THIS year’s judging panel for the South West Slopes Merino breeders annual field day will welcome Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) sheep judging winner, Georgia Walters.
Formerly of Middle view Merino Stud, Dalgety, Miss Walters has always had a passion for the Merino sheep industry, much like her late father who tragically passed away three years ago.
Earlier this year, at the Sydney Royal Show, Miss Walters won the state final of the RAS/ASC Merino Sheep Young Judges Competition, something which she said has opened a lot of doors for her.
One opportunity that came from the competition was joining the panel of the South West Slopes field day, which Miss Walters said she was very excited about.
“This will further expand my knowledge on commercial merino industries as well as increase my connections in the industries,” she said.
Currently undergoing a bachelor of nursing at the University of New England, Miss Walters has never swayed too far away from the sheep industry, which is an integral part of her free time.
Miss Walters has been involved with Merinos from a very young age- developing a keen interest in Merino sheep from her father, who operated a well recognised Merino stud.
Miss Walters said when the stud was still operating, she was heavily involved in helping with the breeding and genetics of the animals.
She was also strongly influenced by their wool classer, Craig Wilson from Wagga.
“I was tagging along behind him at a young age,” she said.
Although the stud has now dispersed, Miss Walters said she made lifelong friends in the industry from the stud and plans to stay as involved with Merinos as she can.
“It’s a lifelong passion I have,” she said.
“Even though i’m studying in a completely different field, I’ll always want to remain in rural areas and keep my foot in the Merino industry door.”
Miss Walters said she would thoroughly encourage any young person looking at getting into the sheep industry- especially getting involved with things like sheep judging and the rural show circuit.
“It’s a great industry to get involved with especially now, with a younger generation starting to influence it,” she said.