Young Judges and Paraders shine at the national championships held today at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
Following an inspiration competition with entrants from all states, Tasmania lays claim to back-to-back wins in the national beef judges contest while one of the youngest competitors at 16 won the paraders class.
The industries top young beef cattle judges and paraders (aged 15-25) have been crowned on day one of the 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia National Young Judges and Paraders Championships at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).
Tasmania now lays claim to back-to-back wins in the national beef judges contest while one of the youngest competitors won the paraders class.
National Championship winner is Ashtyn Willey
Beef Cattle Young Judges National Championship winner is Ashtyn Willey, aged 22 from North-West Tasmania doesn’t come from an agricultural background, but that hasn’t stopped her.
She initially found a love of cattle through the school farm at Tasman District.
Now working as an agronomist and field officer, Ashtyn stays connected to the beef industry through shows and competitions. One of her proudest moments came when she won the Tasmanian state finals in Beef Cattle Young Judges, while her younger sister claimed reserve honours.
“I definitely didn’t expect to come away with the win. It was my first time ever competing in a state final, so to win state finals let alone Nationals I am beyond grateful. I am excited to see what might lay ahead in the future,” Ashtyn enthused.
Olivia Baker 19 from Furner South Australia was second
Runner up Olivia Baker, last year’s national champion beef cattle parader, grew up showing cattle through her family’s Simmental stud, Woonallee Simmentals.
Competing since the age of eight, Olivia has developed a strong interest in the beef industry and hopes to study veterinary science in the future. She’s currently a receptionist at the Kingston Veterinary Clinic as well as a mat and reformer Pilates instructor.
“It’s exciting to compete against the best from each state. The competition is one where you continue to strive to improve. I feel very happy to come away with runner up today,” Olivia added.
The national Beef Cattle Young Judges competition was sponsored by Vytelle, Cattle Australia and The Cattle Shop.
Later in the day, the best beef cattle paraders went head-to-head in the main ring, with one of the youngest competitors taking the national title.
Jayde Grylls is Beef Cattle Young Paraders National Champion
National winner of Beef Cattle Young Paraders is Jayde Grylls 16, from Tynong North Victoria has been showing cattle since the age of five through her family’s stud, Grylls Cattle Co.
One of Jayde’s proudest achievements is winning Grand Champion Herdsperson at the National All Breeds Junior Heifer Show for two consecutive years, competing against more than 250 exhibitors.
“I have been parading cattle since I was very young, so this national title win today is really special, especially being so far from home. I am grateful for the support from my friends and family,” Jayde expressed.
Fletcher Wetherell 21 from Boyanup WA was second
Runner up of the Beef cattle young paraders competition was Fletcher Wetherell attended his first Perth Royal Show at just 10 days old.
He was three when he first took to the ring for a calf competition and admits he’s not sure who would have been leading who – but Fletcher was hooked.
One of Fletcher’s proudest achievements was helping his family win five interbreed titles at the Perth Royal Show one year.
“It’s great to come to Ekka to compete in the national championships and I am grateful for being awarded runner up today,” Fletcher confirmed.
The Beef Cattle Young Paraders competition was sponsored by Vytelle and The Cattle Shop.
The national championships of the young judges and paraders includes competitions across beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat breed sheep and poultry, alongside the Australian Young Farmer Challenge and National Rural Ambassador Award.
Competitors qualified through regional and state championships, with this year’s national finals hosted by Queensland Agricultural Shows.
Agricultural Shows Australia Chair Jacqueline Wilson-Smith outlined how the championships celebrate the next generation of agricultural leaders and highlight the important role shows play in developing skills and industry connections.
“These young competitors have earned their place through months of competition, and the national championships give them the chance to test themselves against the best in Australia.
“Agricultural shows have always been about learning, mentoring and creating opportunities. The experience these young people gain here will stay with them throughout their careers and help strengthen Australia’s food and fibre industries,” Jacqueline added.
Previous national championship winners are listed here
Beef Cattle Young Judges
- 2025 Candina Crowden, TAS
- 2024 Mitchell Taylor, NSW
- 2023 Sam Parish, NSW
- 2022 Dayna Grey, SA
- 2021 Sarah Sutton, VIC
Beef Cattle Young Paraders
- 2025 Olivia Baker, SA
- 2024 Olivia Delaforce, QLD
- 2023 Carlie Mackelmann, VIC
- 2022 Chloe Plowman, QLD
- 2021 Lochie McLauchlan, VIC
