About 170 teens evaluated the fleece and form of sheep in the Corriedale junior judging competition this morning.
The exponential growth in the competition, which had seen it increase from ten competitors seven years ago, was fantastic, organiser Bruce Hamblin said.
The groups of school students and children from farming families competed in three age groups. Over judge Diane Rawlinson of New Zealand, awarded Elise Morgan of Elisabeth Murdoch College, Langwarrin, first place in the 13 years and under category.
Students from Woodleigh School, Langwarrin South, took out first and second place in the 14 to 15 years age group. Tess Runting topped the group and Gabby Wardrop came second.
A former Woodleigh School student who is now in his first year of a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University, Daniel Mosele, topped the 16 and older category of the Corriedale junior judging.
Mr Mosele, who has started his own Carriedale stud called Woolondoon, said the four sheep that each competitor had to evaluate and place as part of the competition separately quite easily this year.
Junior judging competitions help to improve competitors’ communication skills, public speaking and confidence, Mr Mosele said.
