Youth Sheep Handlers Expo praised for higher learnings

Farm animals are not only beneficial in providing quality nutrition for human consumption but are also instrumental in educating young people to respect where their food and fibre comes from.

That was the lesson undertook at the third annual Young Sheep Handlers Expo held from July 9 to 11 at Claremont Showground that brought 50 participants with more than half from the city.

Mundaring mother-of-five Rebecca Howman watched her children take on new skills with daughter Leila, 13, finding it “easier” to handle sheep compared to the goats at home.

Ms Howman’s nine-year-old twins Joseph and Aria were awarded first and second in the novice group 1 sheep handling competition.

The classroom, hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, was designed to teach a hands-on skill set in sheep handling and judging.

The youth also engaged with 16 industry-leading figureheads that presented their wide range of experience in sheep including the important topics of heritage breeds, nutrition, genetics, conformation, showmanship, ringcraft, butchering, shearing and wool fibre.

Wesley College boarding student Lachlan Sutherland, 17, whose family farms in Perenjori, was at the top of the class, honoured with the prestigious award of excellence.

Lachlan will be entitled to represent WA at the South Australian Sheep Expo next year through industry sponsorship.

He was brought up on his parent’s Arra-dale Merinos and Sandown Poll Dorset studs, gaining experience in sheep handling at various shows.

At the expo, he relied on all his experience to win the seniors sheep handling competition but it didn’t come easy with a “difficult sheep to stand”.

“I learned how to locate the back fat on the sheep to perform the correct scanning measurement,” Lachlan said.

Expo co-ordinator Peter Gelmi, who serves as the Perth Royal Show Sheep Committee’s councillor in charge, said the three-day program had expanded to include in-depth industry-leading topics.

“We are hopeful all participants gained valuable insights, forged new friendships and had an enjoyable experience,” he said.

“The expo, with the in-kind contributions of the participating sheep breeders, and many volunteers and sponsors, was designed to equip the young participants with knowledge and confidence about the industry.”

Participants included two families from Victoria who were drawn to the WA expo, with nothing similar on offer in their home State.

Inverleigh-based Banksia Australian Whites stud principal Deb Morrison who brought her two daughters Grace Settineri, 10, and Matilda Settineri, 12, said attending the expo was a great opportunity.

“The girls have shown our family’s sheep but there is a lot more to learn,” she said.

“This expo has inspired us to start a similar program in Victoria.”

2026 YOUNG SHEEP HANDLERS EXPO

Handler competition

Junior

1st: Asha Kerferd,

2nd: Lachlan Ellis,

3rd: Patrick Clothier

Intermediate

1st: Jake Phillips,

2nd: Leila Howman,

3rd: Anastasia Brice

Senior

1st: Lachlan Sutherland,

2nd: Mikala Vlemmix,

3rd: Kaylee Sander

Judging competition

Intermediate

1st: Jake Phillips,

2nd: Danre Theron,

3rd: Marris Cooper

Senior

1st: Lachlan Sutherland,

2nd: Zoey Morris,

3rd: Kaylee Sander

Knowledge quizzes

Junior

1st: Lachlan Ellis

2nd: Geoffrey Clothier

3rd: Asha Kerferd

Intermediate

1st: Cooper Marris

2nd: Cordell Marris

3rd: Alivia Dean

Senior

1st Mikayla Vlemmix

2nd: Lachlan Sutherland

3rd: Kaylee Sander

Overall winners

Junior

1st: Asha Kerferd

2nd: Lachlan Ellis

Intermediate

1st: Jake Phillips

2nd: Leila Howman

Senior

1st: Lachlan Sutherland

2nd: Mikayla Vlammix

Award of Excellence

Winner: Lachlan Sutherland