TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Emily Polsen of Grace Valley Livestock, Cavan, has taken out the grand champion title in both the open paraders and junior judging competitions of the Royal Canberra Show yesterday.
The biggest win to date for the young beef cattle enthusiast who currently has her own herd of about five head, Ms Polsen said she first got started showing six years ago through the agriculture program at Yass High School.
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She established her own Limousin stud after having involvement with the breed and knowing the genetics.
"It was something different for my area," Ms Polsen said. "Everyone has Angus, and I wanted to try something different ... I hope to market them to breeders in my area for crossbred programs."
Aiming for quality not quantity, she said she aims to maintain smaller numbers but focus on good genetics and good cattle.
"I want to put myself through nursing, so I'm currently working at Moxeys (dairy) and saving money for my nursing diploma," she said.
Ms Polsen kicked off her significant winning streak taking first in the 19 to 25 years open paraders class leading Black Diamond Miss Quest from the Black Diamond Angus stud of Cowra.
She then found herself vying for the championship title against six other class winners in a showdown judged by Tim Reid from JTR Cattle, Jenross, Rosyln, and associate judge Michelle Fairall of Micanker Livestock, Harden.
Mr Reid said all the top paraders on the day should be commended for their efforts, but two individuals worked their way to the front of the class and caught their eyes.
For the champion sash, Ms Polsen got around the 2019 grand champion open parader, and winner of this year's 17 to 18 years class, Casey Halliday of J and C Angus, Wildes Meadow, who was named reserve.
"The two champion paraders here today are so similar," Mr Reid said. "They are phenomenal paraders ... paraders that are so capable and professional.
"When it came down to splitting the top two individuals, the champion was just a bit more showier on the day."
Ms Polsen said this was the first time she was able to edge out the competition for the big win.
"I've previously won champion at Cowra Show, and champion heifer in the Limousin Youth Jackpot at the 2017 Sydney Royal Limousin feature show," she said.
Not only did the talented young lady win paraders, she took it a step further and claimed grand champion junior judge of the 240-odd youth competitors on the day.
Previously winning champion intermediate judge at the 2017 Limousin Youth Show, Ms Polsen said she uses the competitions to help challenge herself and grow confidence, especially on the microphone.
Ms Polsen will now be the associate judge for the 2021 Royal Canberra Show.
Close behind as the reserve champion junior judge was first-time competitor Stephie Ovington of Narooma High School.
Despite it being only her second show ever, the 14-year-old defied odds and overcame her nerves to win the 15 years section and come close to the top-title.
"I always wanted to be around animals, so joined the school's ag show team," Ms Ovington said.
"It was pretty daunting, but I had close placings to the judge.
"I hope to do more judging now at Milton Show next weekend."
Other winners in the junior judging section were; Melanie White (14 years and under), and Hamish Maclure, Tarcutta (16 years).