Yass was well represented at the 200th Sydney Royal Easter Show for the young agricultural judges and paraders competitions.
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Two local young paraders and judges, Ezekiel Groom and Thomas Andersen, made their way to Sydney to represent their home town in the prestigious state paraders and young judges finals.
The state judges and paraders competition brings together the best young judges and paraders aged 15 to 25 in each region to compete at the state finals.
President of AgShows NSW, Tim Capp, said the state finals were a prestigious and exciting celebration of future talent in agriculture.
"It is so important for these young people to grow their confidence, expand their networks, and increase their agricultural knowledge," he said.
"Not all competitors are from a farming background and this competition is a great way to learn valuable skills for life."
Ezekiel Groom graduated from Yass High School in 2020 and is currently studying nursing.
He's one example of a competitor who came from a non-agricultural background.
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"It's funny because as a kid I was really scared of animals, my grandma had horses and every time I'd go over to feed them I'd throw the food and run away," Ezekiel said.
However, after being involved in a school sport show team program, Ezekiel grew to love all things cattle.
He competed in both the Beef Cattle Paraders and Beef Cattle Young Judges competitions in the open category for 19-25 year-olds at the Royal Easter Show.
"It was a rough day slopping around the mud and there was a particularly strong class of paraders, so I was pleased to have placed with a ribbon."
Ezekiel came in third for the Beef Cattle Paraders competition.
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Thomas Andersen is a 16-year-old year 11 student from St Gregory's College Campbelltown.
He has learnt a lot about showing cattle at school, but has always been surrounded by agriculture.
His family own a farm just outside of Yass.
Thomas said he first started showing cattle when he was just seven-years-old at a local show.
At this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show he competed in the Beef Cattle Paraders, Merino Fleece Young Judges, and Meat and Dual Purpose Sheep competition in which he placed as reserve champion.
Thomas said that he went to shows aiming to get as much experience as possible.
"I like helping other people who have more experience than me who can teach me things," Thomas said.
Thomas hopes to stay in the agriculture industry after he finishes high school.
Winners in the state competitions go on to compete in the national competition also held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
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