As part of Ekka’s landmark 150th year celebrations, Queensland Ag Shows and the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) were proud to welcome competitors from across Australia for the 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia (ASA) National Finals.
Bringing together some of the nation’s most talented young judges, paraders and future rural leaders, the National Finals showcased the skills, knowledge and passion of competitors representing every corner of Australia.
The competitions not only celebrate excellence in livestock and agricultural judging but also play a vital role in developing the next generation of industry leaders. Throughout the week, competitors demonstrated professionalism, sportsmanship and a deep commitment to Australia’s agricultural industries.
National Beef Cattle Paraders Competition
Queensland was proudly represented by Kiralee Streeter, who earned the opportunity to compete against the country’s best young paraders on the national stage.
Competing at a national level is no small achievement and Kiralee represented Queensland with pride, professionalism and dedication throughout the competition.
Results
- Winner:Jayde Grylls (Victoria)
- Runner-Up:Fletcher Wetherell (Western Australia)
Queensland Ag Shows congratulates Kiralee on a fantastic achievement and thanks all competitors for showcasing the high standard of young beef cattle paraders across Australia.
National Beef Cattle Young Judges Competition
Queensland representative Beau Mangan demonstrated exceptional judging skills while competing against Australia’s leading young cattle judges.
National competition demands a high level of knowledge, confidence and livestock assessment ability and Beau represented Queensland admirably throughout the event.
Results
- Winner:Ashton Wiley (Tasmania)
- Runner-Up:Olivia Baker (South Australia)
Congratulations to Beau and all finalists for their commitment, professionalism and sportsmanship. Programs like these continue to develop the future leaders of Australia’s beef industry.
National Merino Sheep Young Judges Competition
The National Merino Sheep Young Judges Competition brought together outstanding young sheep judges from across the country, all demonstrating exceptional industry knowledge and judging expertise.
Queensland’s Angus Hacker represented the state with distinction, competing alongside some of Australia’s best young judges.
Results
- Winner:Angus Knox (New South Wales)
- Runner-Up:Ryan Philp (South Australia)
Queensland Ag Shows congratulates Angus on his outstanding representation of Queensland at the national level.
National Merino Fleece Young Judges Competition
Backing up after competing in the Merino Sheep competition, Angus Hacker once again represented Queensland in the National Merino Fleece Young Judges Competition.
Competing in two national disciplines is a significant achievement and reflects Angus’s dedication, knowledge and passion for the sheep and wool industries.
Results
- Winner:Taylor Kain (Victoria)
- Runner-Up:Megan Bird (Tasmania)
Congratulations to Angus and all competitors who participated in this year’s competition and demonstrated the bright future of Australia’s sheep and wool industries.
National Meat Sheep Young Judges Competition
The National Meat Sheep Young Judges Competition attracted talented young judges from across Australia, highlighting the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm among the next generation of sheep industry leaders.
Queensland representative Hannah Haupt competed against the nation’s best and represented the state with professionalism and pride.
Queensland Ag Shows extends its thanks to the sheep suppliers and overjudges whose expertise and support helped make the event such a success.
Results
- Winner:Jessica Gregory (Victoria)
- Runner-Up:Charlotte Poker (South Australia)
Congratulations to Hannah and all competitors for their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment throughout the competition.
National Poultry Young Judges Competition
Queensland had plenty to celebrate in the National Poultry Young Judges Competition, with our own representative Hayley Walker delivering an outstanding performance to claim the national title.
Hayley’s achievement is a testament to her knowledge, hard work and commitment to the poultry industry and Queensland Ag Shows could not be prouder of her success.
A special thank you to the suppliers, volunteers and overjudges who contributed to the running of this event.
Results
- Winner:Hayley Walker (Queensland) Recipient of the Gary Sheppard Memorial Trophy
- Runner-Up:Bryson Lee (New South Wales)
Congratulations, Hayley, on an exceptional achievement and a wonderful result for Queensland.
National Dairy Cattle Young Judges Competition
The National Dairy Cattle Young Judges Competition showcased the exceptional knowledge, professionalism and passion of young dairy enthusiasts from across Australia. Queensland representative Frances English, from Malanda Show, proudly represented the state on the national stage, demonstrating outstanding judging ability and commitment to the dairy industry throughout the competition.
Queensland Ag Shows extends its sincere thanks to the committees, sponsors and volunteers who helped deliver the event and acknowledges the expertise and contribution of judge Mrs Nicola Templeton.
Results
- Winner:Mikaela Daniel (Victoria)
- Runner-Up:Molly Klasen (New South Wales)
Queensland Ag Shows congratulates Frances and all national finalists for their dedication, sportsmanship and commitment to the future of Australia’s dairy industry.
National Dairy Cattle Paraders Competition
The National Dairy Cattle Paraders Competition featured some of Australia’s most talented young handlers, with competitors demonstrating exceptional stockmanship, presentation skills and professionalism. Queensland representative Brooke Bennett represented the state with pride and distinction, competing against the nation’s best young paraders and showcasing the high standard of dairy youth development within Queensland.
Queensland Ag Shows thanks the suppliers of the exhibits and acknowledges judge Mrs Nicola Templeton for her valuable contribution to the competition.
Results
- Winner:Abbie Hanks (Victoria)
- Runner-Up:Chris Thompson (South Australia)
Congratulations to Brooke and all competitors for their outstanding efforts and commitment to the dairy industry.
National Grain Young Judges Competition
The National Grain Young Judges Competition brought together talented young judges from across Australia, highlighting the technical knowledge and analytical skills required within Australia’s grain industry. Queensland was proudly represented by Brooke Emery, who delivered an exceptional performance throughout the competition and achieved national recognition for her efforts.
Queensland Ag Shows extends its gratitude to the suppliers of the grain exhibits, competition sponsor Lawson Grains and overjudge Lindsay George for their support and contribution to the event.
Results
- WinnerHollianne Hallam (Victoria)
- Runner-UpBrooke Emery (Queensland)
Congratulations to Brooke on her outstanding result and to all competitors who demonstrated the bright future of Australia’s grain industry.
National Rural Ambassador Competition
The National Rural Ambassador Competition concluded with six outstanding finalists from across Australia sharing their stories, leadership journeys and passion for the future of rural and regional communities.
The competition highlights the important role young leaders play in promoting agricultural shows, advocating for regional Australia and strengthening the agricultural sector. Throughout the program, finalists demonstrated exceptional communication skills, professionalism and a genuine commitment to their communities and industry.
Queensland Ag Shows extends its sincere thanks to judges Bruce McConnel, Dr Rachel Hay, Joshua Fielding and Michele Perrett for their expertise and support of the program. We also acknowledge the valued support of Agricultural Shows Australia, the RNA, R.M.Williams and AgForce Queensland, whose contributions continue to strengthen opportunities for emerging rural leaders.
Results
- Winner:Elliott Apel (Queensland)
- Runner-Up:Harry Lloyd (Victoria)
- Community Spirit Award:Tiffany Davey (Western Australia)
Queensland Ag Shows congratulates Elliott on an outstanding achievement and extends congratulations to Harry, Tiffany and all national finalists. We also thank Master of Ceremonies Sammy Cormie-Smith for helping deliver a memorable celebration of Australia’s future rural leaders.
Celebrating Australia’s Future Rural Leaders
Hosting the 2026 ASA National Finals during Ekka’s 150th anniversary celebrations provided a fitting opportunity to recognise the talent, dedication and potential of young people from across the nation.
Queensland Ag Shows extends its sincere congratulations to every competitor, official, volunteer, sponsor, steward and mentor involved in the National Finals. The skills, leadership and passion displayed throughout the competitions provide great confidence for the future of Australia’s agricultural industries.
To our Queensland representatives, thank you for wearing the maroon with pride and representing our state with distinction on the national stage. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to following your future success.
Inspired by our national finalists?
Every competitor at the National Finals started at their local agricultural show. From there, they progressed through Sub Chamber Finals and State Finals to earn the opportunity to represent Queensland on the national stage.
It all starts at your local show. Find out how you can get involved in young judges, paraders and Rural Ambassador competitions and start your own journey.
