TOP SIRE 2025–2026 NSW SHOW AND SALE RESULTS HUGH LYDIARD MEMORIAL TROPHY Luke Meredith proved that you don’t need to come from a farming background to excel in the agricultural industry. Hailing from Sydney, Luke was crowned Champion in the 2025 RAS/ASC Merino Sheep Young Judge Competition and now has the chance to compete in the National Young Judges Finals at the Royal Adelaide Show in August. After finding his passion for sheep judging through agriculture at school, Luke moved west to Nevertire, where he has been working for Egelabra Merino stud for two years. His advice to aspiring young judges was to simply give it a try, “It’s obviously a bit nerve-wracking getting up and speaking, but everyone is in the same boat, so just give it a crack.” Luke was awarded the Hugh Lydiard Memorial Trophy, which was donated in 2003 by past Egelabra employees in memory of Hugh Lydiard who had a great passion for encouraging the success of younger generations in the sheep industry. Reserve Champion was awarded to Paddy Lowe, who has been working with Thalabah Merino and Poll Merino stud, Laggan. Luke and Paddy both represented NSW SMBA, having earned their place at Sydney after winning their way through the Rabobank National Merino Show in August 2024. Also representing NSW SMBA were Aliyah McDonald, Narromine, who placed first earlier this year at the Armidale Merino Ram Show, and Samantha Noakes, Bedgerabong, who won at the Great Southern Supreme Merino Show in Bathurst. 1– Photo caption. 1– Former NSW SMBA President Hamish McLaren, Walcha, with RAS/ASC Merino Sheep Young Judge Reserve Champion Paddy Lowe, Laggan, alongside Champion Luke Meredith, Nevertire, and judge Henry Armstrong, Pemcaw, Dunedoo. – 90 –
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