Helical Project Update
29 July, 2026
More than 120 competitors aged between 6-25 years old from across Australia, along with a contingent of New Zealand participants, gathered in Goulburn from 10-12 July for the 2026 Herefords Australia National Youth Expo. The three-day event showcased outstanding education, competition and camaraderie, reaffirming the Expo’s position as one of the premier youth events on the Australian beef industry calendar.
This year’s event saw a refreshed three-day format, delivering a packed program of educational sessions, cattle judging, parading, team challenges and social activities while continuing to provide valuable opportunities for young people to develop their skills and passion for the Hereford breed.
The action began on Thursday, 9 July, with cattle arriving at the Goulburn Showgrounds and competitors registering throughout the afternoon. Participants received their competitor packs and bibs before settling in for an exciting weekend ahead.
Before sunrise on Friday morning, the showgrounds were already buzzing with activity. From 5am, competitors, parents, organisers and ballot animal providers were hard at work feeding, grooming and preparing cattle. The dedication, enthusiasm and teamwork on display set the tone for what would become an outstanding event.
Following breakfast, Herefords Australia CEO Hamish Chandler officially welcomed attendees alongside National Youth Committee members Emily Taylor and Tabby Cross. Teams were announced, competitors met their teammates, and a series of icebreakers helped break down barriers and foster new friendships before educational sessions commenced.
The morning was dedicated to a range of informative and engaging educational workshops, providing participants with practical skills and industry knowledge. Following lunch, competitors turned their attention to Junior Judging, expertly judged by Jack Laurie. Participants assessed classes of cattle and presented their reasons to judges and peers, demonstrating impressive analytical and communication skills.
As evening approached, competitors returned to the sheds to prepare their cattle before the Junior Judging Finals took centre stage in the main arena. The day concluded with a barbecue dinner on the grounds, with beef generously donated by event sponsor Teys.
Saturday morning once again saw competitors hard at work in the sheds before the highly anticipated cattle judging competition commenced. A total of 20 classes were judged by Hayden Green, with competitors presenting both themselves and their cattle to an exceptionally high standard.
Following lunch, the team challenges transformed the venue into a hive of activity. Competitors rotated through a series of educational and practical challenges designed to test their teamwork, problem-solving abilities and livestock knowledge. A sincere thank you is extended to all session facilitators whose expertise and enthusiasm ensured each participant walked away having learned something new.
The highlight of Saturday evening was the National Youth Expo Dinner held at the Goulburn Workers Club. More than 280 guests attended the event, enjoying an excellent meal while celebrating the achievements of youth within the Hereford community.
Guests were treated to a presentation from the Australian team that represented the breed at the World Hereford Conference Young Breeders Competition in the United States last October. Attendees heard firsthand about the team’s remarkable achievements, including securing the Grand Champion Team Fitting Award against competitors from 11 nations. Emily Taylor was also recognised for her outstanding individual performance, earning the title of Reserve Champion Individual Meat Animal Evaluation.
One of the evening’s significant presentations was the Jason Sutherland Award, presented by Darryl Holder. The award recognises a quiet achiever who works diligently behind the scenes, supports those around them and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the Hereford breed. The 2026 recipient was New Zealand competitor Shanti Alpin.
The Herefords Australia Travel Scholarship was also awarded during the dinner. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 for a Herefords Australia Youth member to undertake an educational travel experience aimed at expanding their knowledge and understanding of the breed. Herefords Australia CEO Hamish Chandler presented the scholarship to Mitch Taylor.
The evening also featured the Herefords Australia National Youth Expo Charity Auction, interfaced by major sponsor AuctionsPlus, alongside a silent auction generously supported by numerous businesses and individuals. Together, the auctions raised an outstanding $11,195, with all proceeds directed towards future Herefords Australia Youth initiatives.
Music, dancing and plenty of laughter rounded out a memorable evening before competitors prepared for the final day of competition.
Sunday morning once again began in the cattle sheds before competitors entered the parading competitions, judged by Monique McKinnon. The dedication, professionalism and effort displayed by every participant reflected the countless hours of preparation invested before and throughout the Expo.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards and prizes, recognising excellence across parading, judging, cattle classes and leadership activities.
2026 Results
Parading
Peewee Champion: Mackenzie O’Mally
Peewee Reserve Champion: Hayley Paton
Junior Champion: Kody Stevens
Junior Reserve Champion: Lucy Godbolt
Sub-Intermediate Champion: Marcus Stanley
Sub-Intermediate Reserve Champion: Rory Hutchinson
Intermediate Champion: Toby Hutchinson
Intermediate Reserve Champion: Will Clements
Senior Champion: Casey Halliday
Senior Reserve Champion: Jemima Nugent
Cattle Classes
Junior Female Champion: TwoJay 199S Platinum W1 (AI) (P)
Junior Female Reserve Champion: Sugarloaf Jewell W539 (H)
Intermediate Female Champion: Llandillo Indiana W24 (P)
Intermediate Female Reserve Champion: Glenalvie Nettie W511 (PP)
Senior Female Champion: JTR Eleanor V054 (AI) (P)
Senior Female Reserve Champion: Sugarloaf Delight V252 (H)
Grand Champion Female: JTR Eleanor V054 (AI) (P)
Futurity Female Champion: Llandillo Aster T42 (PP)
Futurity Female Reserve Champion: Merton Park Vanya Kirsten (AI) (P)
Champion Bull: JTR Wentworth W007 (AI) (ET) (P)
Reserve Champion Bull: Rayleigh Washington W086 (PP)
Commercial Female Champion: JTR Cherry V053
Commercial Female Reserve Champion: Wynella Snow White W20
Commercial Steer Champion: Llandillo Steer W040
Commercial Steer Reserve Champion: Double H Working Class Man W004
Bred and Owned Female Champion: Guys T147 Jenny (AI) (ET) (PP)
Bred and Owned Female Reserve Champion: Emigrace Nicky W018 (PP)
Owned Champion: JTR Eleanor V054 (AI) (P)
Owned Reserve Champion: Sugarloaf Delight V252 (H)
Junior Judging
Peewee Champion: Harry Reid
Peewee Reserve Champion: James McMahon
Junior Champion: Lucy Godbolt
Junior Reserve Champion: Lucy Godbolt
Sub-Intermediate Champion: Bonnie Sullivan
Sub-Intermediate Reserve Champion: Chelsea Hall
Intermediate Champion: Stirling Wheatley
Intermediate Reserve Champion: Layla Clarke
Senior Champion: Emily Taylor
Senior Reserve Champion: Mitch Taylor
Grand Champion Junior Judge: Emily Taylor
Special Awards
Grand Champion Herdsman: Will Van Gend
Novice Award Winner: Alec Robertson
Most Potential Breeder Award: Will Clements and Lucy Godbolt
The success of the 2026 Herefords Australia National Youth Expo would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, organisers, volunteers, competitors, parents, carers, animal providers and spectators. Your commitment to developing the next generation of Hereford enthusiasts continues to make this event one of the most rewarding and impactful youth programs in the country.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the 2026 National Youth Expo such a resounding success. We look forward to welcoming you back at the next Herefords Australia Youth event.
All images are courtesy of our National Youth Expo photographers Branded Ag. To view the full image library and purchase photos head to: Hereford National Youth Expo 2026 Photos
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