Young parader winner Abbie Hanks from Cobden (right) and runner up Chris Thompson from Mitcham.
The spotlight was on the next generation, as Australia's brightest young agricultural talent recently took centre stage at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).
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Young parader winner Abbie Hanks 20, from Cobden began showing dairy cattle with her family's Wellcoora Holsteins stud at the age of eight, following in her mum's footsteps.
In 2023 her Red Holstein, Elmar Mirand Farlex, was crowned junior champion at International Dairy Week.
"It was a really tough class, the heifers and the overjudge really made us work. I am very proud of winning the national dairy parader class as I have always aspired to achieve this national title," Abbie said.
Runner-up Chris Thompson 19 from Mitcham in SA said his first ever show experience was at the Royal Adelaide Show, with Mount Pleasant Show marking his debut as an exhibitor.
"I fell in love with agriculture through my grandparents' property and have never looked back since," Chris said.
In 2025 he represented South Australia in young judges at the Royal Adelaide Show. His highlight so far is winning Grand Champion Heifer at the 2026 SA Calf Day.
"Being awarded reserve in this national competition is a highlight for me. It's exciting to be over here representing my state of South Australia and I am thankful for the mentors and family who have helped me get to this level of competition," Chris said.
Mikaela Daniel 21, from Nathalia was the winner of the young judges. She has been showing and judging dairy cattle from a young age.
Now working in real estate, she's still involved in the dairy sector and enjoys getting to International Dairy Week.
Dairy cattle young judge winner Mikaela Daniel (left) and runner up Molly Klasen from Tamworth.
Some of her fondest show memories are of competing at the Royal Melbourne Show, and winning her first handlers class.
"It's definitely not something I expected. I used to be quite scared to get on the microphone so I am quite proud of this achievement," Mikaela said.
Molly Klasen 17, from Tamworth in NSW was runner up.
Inspired by her grandparents' dairy farm, Molly began competing in dairy judging through school and has since built an impressive resume in both dairy and beef cattle.
Now in Year 11, Molly is busy with two part-time jobs at Browns Dairy and local fruit shop Paradise Farm Markets. She won the dairy cattle young judges at the Sydney Royal Easter Show after steadily improving over three years.
"This award is very special. I feel like I am giving something back to my grandparents who have just shut their dairy but they are still very passionate about the dairy industry," Molly said.
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