Share Farmer of the Year
Judging Tips
Where should I start?
The best approach is to actually make a start! Take a look at the Judging Criteria and pick a favourite section or subject to begin with. Then work your way through all the sections until you have your presentation planned out. Think about explaining to the judges not just what you are doing, but why you are doing it.
Do I have to use all the time allocated?
You don't have to use all the time allocated, but we suggest you make the most of the time you have. But remember, you can't use more than the allocated time. It may be a good idea to consider allocating time relative to the points for each section.
Do I have to cover all the sections in my presentation?
The Judging Criteria available to you is a guide as to what you will be assessed on by the judges. However, what you cover in your presentation is up to you. Obviously if a section (or part of) is not presented, the judges will not be able to allocate points for it.
Do I have to do a PowerPoint presentation?
How you present to the judges is entirely up to you. There is no right or wrong way to present to the judges. This is what makes your presentation personal. This may be talking with no prompts or using notes, a flipchart, PowerPoint or some other creative medium. Use whatever style you are comfortable with, it''s over to you.
Does the farm need to have a Health & Safety Policy in place?
Yes, most definitely. It is a requirement of your entry that the farm has a Health & Safety policy in place. Further information.
How do I transport the judges around the farm?
Due to time, you may want to move the judges around the farm on some form of transport. This is fine, as long as it doesn't compromise the health and safety of the judges.
My partner is an entrant and works off-farm, can they be involved in my presentation?
If your partner works off-farm, they can be part of your presentation as long as they are presenting what they have some involvement with. For example, this may be financials or calf rearing. However, if your partner chooses not to be involved in your presentation, you will not be disadvantaged.
If my partner is not an entrant, can they be involved in my presentation?
Your partner can be part of your presentation as long as they only present what they have involvement with. For example, this may be personal financials or goals. However, if your partner chooses not to be involved in your presentation, you will not be disadvantaged and it is not generally expected that your partner would be involved (unless you are joint entrants).
What should I wear?
The best approach is to convey a professional image to the judges. Most entrants will wear smart-casual clothing.
Should I show the judges the cows?
Most definitely! You might like to think where the herd will be on the day of judging when organising your presentation.
Should I provide food for the judges?
You are not obliged to feed the judges however having a glass or bottle of water available for them would be appreciated as judging mostly happens over the summer. If you do provide refreshments, do not be offended if the judges don't have time to eat or drink what is on offer as they have tight time schedules!
What do I do if it's raining?
Your judges will come prepared for rain so don't let this put you off your presentation. Judges are well aware you cannot dial up the weather for the day. Just remember to ensure any presentation techniques are weather resistant or have a back-up plan!
Do the judges want to see any documentation?
What you present to the judges during your presentation is up to you. You do need to have your employment agreement or contract available for the judges to view. You will need to consider what documentation you need to provide the judges to confirm or back-up parts of your presentation.
Is it ok to target certain Merit Awards?
Absolutely. Some entrants who have a particular passion or desire to win a certain Merit Award may angle their presentation towards this.
How do I receive feedback from the judges?
You will receive written feedback from your judges - finalists receive their preliminary judges feedback shortly after their first round of judging while non-finalists receive their feedback after the Regional Awards Dinner. Finalists will receive their final judges feedback after the Regional Awards Dinner. All entrants are able to contact their judges by phone after the Awards Dinner to discuss their feedback - we encourage you to do this to benefit fully from the judging process.
Where should I begin presenting to the judges?
Where you start your presentation is up to you. That may be the dairy shed or at your house or somewhere else. The head judge will contact you prior to judging to confirm your address and find out where they should meet you.
What if my financials aren't as good as I'd like?
The judges are interested in how well you manage and understand your financial performance with the resources you have available to you. Obviously there are often factors that impact on this that are beyond your control such as payout and climate, and you might like to cover this.
