The Junior Meat Judging competition was held on the Friday October 24, hosted by Hunter Valley Quality Meats in Scone.

This is the first year the NSW Junior Meat Judging Champion award was up on offer, and there were 153 students representing 29 high schools.

The Champion is the highest scoring individual from combined scores from Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza and Wingham Beef Week.

Jonty took out the crown, having won both contests.

Jonty is currently completing her HSC, and intends to have a gap year to gain meat industry experience, before heading to university in 2016.

Jonty's interest in the meat industry primarily came through Wingham High School and its strong cattle show team consolidated with her own work experience with the local abattoir and Meat & Livestock Australia.

"I have developed a real interest in knowing about beef eating quality and want to pursue a career that helps improve that", Jonty said.

"I would never have known about the opportunities in the meat industry without doing meat judging. It is something I have really enjoyed doing and personally find really interesting".

It was an exciting finish to the contest, with students from Wingham High, CalrossyAnglican School, St Josephs Aberdeen and Brisbane Waters College securing prizes.

Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging coach, Demelsa Lollback, was excited by the interest from junior competitors.

"It is great to see so much interest in the Junior Meat Judging contests and being able to expose young people to the meat industry" Demelsa said.

"For many high school students, this program is opening their eyes to what opportunities the meat industry can hold.

"The Junior Meat Judging contests are proving to be a solid breeding ground for creating an enthusiastic future for the meat industry.

"We are seeing many of the students come through the University contest now, with one of those students now part of our Australian team heading to the US in January".

We are sure Jonty has a bright career in the meat industry ahead of her.