2025 Melbourne Royal Beef Cattle Competition Judges
Glenn Trout
Beef Cattle Judge – Limousin
Raised on a stud and commercial cattle property between Chinchilla and Eidsvold in Queensland, Glenn was educated in Rockhampton before returning to the beef industry. He ran a fitting service on the Darling Downs for over 20 years and went on to manage several prominent studs, including Birubi Limousin and Angus. Glenn is now based at Moorunga Angus on the Mornington Peninsula and has exhibited/judged at most major shows across Australia.
Ben Davies
Beef Cattle Judge – Speckle Park, Red Angus
Ben is based at Paris Creek in the Adelaide Hills, where he and his family run Wild Bear Herefords - a small Hereford and Poll Hereford stud. They sell bulls annually in Hamilton and exhibit at the Wodonga National Show and Sale. Off farm, Ben has spent 15 years with Thomas Foods, now serving as Assistant National Livestock Manager overseeing procurement across multiple processing sites and a feedlot. Originally from southern NSW, Ben holds a Bachelor of Agribusiness from Charles Sturt University and began his career as a Market Analyst with MLA before moving into livestock procurement roles.
Tony Starr
Beef Cattle Judge – Australian Lowlines, Charolais, Small Breed Interbreed
Based at Bowning in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, Tony and his wife run Starrs Limousins and Angus and Kyme Shorthorns, with cattle available year-round via private treaty. Tony began his stud business 27 years ago after a lifelong passion for beef cattle, starting with his first Shorthorn heifer at age five. He actively supports the Shorthorn and Limousin National Shows and Sales, and has long contributed to the Show as a volunteer, exhibitor and judge. A qualified animal nutritionist and agronomist, Tony also mentors young people and works to optimise productivity across the beef industry.
Sam Parish
Beef Cattle Judge – Fleckvieh, Any Other Breed Small, Calf Classic, Melbourne Royal Handlers
Based in Forbes, NSW, Sam is a dedicated advocate for the beef industry with a strong background in cattle judging across five states - including roles at BEEF 24 and the Royal Canberra Show. He works as Project Support Officer at Wise Repro and co-hosts the Breeder Exchange podcast, which explores genetics, industry trends and key voices in beef. Sam was named 2023 National Young Beef Cattle Judge and 2019 National Young Beef Parader. He is also active in stakeholder engagement and project delivery, supporting the global advancement of elite cattle genetics.
Matt Cooney
Beef Cattle Judge – Any Other Breed Large
Matt is based in Lemnos, Victoria, where he owns and operates Cann Valley Cattle Co & Consultancy full-time. He breeds a large stud herd of Australian Lowlines and has developed a strong international market for semen and embryos. A regular exhibitor at Melbourne Royal for over a decade, Matt was honoured to associate judge in 2023 under David Bonfield - a career highlight. He now returns as a judge, recognising the exceptional standard of cattle exhibited at one of Australia’s most prestigious shows.
Alicia Trovatello
Beef Cattle Associate Judge
Alicia is part of the family-run Glendan Park in Kyneton, Victoria, breeding registered Hereford and Angus cattle. A graduate of the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Agriculture, she spent two years in beef processing before returning to focus on genetics, marketing and farm operations. Alicia has judged across regional Victoria and the Riverina, and was recently selected for Angus Australia’s 2025 GenAngus Program. A former President of Herefords Australia Youth, she remains an active mentor and advocate for the next generation of beef producers.
Erin Ferguson
2025 Beef Cattle Judge – Waterford Charolais Youth Team Challenge
Erin Ferguson, a multi-generational farmer, is deeply passionate about dairy and beef cattle, and a strong advocate for supporting youth in agriculture. She's been heavily involved in the industry her entire life, with her family exhibiting at the Melbourne Royal Show for generations. The Ferguson family has successfully showcased numerous champions over the years, including the 2024 Reserve Interbreed Champion Heifer with Black Diamond Unsweetened U2293 and Supreme Champion Speckle Park in both 2023 and 2024. Other key achievements include the 2024 Senior Champion Simmental Female and the 2023 Supreme Champion Charolais with Golden Rose Fairy Floss, their first female registered under that prefix. Erin has also earned Most Successful Breeder awards for Speckle Parks (2022, 2023, 2024) and Charolais (2023). Beyond the show ring, Erin dedicates countless hours to supporting young people in agriculture, volunteering at local shows, youth camps and community events, and has judged various calf and youth competitions.
Murray Van der Drift
2025 Beef Cattle Judge – Waterford Charolais Youth Team Challenge
Murray Van der Drift is a third-generation farmer based in Macorna, Northwestern Victoria. He operates his family farm alongside his parents, managing an extensive livestock operation that includes cattle, sheep and pigs. The family owns two cattle studs, Black Diamond Speckle Parks and Macorna Limousin, and has exhibited stud cattle and steers at the Melbourne Royal Show for many years. In 2021, Murray and his fiancé established their own cattle stud, Golden Rose Charolais, achieving their greatest success in 2023 when their very first registered female was awarded Supreme Exhibit at the Melbourne Royal Show. The family regularly exhibits large teams of cattle at Royal shows across the east coast and enjoys mentoring young people as part of their show teams. Murray is extremely excited to have been given the opportunity to judge at Melbourne and looks forward to seeing young people participating in the show.
Lane Evans
Beef Cattle Judge – Maine Anjou, Santa Gertrudis, Belted Galloway
Andrew Green
Beef Cattle Judge – Murray Grey
Gavin O’Brien
Beef Cattle Judge – Shorthorns
Additional members of the judging panel will be confirmed soon.