South Australian Murray Grey Breeder named Champion Judge

South Australian Murray Grey breeder, and youth ambassador, Jake Phillips took out the Champion Judge title at the recent Australasian Young Beef Judges Competition, held at the 2013 Royal Show in Feilding, New Zealand on December 7.

Finalists from each state of Australia and New Zealand were represented in the competition, after qualifying for the Final.

Jake was selected to represent South Australia after winning the Sate Final at the 2012 Royal Adelaide Show. Competitors at the Final had to place three classes of heifers, and then speak on their placing’s in one of those classes in front of a packed gallery at the show.

The points score is made up of 75 percent on placings, and 25 percent on the oral component (justifying placings and industry relevance of their decision); presentation and ring craft.

Over Judge Richard Rowe, a renowned cattleman from New Zealand, adjudicated the event. He congratulated the participants on their high standard and professionalism.

Champion Young Beef Judge Jake Phillips said the key to doing well in the competition is to place the cattle the same as the over-judge, while being able to justify why you’ve come to that decision.

“it was quite exciting to see each of the state representatives (there were 7) justify their opinions with such a high degree of professionalism,” Jake said.

“I felt very honoured to be representing SA in the National final because it has been a fairly long journey, working with cattle for many years,” he said.

24 year old Jake went on to say that he has been judging in numerous shows for the past couple of years, and his interest and career in the beef industry had been largely developed through his involvement with Murray Greys.

In the Australasian Young Beef Handlers Competition, Murray Grey Youth member Amelia de Blauw was awarded the Reserve Champion Handler title after competing in a super competitive handler class. Amelia was selected to represent Victoria at the finals after winning the handler competition at the 2012 Royal Melbourne Show.