One of the most adventurous things the club embarked upon to encourage, support and mentor our club juniors was accepting the invitation to introduce the 'Young Poultry Judge Championship' into the 2024 Freds Pass Rural Show poultry schedule (which the DRPC runs for the show). This competition had not previously happened in the NT, although it is a feature in other states.

There were two elements to the competition:

1. Judging a group of four birds and placing them from 1st to 4th.

2. Explaining to the judge why they placed them in that order – what are the good points that reflect the standard for that breed; what features are defects.

In 2024, four young people entered the championship, in two classes (7-10 years; 11-17 years).

Gary Phillips (NSW) was the poultry judge for both the show and the Young Judges Championship.

 

In 2025, again there were four competitors: One in the 11-17 year category and 3 in the 7-10 years group.

And once again, Billy Watts demonstrated his knowledge and bird-handling skills to the judge Keiren Politch (Qld) to win the Young Judge Championship. The Club is really proud to have juniors who have the confidence and courage to test their knowledge and skill.

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