2026 VAS Ltd Beef Cattle Parading & Judging State Final Results

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Beef Cattle Parading State Final Results

1st Place - Sienna Grylls

2nd Place - Gemma McNamara

3rd Place - Maggie Bramley

At the Melbourne Royal Show the Beef Cattle Parading State Final was held with 16 competitors competing and Sienna Grylls was declared the winner. She will now represent Victoria at the 2027 National Finals held in Western Australia. Congratulations to all our competitors on qualifying for the State Final!

Beef Cattle Judging State Final Results

1st Place - Sienna Grylls

2nd Place - Gemma McNamara

3rd Place - Angus Burton

At the Melbourne Royal Show the Beef Cattle Judging State Final was held with 9 competitors competing and Sienna Grylls was declared the winner. She will now represent Victoria at the 2027 National Finals held in Western Australia. Congratulations to all our competitors on qualifying for the State Final!

Thank you to our over judge Jake Phillips for your time and dedication in judging our 2026 State Final.

A huge thank you to our State Final Sponsor Greenham for supporting our next generation of paraders. It was great having Holly their presenting the trophy to the winner.

2026 VAS Ltd Rural Ambassador State Final Results

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Winner: Kate McIntosh - Central & Upper Goulburn Group & Sunbury Show

Runner Up: Abbey Walsh - Gippsland Group & Sale Show

Congratulations to all our state finalists! You are all to be admired for the way you conducted yourself across the state final process and your show societies should be so proud of you!

Kate will now represent Victoria at the 2027 National Finals which will be held in Western Autralia.

Thank you to our three judges Jason Ronald OAM, Alexandra Pattinson & Brian Keirl for their time and effort in judging the state finalists!

Thank you to our sponsors Gallagher Australia, Melbourne Royal & RB Sellars for their support of our State Final!

2026 VAS Ltd Homecraft State Final Results

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Congratulations to all the state finalists on the quality of work and skill that was displayed throughout the 11 days of the Melbourne Royal Show. Please see below our placegetters for each of our State Finals. Congratulations to all competitors!

Thank you to Spotlight for your sponsorship towards our State Finals!

 

Sewing State Final Results

1st Place - Jayne Graham - North Eastern Group (Myrtleford Show)

2nd Place - Lyn Rose - Northern District Group (Deniliquin Show)

3rd Place - Beverley Fuller - Wimmera Group (Warracknabeal Show)

Crochet State Final Results

1st Place - Michaela Glasl - Goulburn Valley Riverina Group (Shepparton Show)

2nd Place - Emily Leggett - South Western Group (Warrnambool Show)

3rd Place - Bridget Aitchison - Midlands Group (Ballarat Show)

Knitting State Final Results

1st Place - Megan Macalpine - South Western Group (Royal Geelong Show)

2nd Place - Norma Rosemeier - Midlands Group (Beaufort Show)

3rd Place - Sandra Smolenaars - Gippsland Group (Sale Show)

Patchwork State Final Results

1st Place - Vicki Anceschi - Central & Upper Goulburn Group (Whittlesea Show)

2nd Place - Debbie McDonald - Midlands Group (Maldon Show)

3rd Place - Lyn Rose - Northern District Group (Deniliquin Show)

Embroidery State Final Results

1st Place - Katalin Yeoman - Goulburn Valley Riverina Group (Shepparton Show)

2nd Place - Linda Maher - Northern District Group (Deniliquin Show)

3rd Place - Eliza Nikpourian - South Western Group (Bellarine Show)

Cross Stitch State Final Results

1st Place - Linda Maher - Northern District Group (Deniliquin Show)

2nd Place - Adina Rathmanner - Central & Upper Goulburn Group (Lilydale Show)

3rd Place - Pat Duddy - Goulburn Valley Riverina Group (Dookie Show)

Photography State Final Results

1st Place - Charmane Bennett - North Eastern Group (Wangaratta Show)

2nd Place - Kiely Lobley - Gippsland Group (Orbost Show)

3rd Place - Charles Scicluna - Central & Upper Goulburn Group (Whittlesea Show)

Junior Photography State Final Results

1st Place - Felicity Winnington - Central & South Gippsland Group (Berwick Show)

2nd Place - Meredyth Wauchope - South Western Group (Royal Geelong Show)

3rd Place - Tom Harris - Central & Upper Goulburn Group (Heathcote Show)

Rich Fruit Cake State Final Results

1st Place - Libby Garoni - Murray Valley Group (Tallangatta Show)

2nd Place - Julie Lindner - North Eastern Group (Wangaratta Show)

3rd Place - Kimm Noonan - Central & Upper Goulburn Group (Yea Show)

Junior Boiled Fruit Cake State Final Results

1st Place - Mya Singh - South Western Group (Royal Geelong Show)

2nd Place - Caitlin Hendy - Wimmera Group (Kaniva Show)

3rd Place - Amelia O'Connor - Northern District Group (Deniliquin Show)

2026 VAS Ltd Rural Ambassador State Finalists

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Introducing the 2026 VAS Ltd Rural Ambassador State Finalists. The State Final is held in conjunction with the Melbourne Royal Show on the 25th - 27th September with the Presentation Luncheon being held on Sunday 27th September at the Riverside Golf & Sports Centre. Wishing our 7 State Finalists the best of luck in the State Final!

Thank you to our State Final Sponsors for their support of our ambassador program:

 
 
 

Central & South Gippsland Group & Berwick Show – Bridget Leahy

Bridget was born and raised in the South-East suburbs, and she developed her passion for the Agricultural Industry through her high school’s Ag & Hort program. She has been involved with the Berwick Show for 18 years, started as a steward whilst exhibiting with the school’s sheep, progressing onto the sheep sub-committee and now, with her partner Kane, are co-sheep superintendents.

After graduating Year 12, Bridget studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, before moving across the state with her partner to pursue their dream of owning their own farm, as first generation farmers. Now living 3 hours away from the Berwick Show, she continues to help wherever she can, and this year, organised the shows new Discovery Trail, aiming to bridge the growing disconnect between the public and Agriculture. Bridget works for Elders Rural Services and enjoys connecting with the local farming community and continually learning from the farmers and the wider industry.

Central & Upper Goulburn Group & Sunbury Show – Kate McIntosh

Kate works at Salesian College Sunbury, where she leads the same livestock programs that shaped her own agricultural journey. Her role brings together agricultural education, student mentoring, livestock management and program coordination. She supports students to build their confidence and skills while representing the College. Kate also helps students understand that agriculture extends far beyond farming, encouraging them to explore careers suited to their strengths and interests.

Alongside her work, Kate is completing a Master of Teaching and is passionate about motivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. She serves on the Sunbury Agricultural Show committee, coordinating the cattle section and establishing the Young Farmers Challenge. She also assists with the cattle section at the Yea Show and is working to develop beef cattle education days at the Melbourne Royal Show and Ballarat Show. Kate is dedicated to inspiring young people and creating pathways for meaningful involvement in agriculture.

Gippsland Group & Sale Show – Abbey Walsh

Abbey is a beef producer, agricultural advocate and proud Gippsland local from Boisdale. She is passionate about her community and loves being involved in the organisations and events that bring people together, such as the CFA and local Agricultural Societies. Agricultural shows have been part of Abbey’s life since childhood, and today she gives back through the Sale Agricultural Society. At Sale, she is Head Steward of the Tiny Tots and Junior Quests Competition, alongside several other volunteer roles. She enjoys helping create welcoming, educational and memorable show experiences, particularly for young people.

Abbey owns and operates Aisling Beef, where her goal is to continue expanding her herd and producing high-quality cattle. She is also a Meat & Livestock Australia Red Meat Ambassador, sharing honest and positive stories about Australian farming. Abbey values service, teamwork, community spirit and giving back to the rural communities that have given her so much.

Goulburn Valley Riverina Group & Numurkah Show – Lachlan Andrew

Lachlan is a Food Technology teacher at Numurkah Secondary College and is a passionate advocate for rural communities, agriculture and education. Raised on a dairy farm in Numurkah, Lachlan has developed a lifelong connection to the local community and the Numurkah Show Society. His family have a long standing history of showing dairy cattle, fostering a strong appreciation for the role of agricultural shows and how they uphold and celebrate the importance of primary industries, community spirit and rural tradition.

Lachlan is currently undertaking the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program, further developing his leadership capabilities and strengthening his engagement with the broader region. Through his experience, he aims to contribute to the future of rural communities and inspire the next generation to appreciate and participate in regional living.

Midlands Group & Beaufort Show – James Troup

James is a Victorian agricultural professional with a career spanning across broadacre farming, grain procurement, logistics and agricultural machinery across Australia and Canada. With more than eight years of hands-on industry experience, James has worked across some of Australia’s large-scale cropping operations while also gaining international experience in Canadian grain farming.

Today, James works in grain procurement and logistics, sourcing around 100,000 tonnes of grain annually for an operation supporting oat milling, stockfeed and pulse processing. His role places him at the intersection of growers, grain markets, transport and processing, giving him a broad perspective across the agricultural supply chain. Passionate about modern farming, agricultural technology and the people behind the industry, James combines practical farming knowledge with formal qualifications in farm management and agribusiness. He is known for his practical approach, strong industry relationships and commitment to the future of Australian agriculture.

North Eastern Group & Yarrawonga Show – McKayla Peterson

McKayla is a 24-year-old from the North Eastern Group who is passionate about her community and local agricultural shows. She works at the Yarrawonga Hotel as a bartender and waitress, a role she has held for over a year and a half, while also being a dedicated full time mum to her three-year-old daughter, Codi.

McKayla has been Secretary of the Tungamah Lions Club for four years and recently became involved with the Yarrawonga & Border Agricultural & Pastoral Association. Through these roles, she enjoys contributing new ideas, building connections and supporting her local community. Her qualifications include Year 12 VCAL, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, Certificate II in Health and Community Services, RSA, RCG and RCGA. She also previously worked as an administrative assistant at Swinburne University. McKayla is also a proud homeowner and is looking forward to marrying her partner in November.

South Western Group & Port Fairy Show – Alanna Hansford

Alanna is a passionate young agricultural professional with a lifelong connection to agricultural shows and rural communities. Growing up involved with the Port Fairy Show Society has shaped her appreciation for the role agricultural shows play in connecting communities, celebrating rural life and promoting agriculture.

Alanna holds an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness Management, Diploma of Applied Agronomy and Certificate IV in Agriculture. Her practical career has taken her across dairy, beef, sheep, feedlot and mixed farming enterprises throughout Australia and Ireland. As a 2025 BBM Global Footprints Scholar, Alanna spent three months in Ireland early 2026, expanding her knowledge of international agriculture, sustainability and rural communities. Representing the south west region as a Rural Ambassador, Alanna is enthusiastic about encouraging young people to become involved in agricultural shows and rural communities, advocating for women in agriculture and contributing to a strong and sustainable future for Australian agriculture.

Expression of Interest Homecraft Judging

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Are you interested in learning to become a judge of homecrafts?

VAS Ltd is wanting to get a bit of an indication of what area you would like to learn to judge along with where you are located to then potentially set up some training days.

Click the box below to express your interest:

Express YOur Interest

2026 Rural Ambassador State Final Information Day

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We had our 7 State Final Ambassadors attend the information day in Bendigo on Sunday and it was a great success! It was great the ambassadors got to hear the insights from Harry Lloyd last years 2025 State Final Winner and also to hear about his recent Nationals experience. The ambassadors also got some great feedback on their impromptu speeches they presented on the day!

It was a great opportunity for the ambassadors to meet each other and hear about each others background. They are all looking forward to the State Final that will be held at the Melbourne Royal Show on the 25th & 26th September with the Presentation Luncehon to be held on 27th September at the Riverside Golf & Sports Centre.

Left to Right in the photo: Alanna Hansford (South Western Group), James Troup (Midlands Group), McKayala Peterson (North Eastern Group), Lachlan Andrew (Goulburn Valley Riverina Group), Kate McIntosh (Central & Upper Goulburn Group), Bridget Leahy (Central & South Gipppsland Group) & Abbey Walsh (Gippsland Group).

2026 ASA National Finals Success - Team Victoria

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Recently at the 2026 Ekka Brisbane Show the 2026 Agricultural Shows Australia National Finals were held. The National Finals is an opportunity for each state in Australia to bring their team of competitors together to compete in the individual competitions that aim to test the skill and knowledge of each of the competitors. The competitions support the next generation of paraders and judges to showcase their skills on a National Level.

Team Victoria were:
Rural Ambassador - Harry Lloyd
Beef Cattle Parading - Jayde Grylls
Merino Sheep Judging - Ava Harris
Dairy Cattle Judging - Mikaela Daniel
Beef Cattle Judging - Brittany Abbott
Poultry Judging - Liam Collins
Grain Judging - Hollianne Hallam
Merino Fleece Judging - Taylor Kain
Dairy Cattle Parading - Abbie Hanks
Meat Sheep Judging - Jessica Gregory

Each National Final is allocated 4 points for 1st Place, 3 points for 2nd Place, 2 points for 3rd Place & 1 point for every other participant in the National Final. The Rural Ambassador is allocated 4 points for the Winner & 2 points for the Runner Up along with 1 point for every other participant in the National Final. The highest state tallied points is then declared the Keast Shield Winner!

We are so proud of our team VICTORIA on being declared the 2026 Keast Shield Winner!

The success of all our competitiors to represent Victoria so well and show their skills and knowledge off, you are all to be admired for the way you have represented Victoria! You should be all so proud of yourselves that you are apart of the Keast Shield Winning State!

Congratulations to all the other states on what was such a high calibre of competitors and it just shows that the future is in very good hands!

This is only the third time that Victoria has won the shield so previosuly won in 2021, 2025 & now 2026! GO VICTORIA!!

Victoria is so proud of each of our team members for representing the State so well and their contribution to the Victorian Agricultural Show Movement. Thank you to all the families and supporters of the competitors for supporting them along this journey along with sponsors of each competition that make it possible for the competitors to compete!

Below is each of our competitiors and their individual successes