Currently studying at the Bond University, Katie Grimmett from Woodenbong won the 2018 state final of the RAS/ASC meat breeds young sheep judges competition.
At the conclusion of the competition, sashes were presented to the winner and placegetters by RAS vice-president Hunter White, Mudgee and ASC vice-president Tim Capp, Gresford.
Ms Grimmett, who became involved with the showing of sheep during her primary school years will now represent NSW in the national final to be held during the Royal Adelaide Show in September.
She had previously won the Far North Coast regional shows meat sheep judging competition held in Murwillumbah, which qualified her for the 2015 state finals which she duly won.
Although the parents of Ms Grimmett raise cattle, and she teaches local children to ride horses, she has been able to tap the enormous experience of mentors along her sheep judging journey.
My father grew up around sheep, so he passed a lot of his knowledge to me, she said.
I also gained a lot of knowledge from my agriculture teacher Warwick Shaw and the farm assistant Peter Mulcahy.
Ms Grimmett also credits Graeme Hopf, a renowned cattle and livestock judge from Uki, and Jeff Sutton, Wattle Farm Border Leicesters, Temora for her success and interest with sheep.
They have helped me greatly in all aspects of judging: understanding animals and their significance, being able to identify specific characteristics and desirable traits, public speaking and gaining my self-confidence which has further benefited many aspects of my life, she said.
Before each of my state finals, in 2015 and again this year, I was lucky enough to be able to speak with Jeff Sutton about his stud, and about other sheep breeds.
Ms Grimmett acknowledged her incredibly supportive parents who have encouraged her in pursuing a pathway within the agricultural industry.
I am blessed to have grown up in the supportive community of Woodenbong, where I have been able to develop skills for judging and grow as an individual.
Runner-up was Bryce Johnston, from Naradahan who was representing the Riverina district, while Kieran Smith from Armidale representing the Central Northern district was placed third.
In fourth place, Zak Hackett, from Appin representing the Cumberland district with Reece Webster, from Bathurst, representing the Western district gained the fifth-place sash.
Judging skills to promote a career
Winner of the 2018 RAS/ASC meat breeds sheep young judges competition, Katie Grimmett from Woodenbong is using her livestock judging experience to further her career, and at the same time encourage other young people to consider agriculture for a career.
Ms Grimmett has been placed third in 2016 in the NSW state final for Merino judging; again in 2016 she was champion junior judge at the Premier Beef Fest in Armidale and in 2017 was awarded the Sir James Walker Memorial Trophy for junior judging at the Santa Gertrudis National Junior Show.
My experience has allowed me to develop connections in the agricultural industry, she said.
I hope, with my peers to leave a positive legacy by promoting public education of agriculture.
