2026 Melbourne Royal Sheep Competition Judges
Meet the Judges
The Melbourne Royal Sheep Competition stands as one of Australia's most prestigious sheep competitions, bringing together leading breeders, exhibitors and industry professionals from across the nation to celebrate excellence in sheep breeding and production.
With a proud history of showcasing the highest standards of livestock exhibition, the competition provides a benchmark for quality, innovation and genetic advancement within the Australian sheep industry. From long-established studs to emerging breeders, exhibitors compete for the honour of Melbourne Royal recognition, reflecting the dedication and expertise that underpin the industry's continued success.
In 2026, Melbourne Royal is proud to feature the Hampshire Down breed. Renowned for its exceptional carcass quality, adaptability and significant contribution to Australia's prime lamb sector, the Hampshire Down has earned a distinguished place within the nation's sheep industry. The feature breed program recognises the breed's rich heritage while celebrating the breeders and exhibitors who continue to advance its reputation today.
Exhibits will be assessed by a highly respected panel of judges whose combined experience spans sheep breeding, livestock exhibition, agricultural education and industry leadership. Their extensive knowledge, practical expertise and commitment to excellence ensure every exhibit is evaluated to the highest standard, recognising the qualities most valued by today's sheep industry.
We invite you to learn more about the accomplished judges who will preside over the 2026 Melbourne Royal Sheep Competition below.
Rodney Summers
Rodney Summers has been involved in the sheep industry for more than six decades and is widely respected for his lifelong contribution to the Suffolk and Hampshire Down breeds. He established his Suffolk stud in 1964 and his Hampshire Down stud in 1983, with both studs continuing to thrive and maintain a strong reputation among breeders throughout Australia.
A highly accomplished breeder, exhibitor and judge, Rod has exhibited sheep at every Australian Capital Royal Show, achieving success across both breeds over many years. His extensive judging experience has taken him throughout Australia and internationally, with appointments in England, New Zealand and the United States. His knowledge, practical experience and dedication to the sheep industry have made him a sought-after judge and mentor within the agricultural community.
This year is particularly significant, with Rod returning to Melbourne Royal as Hampshire Down Feature Show Judge. His connection to the event dates back to the inaugural Hampshire Down Feature Show in 1996, where he exhibited both the Champion Ram and Champion Ewe. Three decades later, his appointment as judge is a fitting recognition of his longstanding involvement with the breed and Melbourne Royal.
Donald Cochrane
Donald Cochrane is a fourth-generation farmer from Duranillin, Western Australia, with a lifelong passion for sheep breeding and genetic improvement. Drawing on a strong family tradition of producing quality Merinos and wool, Donald established the successful Glencraig Suffolk Stud, whose genetics have been widely distributed throughout Australia through the sale of semen sires and embryos.
In addition to his Suffolk breeding achievements, Donald was actively involved in the Louden Park Border Leicester Stud, originally established by his father in 1981. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for maintaining diversity within the Australian sheep industry and preserving the strengths of individual breeds.
Donald’s extensive experience as a sheep breeder has led to judging appointments at numerous Royal and regional shows across Australia, as well as opportunities to class sheep internationally, including in Inner Mongolia. He looks forward to judging at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Sheep Competition and reconnecting with exhibitors and fellow industry participants.
Brenton Heazelwood
Brenton Heazelwood has been involved in the sheep industry throughout his life and is part of a proud family farming tradition at Whitemore, Tasmania. His family has bred English Leicester sheep on the same property since 1871, maintaining one of Australia's long-standing stud breeding programs. In addition to the English Leicester Stud, Brenton's family has successfully operated Border Leicester, Dorset Horn, Cheviot and Poll Dorset studs over many decades.
A passionate advocate for the preservation and advancement of traditional sheep breeds, Brenton has dedicated his career to breeding quality livestock and promoting excellence within the stud sheep industry. His practical experience as a breeder and exhibitor is complemented by an extensive judging resume.
Brenton has recently judged at the Brunswick Show in Western Australia, Royal Hobart Show, the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo and the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Fair in the United States. He regularly exhibits English Leicesters at major competitions and is highly respected for his knowledge of sheep breeding, conformation and breed standards.
Brenton brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong commitment to the industry to his role as a judge at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Sheep Competition.
Rob Waddell
Rob Waddell established the Grand Ridge Cheviot Stud in Gippsland in 1986 and in 2026 celebrates 40 years of breeding and promoting the Cheviot sheep breed. Throughout that time, sheep from the stud have been sold across Australia and exported internationally, earning a strong reputation for quality genetics and breed excellence.
A passionate advocate for the Cheviot breed, Rob has played a significant role in its preservation and advancement in Australia. At a time when only a handful of Cheviot stud flocks remain nationwide, he continues to champion the breed's unique characteristics, genetic diversity and commercial relevance. His commitment to breed improvement has recently gained international recognition through the successful export of Australian-bred Cheviot sheep to India, helping establish the breed in a new market and showcasing the quality of Australian livestock genetics on the global stage.
Rob is an experienced sheep judge, having officiated at Hamilton Sheepvention, Ballarat Sheep Show, Melbourne Royal and numerous regional shows across both long wool and short wool breeds. His extensive practical knowledge, commitment to genetic improvement and lifelong dedication to the sheep industry make him a highly respected member of the 2026 Melbourne Royal Sheep judging panel.
Darren Griffiths
Darren Griffiths has been involved with the Melbourne Royal Show for more than 42 years, having first attended as a nine-year-old. Over that time, he has competed across a range of livestock and animal sections, including dogs, poultry, horses and sheep, developing a lifelong connection to the Show and the agricultural community.
A passionate sheep exhibitor, Darren has enjoyed many years of involvement in the sheep industry and has embraced the introduction of new breeds to Australia. In 2025, he was part of the inaugural showing of Valais Blacknose Sheep at Melbourne Royal. His ewe, Alice, achieved the prestigious title of Supreme Exhibit, marking a significant milestone for both Darren and the emerging breed.
Darren continues to be an enthusiastic supporter of Melbourne Royal and the opportunities it provides for exhibitors to showcase their animals and connect with the wider agricultural community.