Depending on the day, you might find Tiffany Maestrale judging sheep or jumping from a human pyramid.
The 17-year-old has been involved in cheerleading since she was a young girl, competing across Australia and the world.
But growing up on a property on the Mornington Peninsula just outside Melbourne, she has also had a strong connection with animals.
“We had horses and a couple of cows too, so animals have always been part of my life,” Tiffany said.
Tiffany Maestrale has shown sheep at various agricultural shows. (Supplied: Tiffany Maestrale)
Unexpected ‘love’ of sheep
There weren’t any sheep on Tiffany’s family property, but her interest in livestock was piqued when she started volunteering at her local agricultural show in Pakenham two years ago.
“I didn’t expect to fall in love with sheep,”
she said.
“I’ve helped with organising ribbons and emceeing behind the microphone, and this was my first official year on the board.”
Tiffany said her high school, Flinders Christian Community College, encouraged her enthusiasm for agriculture.
“None of my friends go there, so my parents actually convinced me to go because they have a sheep show team,” she said.
“And I’ve ended up captaining the team for the past three years.”
Tiffany Maestrale and Tess Runting encourage other young women to get involved in agricultural shows. (Supplied: Tess Runting)
Like Tiffany, agriculture was not on the radar for Tess Runting, who is the college’s farm manager in Tyabb.
“I didn’t come from a farming family, but apparently there was a lamb at my christening, so my uncle likes to joke that’s where my love of sheep came from,” Ms Runting said.
Ms Runting developed a passion for livestock at school and now mentors students, including Tiffany.
“I met Tiff as a petite year 7 student, and I remember being there when she pulled out her first lamb, which is something many adults never do,” she said.
“Now Tiff is mentoring other students and is part of a growing group of young female sheep judges.“
Tess Runting didn’t expect to forge a professional path in agriculture. (Supplied: Tess Runting)
Reflecting on her unique skill set, Tiffany said cheerleading and sheep judging had some similarities.
“I’m what’s called a flyer, so I am the one who gets lifted up and thrown in the air.”
She said cheerleading taught you “a lot about team building and trust”, and those qualities translated to the sheep pen.
“Sheep have such different personalities, so to get them to work you need to bring a clear head and calm energy.“
Competitive cheerleading has taken Tiffany Maestrale as far as Florida. (Supplied: Tiffany Maestrale)
Young women ‘find their place’ in agriculture
Tiffany will be among the country’s best livestock judges heading to Adelaide next month to compete in the National Young Judges Championships.
Agricultural Shows Australia executive officer Katie Stanley said it was not just about winning ribbons.
“These competitions are vital because they connect young people directly with the agricultural industry and help us identify the next generation of judges and leaders,” Ms Stanley said.
She said young women were increasingly in the spotlight.
“The agricultural industry is dynamic and full of opportunity, and many young women are finding their place in it,” Ms Stanley said.
“They bring fresh perspectives, strong communication skills, and confidence to everything they do.“
Tiffany Maestrale honed her fleece judging skills over several years. (Supplied: Tess Runting)
Tiffany will represent Victoria in the merino sheep and fleece judging categories.
“I’m less familiar with the merino breed, but thankfully I have books and our school farm manager Tess to help me learn about them,” she said.
As a past competitor and winner, Ms Runting said the championships were a golden opportunity.
“Honestly, it’s pretty nerve-racking … but we’re all cheering Tiff on,” she said.
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