FLEECE judging is one of the most technical competitions for young people aiming to gain a spot at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the lead up to Henty Show this year Year 11 student at St Paul's College Walla Walla, Clarissa Peasley, set herself a goal to gain a royal qualification.
On Saturday the 16-year-old put her skills to the test and scrutinised some of the best fleeces from throughout the eastern Riverina.
After earning her Sydney qualification on Saturday it was a dream come true and also a chance to now focus even more on her skills before heading to Sydney in April.
"I have been junior judging since I was 15," she said.
During 2018 Clarissa improved her skills by attending workshops and taking part in more junior judging competitions.
"Wool is my passion and I have found so much interest in it, junior judging in fleece has taught me so much and made it crystal clear that the wool and sheep industry is the path I would like to go down," she said.
"I have met some great people in the industry that have allowed me to follow my passion along with my school that has offered me so many opportunities."
In addition to competing the junior judging competitions Henty Show provided an ideal educational platform and Lauralee Terlich of Pleasant Hills provided some insights into judging fleeces.
"Being in a wool shed, as well as out in the sheep yards is where I am happiest ... and I love the show atmosphere too," Clarissa said.
"To qualify for Sydney Royal is absolutely amazing ... I am very excited and going to Sydney is such a huge opportunity, I cannot wait to see what develops from it," she said.
It will be Clarissa's third year fleece judging at the Royal.
Her first experience was in 2018.
"I also competed in 2019 so this year is my third year," she said.
RELATED COVERAGE: