2025 Melbourne Royal Sheep Competition Judges
Gavin Wall
Gavin Wall has dedicated over six decades to Australian agriculture, operating farms in Shepparton and Wagga Wagga from 1958 to 1997. He imported and exported superior sheep and cattle genetics internationally, including New Zealand, the USA, Canada and the UK. Gavin served as a Shepparton Shire Councillor from 1983 to 1990 before relocating to Wagga Wagga. From 2002 to 2023, he taught Agriculture and Horticulture, chaired the Farm Certificate Advisory Committee at Dookie Agricultural College and contributed to the Dookie Beef Field Day committee, demonstrating lifelong leadership in farming and education.
Elizabeth Russell
Elizabeth Russell has lived in Donald, Victoria, for over 36 years, running a mixed agricultural enterprise with her husband Peter, including grain, sheep and cattle. They operate the Tullamore Park Texel Stud and have successfully exhibited at major Victorian shows. Elizabeth is secretary of the Australian Texel & Corriedale Stud Breeders and a passionate advocate for the stud sheep industry. With decades of experience, she remains committed to advancing sheep breeding and agricultural excellence in Victoria.
Robert Grieve
Robert Grieve farms at Clarkes Hill and Cotswold with his wife Judith and daughters Caitlin and Eleanor. They run a Dorset Horn Stud founded in 1931 by his great-grandfather, a Poll Dorset Stud started in 1980 and a Corriedale flock for prime lamb production. Robert has judged at major events including Melbourne Royal, Sheepvention and the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. He currently serves as President of the Australian Dorset Horn Association and Victorian ASSBA and is involved in multiple sheep industry committees, contributing widely to the sector’s leadership.
Lauren Russell
Lauren Russell is based in Lancefield and has over 12 years of agricultural experience. She works as Merchandise Manager at Nutrien Ag Solutions in Kilmore and co-manages a multi-breed sheep stud with her partner. They also breed and show Clydesdales, combining heritage with livestock excellence. Lauren holds Certificates III and IV in Agriculture and Wool Classing. A highlight of her career was winning Supreme Hampshire Down and Supreme Heritage Sheep of the Show at Melbourne Royal 2024, a milestone achievement for their stud.
Craig Kelly
Craig Kelly has been involved with the Doublecee Texel Stud since its founding in 2008, becoming Stud Manager in 2016. He manages the day-to-day running of the stud and has exhibited Texel sheep successfully at the Melbourne Royal Agricultural Show since 2018. Craig is passionate about supporting young people in agriculture and has co-judged junior handler classes at local shows. His dedication to stud management and youth development makes him a respected contributor to the Australian sheep industry.
Ashlea Cross
Ashlea Cross is an emerging leader in the Australian sheep and wool industry, with experience judging, stewarding and competing at major national events. Since 2019, Ashlea has served as steward at the Melbourne Royal Show Sheep and Fleece competitions and began judging junior classes in 2022. She has judged at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, overseeing interbreed competitions. Ashlea placed 9th nationally in the 2019 Australian Wool Innovation National Merino Challenge and served as President of the Tintern Grammar Young Farmers from 2017 to 2019. Awarded the inaugural Melbourne Royal Emerging Leader Medal in 2023, she remains dedicated to supporting the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Additional members of the judging panel will be confirmed soon.