A royally great time would best describe Heather Walker's experience at the 2024 Sydney Royal Show.
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Heather placed first in the show's Young Judging competition in fruit and vegetables, angora goats and mohair and finished third in the grain section.
Heather qualified for four of the competitions at the Central West Group 10 finals before also taking part in Young Judging at the Dubbo Show.
"Because my competitions were over a whole week I ended up adding three more," Heather said.
"I competed in seven young judges competitions It was a bit full on but I really enjoyed it and I would definitely do it again.
"It was my first time competing in angora goats and mohair young judging, I've never done it before but I placed first so that was a great surprise."
Heather will now compete at Nationals at the Melbourne Royal Show as the state representative for fruit and vegetable young judges competition at the end of September.
Heather started competing in young judges competitions when she was in Year 9.
"We used to go around to different shows with the school show team, we predominantly showed sheep that we had at the school at the time but there were other competitions you could enter," she said.
"I love the networking, I love meeting people who are just as interested as you are to be even a part of the show society.
"I think I take the most out of it because I am studying to be an ag teacher so I like to get as much experience as I can in any of the judging competitions. I'm going to give a go at cattle next year."
Heather's involvement in the Grenfell Show started in primary school.
She continues her involvement regularly attending the monthly show meetings and is hoping to plan a development/workshop day to encourage younger students to have a go at Young Judges competitions.
"I've tried to get myself more involved," she said.
"I had a go at the Young Women's competition and I found I didn't have quite enough of a connection with my show society.
"I've tried to get more involved and I'm really loving it," she said.
The 2024 Grenfell Show will be held on August 30 and 31.
"I strongly encourage everyone to be involved with the show," she said.
"I don't think there should be a gap between local farmers and sharing their knowledge with students who are currently in high school and even encouraging them to be a part of the agriculture industry because that's what Grenfell is mainly about, the agriculture industry," Heather said.
