Merino Nationals junior judge champion credits mentorship of industry stalwarts

A rising talent in the Merino industry has claimed top honours in the Merino Nationals junior judging competition, earning a coveted spot at the 2026 Sydney Royal finals.

In a strong field of entrants, Australian Food and Agriculture studs Wanganella and Poll Boonoke's second-year jackaroo, Angus Knox, took first place in the senior junior judging, senior oral presentation and sheep handler sections.

Raised on a commercial Merino property near Conargo, the 19-year-old champion embraced the industry from a young age and has honed his skills ever since.

"I've always had a passion for Merinos and, straight out of school, decided to go jackarooing at [Poll] Boonoke, where I'm really enjoying my time," he said.

No stranger to the competition, Angus threw his hat in the ring last year but admitted he "did no good."

He credited the experience gained in his current role, working with leading genetics, refining his stockmanship skills, and building practical knowledge, as key to this year's result.

"We have a lot of good mentors at Poll Boonoke; Angus Munro, Forbes Murdoch, Justin Campbell, Tom Lilburne and Chris Bowman," Angus said.

"They're people I look up to in the industry who are very successful."

While the Sydney Royal will mark his debut in the royal ring, Angus said the guidance of Mr Munro and Mr Murdoch had already served him well in competition.

Angus plans to stay in the Merino game and remains optimistic about the industry's future.

"There is a future, we just have to adapt to it," he said.

James Derrick, Karoola Downs Poll, Mundarlo, was the overjudge.