THE future of agriculture was on display during the final day of beef cattle competitions at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
A stellar line up of 30 youngsters from across the state and beyond battled it out in judging and parading during the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Youth Show.
Competitors put their best foot forward in the junior, intermediate and senior categories, but it was Thomas Duddy, Killain Angus, Tamworth, and Sarah Sutton, Double S Shorthorns, Ballarat, who took out the grand champion parader and judge ribbon respectively.
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Ms Sutton starred in the senior category, winning both the senior champion judge and senior champion parader ribbons.
The 22-year-old said she was delighted to have "performed so well in such an impressive group of competitors".
"I've been involved in these events for the past five or six years and Sydney is the real pinnacle for us and to get a win here is always really exciting," Ms Sutton told The Land.
"I'm off to nationals at the end of the year, so I guess this is a bit of a confidence boost and some good practice after a year out due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's been really nice to get back into the ring, see everyone and I'm just really grateful for the opportunity to judge here in Sydney."
Despite only being 14 years old, Thomas Duddy has been a mainstay of the show, having competed in the event for several years but he said winning was always special.
"I've been competing in these events since I first started showing cattle and it's always great to get out here and compete," Mr Duddy said.
"I just wanted to calm my heifer down, get her standing well and not stress her out because it was quite a hot day today [Monday].
"This result will 100 per cent inspire me to keep going with these events and have a crack at it in the future."
Overjudge Hannah Powe said both grand champions were well presented and put together stellar performances.
"I really like how Thomas paraded and the flow he had with his animal while in the ring," Ms Powe said.
"An animal that flows with its parader will walk around the ring smoothly, be very eye catching and that's exactly what Thomas and his animal did.
"Sarah also exhibited similar qualities during her category and her efforts while judging were also outstanding.
"Both champions really did exhibit the complete package."
RAS Youth Show Results:
Judge: Hannah Powe, Goondoola Red Angus, Cargo
Number of competitors: 30
Grand champion judge: Sarah Sutton,
Grand champion parader: Thomas Duddy
Champion senior judge: Sarah Sutton
Reserve champion senior judge: Skye Baxter
Champion intermediate judge: Katie Sutcliffe
Reserve champion intermediate judge: Axul Hourn
Champion junior judge: Zoe Carter
Reserve champion junior judge: Seth Miller
Champion senior parader: Sarah Sutton
Reserve champion senior parader: Skye Baxter
Champion intermediate parader: Thomas Duddy
Reserve champion intermediate parader: Katie Sutcliffe
Champion junior judge: Zoe Carter
Reserve champion junior judge: Seth Miller
Champion junior parader: Seth Miller
Reserve champion junior parader: Sienna Manning
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