Shannon Lawler, International Animal Health Products, with grand champion junior judge and grand champion school parader, Marcus Wythes, and over judge Sam Parish, Forbes. Image: Facebook/International Animal Health Products.
Local cattle enthusiast, Marcus Wythes has achieved what few in the past have, scooping the pool in the youth competitions at the 2025 Canberra Royal Show, being named grand champion parader and grand champion junior judge, under the eye of over judge Sam Parish, Cattle Australia, Forbes.
A field of approximately 170 school students took to the ring last week, proving their passion for the cattle industry. Marcus was named champion in the 15 to 16 years paraders category before taking home the grand champion title over the champions in three other age groups. He then repeated this performance in the junior beef cattle judging section.
Marcus said he was pumped for the win.
“It’s good being able to assess other people’s cattle, and to see what their cattle are doing compared to yours,” he said.
“You’re able to see ways you can improve your cattle to meet the standards that the people above you are meeting. You pick up new tips from the different judges as well.”
The 16-year-old student from Scots All Sainst College, Bathurst received the Jason Sutherland Award which includes a scholarship to the Beef Cattle Assessment Course at Tocal later this year and an invitation to return to the 2026 Royal Canberra Show as an associate judge for the steer classes. This award is sponsored by International Animal Health Products.