A former Inverell woman has placed runner-up in Queensland’s Nutrien Wool Merino Fleece Young Judges competition last weekend.

Kelsie Julius, who now resides in Roma, finished behind Jaime Colley, who will go on to represent Queensland on the national stage at the 2026 National Finals during the Royal Perth Show.

Kelsie says she was encouraged to enter the competition by a friend on the morning of the competition, and despite not having too much understanding about the competition, surprised herself and others at her scores in the judging of fleece and oral presentation.

She says couldn’t wait to call her father Warren and her Pop and tell them all about it adding the competition has definitely given her an understanding of her family’s roots and passion for the wool and sheep industry.

This year’s Queensland State Final was hosted at the 2025 Queensland State Sheep Show at Roma Show which was a fantastic celebration of excellence in merino fleece judging.