Rural
29 July, 2026
Fleece judging state title for local merino farmer
Gymbowen’s Lucinda Smith, 19, has won the Victorian Agricultural Shows 2026 Merino Fleece Judging State Finals event at the annual Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo on Sunday, July 19.
Gymbowen’s Lucinda Smith, 19, has won the Victorian Agricultural Shows 2026 Merino Fleece Judging State Finals event at the annual Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo on Sunday, July 19.
Miss Smith, who grew up on a merino farm, was astonished at winning the state title.
“It felt amazing; I didn’t expect it to happen,” she said.
“I've been around wool my whole life… but I hadn't really judged wool before.”
Fleece judging has become a newfound passion of Miss Smith’s after a friend introduced her to the practice at the Goroke Show.
“I hadn't been judging wool very long, and I didn't think I did that well, so you know, when they called my name out I was a bit shocked,” she said.
“You're not only representing yourself, but you're representing your family, (and) the (Goroke) show, so you've kind of got to prepare yourself visually and also mentally.
“You've got to get out of the mindset where ‘you're not good enough’ and ‘this is scary talking in front of all these people’ and get back into the mindset of 'I'm having a go at something new, I'm expanding myself'."
VAS Ltd conducted three State Finals competitions in the categories of Merino Fleece, Merino Sheep, and Meat Sheep Judging at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show, of which Miss Smith also claimed second place in the Meat Sheep Judging State Final.
All first place winners will have the opportunity to represent Victoria in the National Finals in Western Australia next year.
“I’m a little nervous, but I'm quite excited as well,” Miss Smith said on competing nationally next year.
“I've got a lot more learning to do, and I'm very open to hearing what anyone has to say, any points to improve on.”
Miss Smith extends her appreciation to the Goroke Show for the opportunity to compete in the State Finals, as well as to VAS and the Bendigo Show for hosting the event.