The best young dairy cattle judges in Australia have been announced by Agricultural Shows Australia and will compete in the national finals at the Royal Adelaide Show in September.

The 2025 National Championships is being hosted by the SA Country Shows from September 1 to 6 and includes paraders (beef and dairy cattle), young judges (beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat breeds sheep, and poultry), Australian Young Farmers Challenge, and National Rural Ambassador Award.

The dairy cattle judging final will be held at 4.30pm on Wednesday, September 3.

The six finalists in the Vytelle Dairy Cattle Judging National Championships are:

Chris Thompson grew up on a small family property, started showing dairy cattle through school and soon developed an interest that led him to establish his own Holstein and Jersey stud.

Throughout high school, Chris gained hands-on experience working on farms, and now in his first year at the University of Adelaide, he continues to show cattle at most SA events and some in Vic.

His involvement in Young Judges began at smaller country shows and quickly progressed – placing third at Adelaide Show one year and taking out the top spot the next.

Rhylan Russell’s family has been involved in dairy agriculture for over five generations, milking Guernsey and Holstein cows.

Having completed his certificate 3 in dairy farming, Mr Russell is a full-time dairy farmer – and he’s on a mission to make three very special people proud when he takes to the ring in Adelaide.

“It’s awesome to see the youth of the industry getting involved and passionate about showing, not just dairy farming in general,” he said.

“Winning the state final at Sydney Royal Easter Show this year was definitely an awesome moment.

“But honestly, the best part of any show for me is just hanging out with the family, doing something we all love.

“Nothing beats those moments – that’s what really sticks with you. I want to thank my mum and dad for where I am today in this industry.

“They’ve been a huge supporter and encouragement of mine, but the main person I want to and need to thank is my Pop, Brian Russell. He’s the main reason I have the passion for this industry that I do and I hope that I make him proud.”

Grace Henderson began showing cattle at the ripe age of five, marching into the ring with a heifer named Jewel Candy.

The 18-year-old works at the Shade River Dairy farm at Mardella, milking around 300 Holstein Friesians. She is working towards a certificate 4 in dairy productions and a full qualification in artificial insemination to fulfil her goal of establishing her own business.

“I am excited for this year’s Perth Royal as I also qualified for the beef state junior judging competition, and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to learn something new from not just that experience but also from my experience at the Adelaide Royal national finals,” she said.

“Down the track I’d like to give back to the younger generation by being an active member of the WA Youth Cattle Handlers Camp, so that others can learn about the cattle industry no matter their background.”

Luke Gardiner is studying agriculture at the University of Melbourne and has grown up on a stud dairy farm, where his interest in breeding and showing cattle began.

He’s developed a strong interest in judging, inspired by his dad John Gardiner, who Luke says taught him everything he knows about judging and dairy cattle.

A standout show moment for Luke came at the 2025 International Dairy Week, where he part-owned the Supreme Intermediate and Grand Champion in the Holstein Show, View Fort Lambda Butter.

Zoe O’Neill began showing cattle at 12 years old, getting her start through her local high school before going on to represent several local farms in the show ring.

By 15, she had already started a traineeship in agriculture, and later went on to complete an apprenticeship as a heavy diesel mechanic – all while continuing to work on farms.

Will has been part of the show ring since he was three years old, and joined paraders competitions at just nine.

Growing up on a dairy farm sparked his love for cattle, and even though he now works in civil construction, showing remains a big part of his life.

Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia Jacqueline Wilson-Smith – the peak body representing 572 agricultural shows – describes the competition as a celebration of emerging talent in livestock judging across the country.

“This is an incredibly prestigious event, and earning a spot in the nationals is highly sought after,” Jac said.

“These young competitors represent the future of agricultural show competitions, which play a vital role in advancing Australia’s food and fibre industries.

“The nationals offer an exciting chance for participants to grow both personally and professionally while testing their skills against the very best.”

The Dairy Cattle Judging final is sponsored by Vytelle, a precision livestock company reshaping how cattle producers worldwide optimise their herds.