Agricultural
22 September, 2025
Downs represented in Young Farmer Challenge
Queensland has taken runner-up position in the 2025 Australian Young Farmer Challenge at the Royal Adelaide Show, with one of the team’s representatives, Rebecca Roellgen, hailing from Brookstead.
On September 6th, each state was represented by a team of four farmers, aged 18-30 years, who rolled up their sleeves and went head-to-head in a series of hands-on challenges that tested their skills, strengths, smarts and sense of humour.
From fencing and first aid to problem-solving under pressure, the young guns proved that farming is a team sport, and that the future of agriculture is in capable hands.
Henry Scott of the host organisation, SA Next Generation, said it was a memorable day.
“Spectators witnessed a whirlwind journey through a day in the life of a farmer,” Mr Scott said.
“There was action aplenty... it was high-energy and great entertainment throughout.”
The champion team was South Australia, followed by Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, with New South Wales taking home the wooden spoon.
The Queensland team comprised 22-years-old Rebecca Roellgen, 22-years-old Bella Mott (Toowoomba), 23-years-old Fraser McLardy (Sunshine Coast) and 21-years-old Cole Sutor (Sunshine Coast).
Rebecca grew up on her family’s cotton and grain farm ‘Tyunga’.
She competes in equestrian and is on track to become a qualified dentist by the end of this year.
Team mate Bella, who attended The Glennie School with Rebecca, is a barber with bush roots, big dreams and a soft spot for dagwood dogs.
Some might consider Rebecca a professional on the Young Farmer Challenge scene, having been part of the winning team at the Ekka in 2024 and 2025.
She was also successful in the practical side of the competition in 2023.
Her parents, Johannes and Scarlett, who originally heralded from Germany, have been growing cotton continuously on their farm at Brookstead for more than 30 years.
In 2023, the Roellgens were named as the Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year.
If you think you might have what it takes to be involved in any future Young Farmer Challenges, Mr Scott said don’t hold back.
“There’s no prerequisite to enter, if you haven’t competed before, just jump in,” he said.
“There’s no better time to get involved at your local show – we just might see you at Nationals next year.”
The Pittsworth and Millmerran Shows have held Young Farmer Challenges over the years, so keep an eye out for the 2026 schedule - it might be just the challenge you’re looking for!
