As the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) celebrates an extraordinary 150 years, Queensland Ag Shows is proud to recognise the people, skills and traditions at the heart of the agricultural show movement.
The EKKA brought together competitors from across Queensland for many of the 2026 Queensland Ag Shows State Finals, showcasing leadership, community spirit, agricultural knowledge and skills developed through local and regional shows. This year’s State Finals also extended beyond the Ekka, with the Meat Sheep Young Judges State Final held at the Toowoomba Show and the Merino Fleece and Merino Sheep Young Judges State Finals held at the Longreach Show.
This wrap-up brings together the results from all Queensland Ag Shows State Finals for 2026, celebrating every competitor who earned the opportunity to represent their Show Society and Sub Chamber at state level.
From the Queensland Rural Ambassador and Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards to Young Judges and Paraders and cookery competitions, these State Finals reflect the passion, dedication and pride that continue to strengthen Queensland’s agricultural show communities.
Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards
The 2026 Queensland Rural Ambassador Awards have come to a close following an inspiring evening dedicated to “Empowering Youth, Nurturing Rural Leadership”.
Eleven outstanding finalists from across Queensland shared their personal journeys, community involvement, industry knowledge and passion for the future of rural and regional Queensland. Their commitment to their local Show Societies and communities was truly inspiring.
Congratulations to all finalists for their remarkable achievements and dedication to the agricultural show movement.
2026 Queensland Rural Ambassador Results
Winner
Lauren Finger
South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Taroom Show Society
Runner-Up
Matthew McCauley
South Burnett Sub Chamber | Murgon Show Society
Community Spirit Award
Georgie Orman
Central & North West Queensland Sub Chamber | Longreach Show Society
2026 State Finalists
- Angus Cronin – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Jandowae & District Show Society
- Lauren Finger – South West Sub Chamber | Taroom Show Society
- Sally Rodwell – South East Sub Chamber | Beaudesert Society
- Matthew Lukritz – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Toogoolawah Show Society
- Erin Goodwin – Central Highlands Sub Chamber | Alpha Show Society
- Georgie Orman – Central & North West Queensland Sub Chamber | Longreach Show Society
- Hannah Retschlag – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Kilcoy Show Society
- Matthew McCauley – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Murgon Show Society
- Holly Ahern – Burnett Sub Chamber | Biggenden Show Society
- Rhiannan Harragon – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Herbert River Pastoral & Agricultural Association
- Megan Kent – Central Qld Sub Chamber | Callide Valley Show Society
Thank you to our judges Mark Muller, Editor in Chief of RM Williams Publishing, Louise Martin, AgForce South West Regional Director and Myles Newcombe, Queensland Rural Ambassador Alumni and State Winner.
A sincere thank you to the sponsors, committee, volunteers and supporters who make this important leadership program possible each year.
Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards
The Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards continue to celebrate young women who are passionate advocates for their communities, agricultural shows and rural Queensland.
This year’s finalists represented the very best of the Queensland Show movement, showcasing outstanding leadership, confidence and commitment to preserving and promoting agricultural shows throughout the state.
2026 Queensland Country Life Showgirl Awards Results
Winner
Hannah Johnson
West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Toogoolawah Show Society
Runner-Up
Bridgette Langston
Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Goombungee-Haden A.H. & P. Society Inc.
Showgirls’ Choice Award
Charleen Aisbett
South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Chinchilla Show Society
Congratulations to all finalists for representing their communities with distinction and for being exceptional ambassadors for Queensland’s agricultural show movement:
- Charleen Aisbett – South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Chinchilla Show Society
- Bridie Blinco – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Malanda Show Society
- Stephanie Simpson – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Murgon Show Society
- Hannah Johnson – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Toogoolawah Show Society
- Vanessa Beavan – Burnett Sub Chamber | Bundaberg Show Society
- Poppy-Jane Todd – South-East Queensland Sub Chamber | Beaudesert Show Society
- Brydie Moore – Central & North-West Sub Chamber | Longreach Show Society
- Britney Schofield – Central Queensland Sub Chamber | Rockhampton Show Society
- Grace Hankinson – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Gympie District Show Society
- Bridgette Langston – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Goombungee-Haden Show Society
- Chloe Davey – Central Highlands Sub Chamber | Capella & District Show Society
Preserving Traditions Through Competition
One of the highlights of this year’s EKKA was the State Finals for two of Queensland’s most treasured cookery competitions, celebrating the skills and traditions that have been at the heart of Agricultural Shows for generations.
Dark Rich Fruit Cake State Final
Queensland’s finest bakers once again showcased incredible skill, precision and passion in the highly regarded Dark Rich Fruit Cake State Final.
Winner
Johanne Holt
The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
Runner-Up
Kerry Piltz
South East Queensland Sub Chamber | Mt Gravatt Show Society
Third Place
Nancy Zipf
Burnett Sub Chamber | Mundubbera Show Society
Congratulations to all the State finalists:
- Nancy Zipf – Burnett Sub Chamber | Mundubbera Show
- Fiona Eyles – Central Highlands Sub Chamber | Capella Show
- Don Macklyn – Central Queensland Sub Chamber | Rockhampton Show
- Donna Norman – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Goondiwindi Show
- Sandra Wyatt – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Sunshine Coast Show
- Gloria Fleming – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Nanango Show
- Kerry Piltz – South-East Queensland Sub Chamber | Mt Gravatt Show
- Michelle Habermehl – South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Charleville Show
- Maree Harvey – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Ipswich Show
- Maree Hamilton – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Malanda Show
- Johanne Holt – The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
Thank you to every competitor for helping keep this wonderful tradition alive. Your dedication is a testament to the rich heritage of Queensland Agricultural Shows.
Next Generation ANZAC Biscuit State Final
The Next Generation ANZAC Biscuit State Final delivered another outstanding competition, celebrating one of Australia’s most iconic baking traditions.
1st Place
Jasmine Hoare
Central Queensland Sub Chamber | Baralaba Show
2nd Place
Rebecca Kearney
Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Goondiwindi Show
3rd Place
Natalie Weaver
West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Toogoolawah Show Society
Congratulations to all competitors for their dedication and outstanding efforts:
- Dakoda Kelly – Burnett Sub Chamber | Monto Show
- Shannae Jansen – Central Highlands Sub Chamber | Alpha Show
- Jasmine Hoare – Central Queensland Sub Chamber | Baralba Show
- Rebecca Kearney – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Goondiwindi Show
- Grace Hudson – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Sunshine Coast Show
- Evangeline Hawrylko – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Nanango Show
- Ryan Murphy – South-East Queensland Sub Chamber | Gold Coast Show
- Vanessa Stanke – South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Chinchilla Show
- Natalie Weaver – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Toogoolawah Show
Stud Beef Young Judges State Final
Queensland’s future livestock judges demonstrated exceptional knowledge, professionalism and industry expertise in the Stud Beef Young Judges State Final.
Results
Winner
Amy Collins
South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Wallumbilla Show
Runner Up
Jessica Beddows
South Burnett Sub Chamber | Proston Show Society
All these State Finalists exemplify the bright future of Queensland’s beef industry and agricultural show movement.
- Emma Nugent – Burnett Sub Chamber | Gin Gin
- Liz Lawerence – Central Highlands Sub Chamber | Clermont
- Bonnie Jones – Central Queensland Sub Chamber | The Caves
- Katie Trounce – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Goondiwindi
- Danny Gould – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Gympie
- Jessica Beddows – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Proston
- Amy Collins – South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Wallumbilla
- Sara Bunt – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Esk
- Jack Zappala – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Malanda
- Lucy Selby – The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
- Sophie Rogers – South-East Queensland Sub Chamber | Beaudesert
Prime Beef Young Judges State Final
The Prime Beef Young Judges State Final brought together some of Queensland’s most talented young livestock judges, each having earned their place through strong performances at local and regional competitions.
Results
Winner
Sara Bunt
Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Caboolture Show
Runner Up
Riley Orphant
West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Toogoolawah Show Society
Congratulations also to finalists for their outstanding performances and commitment to developing their judging skills:
- Sarah Horrocks – Burnett Sub Chamber | Eidsvold Show
- Amelia Lawerence – Central Highlands Sub Chamber | Clemont Show
- Kate Preston – Central Queensland Sub Chamber | Ridgelands Show
- Laila Riley – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Killarney Show
- Bronte Wright – The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
- Sara Bunt – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Caboolture Show
- Rhianna McIntyre – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Nanango Show
- Wyatt McDonald – South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Chinchilla Show
- Riley Orphant – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Toogoolawah Show
Stud Beef Paraders State Final
The Stud Beef Paraders State Final showcased the confidence, dedication and stock-handling ability developed by young competitors throughout the show season.
Beyond success in the ring, paraders competitions help develop leadership, communication skills, responsibility and lifelong connections within the agricultural industry.
Results
Winner
Ryan Gould
Burnett Sub Chamber | Gayndah Show Society
Runner Up
Clancie Dull
South Burnett Sub Chamber | Blackbutt Show
Congratulations also to the qualifying State Finalists who represented their shows and Sub Chambers with pride:
- Ryan Gould – Burnett Sub Chamber | Gayndah Show
- Jess Walters – Central Highlands Sub Chamber | Comet Show
- Lucy Sedgman – Central Queensland Sub Chamber | Wowan Show
- Grace Muller – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Allora Show
- Kaitlyn Barber – The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
- Danny Gould – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Gympie Show
- Naomi Godfrey – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Malanda Show
- Clancie Dull – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Blackbutt Show
- Mackenzie Sampson – South-East Queensland Sub Chamber | Beaudesert Show
- Annaka Hanson – South-West Queensland Sub Chamber | Chinchilla Show
- Brooke Parlane – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Lowood Show
Poultry Young Judges State Final
The Poultry Young Judges State Final showcased the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm that Queensland’s young poultry enthusiasts bring to the industry. Competitors were challenged to assess a range of exhibits, demonstrating sound judging skills, attention to detail and the ability to provide clear and accurate reasons for their decisions.
Results
Winner
Abigail Geraghty
Runner Up
Isaac Drysdale
Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Toowoomba (RASQ) Show
Congratulations also to qualifying finalists who demonstrated exceptional knowledge and represented their shows with distinction:
- Ayla Read – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Sunshine Coast Show
- Dustyn Ponting – South-East Queensland Sub Chamber | Mudgeeraba Show
- Isaac Drysdale – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Toowoomba (RASQ) Show
- Daniel Harris – The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
Congratulations to every young judge who reached the State Final and to the families, mentors, poultry exhibitors, Show Societies and volunteers whose support helps foster the next generation of industry leaders.
Dairy Young Judges State Final
Queensland’s emerging dairy judges put their industry knowledge and practical assessment skills to the test in the Dairy Cattle Young Judges State Final. Competitors demonstrated a strong understanding of dairy cattle conformation, production traits and judging methodology, reflecting the high calibre of young people involved in the agricultural show movement.
Results
Winner
Bethany Dean
West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Gatton Show Society
Runner Up
Ayce Barron
The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
Congratulations to all finalists for their outstanding efforts and commitment to developing their judging skills and to the families, mentors, dairy exhibitors, volunteers and Show Societies who supported them on their journey to the State Final.
- Joe Phillips – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Toowoomba (RASQ) Show
- Tabalu Carra – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Cairns Agricultural Pastoral and Mining Association
- Bethany Dean – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Ipswich Show Society
- Payton Rozynski – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Gympie District Show Society Inc
- Nathan Daley – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Malanda Show Society
- Connor Nicholls – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Maleny Show Society Inc.
- Caitlyn Magee – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Wondai Agricultural, Pastoral & Industrial Society Inc
- Ayce Barron – The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
Dairy Paraders State Final
The Dairy Cattle Young Paraders State Final concluded the Queensland Ag Shows State Competitions, with talented young competitors from across the state demonstrating their stock-handling skills, confidence and dedication to the dairy industry.
The competition highlighted the strong future of Queensland’s dairy sector, with participants showcasing the knowledge, presentation skills and professionalism developed through their involvement in agricultural shows.
Results
Winner
Ayce Barron
The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
Runner Up
Katelyn Northfield
South-East Queensland Sub Chamber | Beaudesert Show Society
Congratulations also to all State Finalists who represented their shows with pride and to the families, mentors, dairy exhibitors, volunteers and Show Societies whose support made their participation possible.
- Ayce Barron – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Toowoomba (RASQ) Show
- Mary English – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Cairns Agricultural Pastoral and Mining Association
- Hunter Barron – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Gatton Show Society Inc
- Katelyn Tippett – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Gympie District Show Society Inc
- Nathan Daley – North Queensland Sub Chamber | Malanda Show Society
- Connor Nicholls – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Maleny Show Society Inc.
- Caitlyn Magee – South Burnett Sub Chamber | Wondai Agricultural, Pastoral & Industrial Society Inc
- Bethany Dean – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Ipswich Show Society
- Tom Beattie – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Toogoolawah Show Society
Meat Sheep Young Judges State Final
The Meat Sheep Young Judges State Final was held at the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (RASQ) in Toowoomba, bringing together talented young competitors from across the state to demonstrate their livestock assessment and judging skills.
Competitors were challenged to evaluate classes, identify desirable production traits and deliver clear, accurate reasons for their placings, showcasing the depth of knowledge being developed through Queensland’s agricultural shows.
Results
Winner
Zoe Vidins
West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Gatton Show Society
Runner Up
James Buchan
Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Warwick Show Society
Finalists
- James Buchan – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Warwick
- Emma Haupt – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Marburg
- Lucy Florey – South-East Queensland Sub Chamber | Rocklea
- Zoe Vidins – West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Sub Chamber | Gatton
- Emily Pasin – Near North Coast Sub Chamber | Pine Rivers
- Nyomie James – The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka)
- Harry Johnston – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Stanthorpe
- Cienna Neave – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Allora
- Sarah Kitto – Darling Downs Sub Chamber | Clifton
Merino Fleece Young Judges State Final
The Merino Fleece Young Judges State Final was conducted at the Longreach Show in partnership with the Queensland Merino Stud Sheep Breeders Association, providing competitors with the opportunity to test their knowledge of fleece characteristics, wool quality and commercial value.
The competition highlighted the specialised skills required within the wool industry and the dedication of young people who continue to develop their expertise through agricultural shows and stud sheep events.
Results
Winner
Charlie Wall
Runner Up
Harry Sheahan
Third Place
Jonathan Turner
Merino Sheep Young Judges State Final
Also held at the Longreach Show in conjunction with the Queensland Merino Stud Sheep Breeders Association, the Merino Sheep Young Judges State Final showcased the knowledge, professionalism and livestock assessment skills of Queensland’s emerging sheep industry leaders.
Competitors demonstrated a strong understanding of Merino breed characteristics, structure and productivity traits while confidently presenting their judging decisions.
Results
Winner
Harry Sheahan
Runner Up
Charlie Wall
Third Place
Jonathan Turner
Celebrating Queensland’s Agricultural Show Community
Queensland Ag Shows extends its congratulations to every finalist, sponsor, Show Society, Sub Chamber, volunteer, mentor, family member and supporter who contributed to the success of these competitions.
Together, you are helping preserve our proud traditions while inspiring the next generation of leaders for Queensland agriculture.
