Dairy girls in national finals

Georgia, 18, will be competing in the cattle parading competition and Zoe, 23, will be demonstrating her judging skills.

Georgia is studying animal and veterinary bio science at La Trobe University's Bundoora campus and Zoe is studying a bachelor of agribusiness.

Zoe grew up on the family's Llandovery Illawara stud at Girgarre which, runs a 500-cow herd.

“In 10 years time, I would like to be running a small dairy farm and still continuing ‘Llandovery’ stud Illawarras.

“The goal would to run a self-sufficient dairy farm to hopefully eliminate financial pressures that unfortunately in the dairy industry is all too common and also to get back to enjoying farming.

“The first judging competition I competed in was at Toowoomba Show when I was 15 where I was helping good friends Matt Henry, who encourage me to go in the judging competition.

“I ended up winning that competition and I caught the bug.”

Agricultural Shows Australia chairman Rob Wilson said the competition was designed to recognise the best new talent in livestock judging and presenting nationwide.

“It’s an extremely prestigious event and positions at the nationals are keenly contested,” Dr Wilson said.

“These young people are the future of agricultural show competitions, which are crucial to the continual improvement of Australia’s food and fibre.

The national competition is a coveted opportunity to grow personally and professionally by practising skills against the cream of the crop.”

Georgia's interest in cattle started at a young age.

“My mum introduced me to showing cows as soon as I was old enough to participate and through all her knowledge I became equally as passionate about dairy cattle showing as she was.

“I have always loved the parading side of cattle shows and doing the best I can to make my animals look to the best of their ability, this competition allows young leaders like my self to help improve and learn more each time they step into the ring which is why I decided to compete.”