Sym Hood was seven when he got his first two sheep, now the 18-year-old with a flock of 100 is heading to Queensland as a finalist in the national titles for young judges of Merino sheep.
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Mr Hood, along with six other finalists from across Australia and New Zealand will converge on the mainland next month to compete in the annual competition.
The event held at the Royal Queensland Show is made up of three judging events including wool sheep, meat sheep and fleece - with Mr Hood competing in the wool event.
The Longford local said he never expected his love of merino sheep would take him anywhere.
"I never saw this coming. I never even knew you went to Brisbane, Sydney, New Zealand or anything like that, I just thought you won it then went home," he said.
"Apparently you go over there and compete for the state as well, I'm pretty keen for that I guess".
Mr Hood said he discovered his passion for sheep at an early age.
"My parents got me two sheep when I was seven and I've been sheep crazy ever since," he said.
Mr Hood was encouraged to enter a competition at the 2018 Campbell Town Show - which he won.
"I was at school and a teacher mentioned it to me, he said about Campbell Town so I went down there and I won the meat sheep, but I was too young to compete for the state," he said. "I came third in the wool as well."
Judging sheep has come naturally to Mr Hood and he attributed his skill to growing up on a farm as well as support from his friends and family.
"I've always had pointers from my father and also everywhere I've worked," he said.
"I guess it's one of those things if you're passionate about something you always seem to get good at it, but if you don't like it, well you're never gonna do anything with it."
Agricultural Shows of Australia chairman Dr Rob Wilson said the competition was a prestigious event and comprised of the best young merino sheep judges from across Australia.
"It's an extremely prestigious event and positions at the nationals are keenly contested," he said.
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Andrew Chounding
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
