Sienna Ross, 17, from Katamatite in Victoria, was the champion young dairy parader at the Royal Adelaide Show
Sienna is a proud first-generation dairy farm kid growing up milking cows, rearing calves and driving tractors.
Now in Year 12 and school captain at Sacred Heart College Yarrawonga, Sienna hopes to one day become a qualified embryo technician. She also competed last year, where she was awarded runner-up.
“My family definitely are the main reason I now have such a love for showing dairy,” she said.
“I have Dad’s love of cows, Mum’s support and her determination for me to succeed, my brother’s skills building all my new gear, and my sister by my side at all the shows to learn new things.
“I grew up on a dairy farm and started with American cattle with my family, which we run together.”
When asked about winning, Sienna said, “I’m pretty stoked, not many words I can say.”
She received a halter from Goulburn-based store The Cattle Shop.
Runner-up was William Phillpot from Murray Bridge representing South Australia at the show competition on September 3.
Showing dairy cows has been a big part of William’s life since he was 12, when he attended the SA Dairy Youth Camp and met mentor Bridget Liebelt. Today, William regularly shows top-quality stock alongside Bridget at local and interstate events, and works at Daish Irrigation and Fodder in his home town.
“I can’t believe it,” William said after the competition was run.
“I never thought I would make it this far and I guess if you keep trying and keep practising you can make it to achieve your goals.
"I started competing with dairy cattle at a young age, with what started as a small hobby, quickly grew into a lifelong passion and skill.
“My dedication and willingness to learn helped me progress my talent and skills into the show ring.
“I have had so many amazing opportunities to compete in handlers’ classes, with much success along the way."
Third place was awarded to Patrick English, 20, from Malanda representing Queensland.
Patrick has been hands-on with the preparation and presentation of his family’s large show teams from a young age.
He works full-time at the Mareeba Saleyards and part-time on the family’s dairy farm. A standout moment in his show career was the Royal Queensland Show when his family claimed both Supreme Intermediate Female and Supreme Champion Cow in 2019.
“My family are multi-generational dairy farmers and have exhibited dairy cows at every Malanda Show since 1916,” he said.
“Our family has always been competitive — with six siblings there is always competition — and I have enjoyed parading animals since I could walk.”
Open to competitors aged 15-25, the championships showcase the best from each state, with entry earned through success at regional and state agricultural shows. It features competitions in Young Judges (beef and dairy cattle, grain, Merino sheep and fleece, meat breeds sheep, poultry), Paraders (beef and dairy cattle), the Australian Young Farmers Challenge and the National Rural Ambassador Award.
The event is held in a different part of Australia each year, and Agricultural Shows Australia chair Jacqueline (Jac) Wilson-Smith said it showcased agricultural excellence, boosted the industry and shone a light on outstanding achievements.