Cattle Australia Young Beef Judges national title won by Tasmania

September 8, 2025

Candina Crowden 21 from Burnie wins Young Beef Judges national title ahead of Matilda Sullivan 16 from Barnawatha Victoria

*Judge Ben Davies along with Cattle Australia’s Adam Coffey present the 2025 Cattle Australia Young Judges champion Candina Crowden from Tasmania with the winning sash*

The best young beef cattle judges, selected from competitive regional and state competitions, were confident pitting their skills at the 2025 National Championships hosted by South Australian Country Shows at the Royal Adelaide Show.

Jacqueline Wilson-Smith, Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia – the peak body representing 572 agricultural shows that attract six million visitors annually and contribute nearly $1billion to the national economy – describes the competition as a celebration of emerging talent in livestock judging across the country.

“This is an incredibly prestigious event and earning a spot in the nationals is highly sought after,” Jac ensured.

*Jacqueline Wilson-Smith Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia oversees 572 agricultural shows*

“These young competitors represent the future and will play a vital role in advancing food and fibre production. The nationals offer an exciting chance for participants to grow both personally and professionally while testing their skills against the very best,” Jac added.

The competition was sponsored by Cattle Australia, the national peak body for the grass-fed cattle industry, championing the interests of all Australian cattle producers with a unified, visible, and influential voice.

Championship judge Ben Davies of Wild Bear Herefords placed Tasmanian competitor Candina Crowden ahead of a strong field of young beef cattle judges in the national finals, sponsored by Cattle Australia.

“The depth of quality across the competition was exceptional. A great group of young people, showing passion and the ability to explain cattle. If this is the future of the industry, it is in great hands,” Ben outlined.

Candina began competing in junior judging in 2018 with her school team and has loved it ever since. Now a school teacher, Candina has had many show ring successes, including taking out Grand Champion Herdsman at the Tasmanian Junior Beef Expo with her foundation female, Quarterway Pythia.

“I was introduced to agriculture during high school through my school farm. I studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, and now work at a school farm while operating a small Angus stud,” Candina said.

“I wasn’t expecting to win, I just tried my best and wanted to make my state proud.”

*Judge Ben Davies and Cattle Australia’s Adam Coffey present the 2025 Cattle Australia Young Judges second place getter Matilda Sullivan from Victoria with a sash*

Runner up was awarded to Victoria’s Matilda Sullivan who hails from a farming family producing Hereford and Murray Grey cattle, 1500 free-range Isa Brown hens, and an olive tree harvest.

She first competed in her local show at age nine with her primary school show team. From there, Matilda took her own Hereford cattle to local shows before progressing to royal shows where she competed individually and for other studs.

At just 16, she’s still exploring the possibilities for her future, but one thing is clear: agriculture and showing are already shaping her journey.

“I’m really, really happy and didn’t expect it as I’m so young,” Matilda said at the presentation.

“When I saw the cattle, I just judged them and it felt natural.”

“In ten years’ time I hope to have completed my ag science course and either have a job in livestock genetic science or agronomy, and be actively working in the industry. I still aim to run my Hereford and Murray Grey studs and I still want to be showing.”

*Judge Ben Davies and Cattle Australia’s Adam Coffey present the 2025 Cattle Australia Young Judges third place getter Alexandra Olive* *from Queensland with a sash*

Third place went to Queensland’s Alexandra Olive, 19, Comet. Alexandra grew up on her family’s mixed beef and cropping enterprise in Central Queensland, where her love for agriculture – especially the red meat industry – was sparked early.

Now studying a dual degree in Agricultural Business and Agricultural Science (majoring in Animal Science) at the University of Queensland, she’s already running her own small Brahman stud and commercial herd. A seasoned competitor across the Central Queensland show circuit and the Royal Queensland Show, Alexandra’s highlights include winning the Beef Australia Stud Cattle Young Judges Competition last year.

“This competition means so much to me because I have always aspired to compete in such a showcase of passion and dedication like some of my role models,” Alexandra said.

“I simply love the industry and subsequently the sport as it allows for like-minded passionate, dedicated and hard-working industry leaders to showcase their knowledge on a high level platform.”

The competition is sponsored by Cattle Australia, the national peak body for the grass-fed cattle industry, championing the interests of all Australian cattle producers with a unified, visible, and influential voice.

“This is one of many junior beef events Cattle Australia supports around the nation as part of our commitment to supporting the future growth of our industry,” Cattle Australia deputy chair Adam Coffey said as he presented the successful competitors with their prizes.

“The organisation is delighted to support youth and the next generation in the cattle industry.”