain and Merino wool maven Claire Liversidge, 25, from Goulburn; scientist and equestrienne Bronte Talbot, 27, from Lake Macquarie; sheep wrangler Lillian Floyd, 19, from Crookwell, and cattle farmer and diesel mechanic Mackenzie Shepherd, 18, from Goulburn.

Henry Scott of the host organisation SA Next Generation said spectators witnessed a whirlwind journey through a day in the life of a farmer as the competitors undertook fencing and first aid to problem-solving under pressure.

“There was action aplenty – and ultimately, triumph for the South Australian team.

“It was high-energy and great entertainment throughout,” he said.

“There’s no prerequisite to enter, if you haven’t competed before, just jump in.

“The challenges are usually demonstrated beforehand, so you’re set up for success,” Henry said.

“There’s no better time to get involved at your local show – we just might see you at Nationals next year.”

The competition showcased incredible skill, teamwork, and passion for Australian agriculture from all competitors, with each state bringing their unique strengths and rural expertise to the national stage.

The event was sponsored by Oztix, Australia’s largest independent ticketing company. Oztix brand director Kristen Goldup said the company was proud to support the event.

“There’s nothing more exciting than watching the next generation of ag leaders rise to the challenge, and the Australian Young Farmer Challenge brings that energy in spades.

“Oztix is proud to back these bold, capable state legends, as they lead the future of agriculture with grit, smarts, and serious community spirit,” she said.