Kojonup’s Libby Hardingham named as national finalist for young merino fleece Judge competition in Adelaide

Kojonup’s Libby Hardingham has been selected to represent WA in the race to be Australia’s best young merino fleece judge in September. The 17-year-old will compete for the honour against five other finalists from each State at the Royal Adelaide Show on September 4. For ages 15 to 25, the annual young judges competitions are designed to develop judging talent and help young people connect with and learn from industry professionals. Ms Hardingham’s interest in the sheep industry started at childhood, which she spent helping out on her grandparents farm before working with stud and commercial sheep on a family friend’s farm. The finalist is currently studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science with the goal to become a livestock vet in the agriculture industry. Ms Hardingham said she credits her success in the young judges competition to her agricultural teacher Colin Batt, when she attended the WA College of Agriculture Narrogin. “Mr Batt taught me all the things I needed to know about showing sheep, judging wool, merinos and meat breeds,” she said. “He ran the sheep show team and looked after the school’s Suffolk stud. He took them, as well as us students, to as many shows the school would allow him to. “He ensured we had the necessary skills to make the stud sheep look best on show day and that we gave everything a go, even if we were unsure of our own abilities. “Batty encouraged me to compete in the young judges competitions at all the shows and he has continued his support even after my graduation. “If it wasn’t for Batty I would not be where I am today, with the skills to pick out the best sheep or fleece in a group and without the networks he has helped me build within the sheep industry.” Other finalists include Olivia Baker, 16, from Tasmania, Miranda McGufficke, 24, (NSW), Queensland’s Jaime Colley, 24, Tiffany Maestrale, 17, (Victoria) and Celia Collins (South Australia). Chair of Agricultural Shows Australia Jacqueline Wilson-Smith said the competition was a celebration of emerging national talent. “These young competitors represent the future of agricultural show competitions, which play a vital role in advancing Australia’s food and fibre industries,” Ms Wilson-Smith said. “The nationals offer an exciting chance for participants to grow both personally and professionally while testing their skills against the very best.”