The Federal Council of Agricultural Societies announced Launceston as the host city for the national competitions, which is the first time it has been held outside of a capital city Royal Show.

The national competitions are held in a different state each year but are always offered to the capital city show first. 

The Federal Council of Agricultural Societies will also hold its annual general meeting at the Launceston Show as part of hosting the national championships, which will bring more people to the event.

Launceston Show spokesperson Brian Bennett said it was a real coup for the city as it would bring hundreds more competitors to its event.

“We are expecting about 300 more all together, with the championships and the AGM,” Mr Bennett said.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn from experienced show competition-goers and it will bring a great atmosphere.”

He said national and international calibre judges will also travel for the national championships.

The best of the best from each state and from New Zealand will travel to Launceston to compete in the rural ambassador and junior judging competitions.

“We are really stoked to have it, having the national championships here creates a lot more interest in the agricultural community,” he said.

There are junior judging events for beef, dairy, merino, fleeces, meat sheep, and parade of dairy and beef cattle.

Mr Bennett said it was a prestigious competition that would give the state competitors a good benchmark.

“It’s the highest level they can compete against, but having them [the national competitors] here, there is just so much you can learn from them,” he said.

He said state competitors could learn a lot from their mainland counterparts and could even share their pathways to careers in agriculture.

He said he hoped the national championships would entice more people from inside and outside the agricultural sector to come along to the Launceston Show this year.

The national championships will be held on October 6 and 7. The Launceston Show will be held from October 6-8. Entries for the local competitions will be open soon. For more information on the Federal Council of Agricultural Societies National Championships go to their website.