Jack shows off beef assessment skills during state junior judging

Assessing quality cattle is in the blood for Jack Taylor.

The Dubbo-based winner of the state beef cattle judging competition had grown up around cattle, even before he joined his school's cattle team in year 5.

"And I haven't looked back since," he said.

He grew up on his family's farm, which has sheep, cattle, cropping and the Big River Angus stud.

He is also following in the footsteps of his cousin Mitch Taylor, Quilpolly, who won the state judging last year before going on to win the national competition.

Jack, who is in year 12 at Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, says livestock is his passion.

"I like working with cattle, it's always enjoyable," he said.

He is tossing up studying animal or vet science when he finishes school.

Jack says many of the skills he uses when judging cattle in competitions are the same skills he uses when drafting cattle at home.

He had previously competed at the state competition at Sydney two years ago, and won grand champion for junior beef cattle judging at the Royal Canberra Show in 2021.

He said competing was a good way to expand his ability.

"You can always better your skills, and you get a wider range of perspectives from different breeders," he said.

Overjudge Hayley Robinson, Robinson's Livestock, Aubigny via Toowoomba, Qld, said Jack was calm and clear in his delivery.

"He was accurate in his observations and able to get that across in an easily understood, conversational style," she said.

The 27 entries, from across the state, cast their eyes across entries from the Hereford, Charolais and Santa Gertrudis breeds, before some were selected to give an oral presentation on the Santa Gertrudis offering.

Ms Robinson said she was impressed by all the competitors who took their turn to present.

"Everyone who spoke was so confident and great on the microphone," she said.

"I was really impressed by everyone's ability to justify their decisions."

Ms Robinson said these were important skills.

"To make quick decisions and justify it in a public forum, these are skills transferrable in a number of different industries," she said.

Runner up went to Isaac Bennett, representing group 11, while third place was awarded to Heather Walker, from group 8, and fourth went to Eden Kaminksi and fourth to Lachlan Moore, representing group 2.

Jack will go on to represent NSW at the national competition at the Royal Adelaide Show in early September.