17 year old Michael is from Nanango in the South Burnett in Queensland. Michael is the Queensland state finalist at the 2021 Agricultural Shows Australia National Young Judges finals held at the Royal Queensland Show. 

Both my parents come from cattle properties and dairy properties, and my brother works on a cattle station. I have always loved working with cattle and other animals. Today I train working dogs, and I am a station hand on a cattle and sheep property. In ten years time I’d like to buy my own farm and run cattle.

I showed my first bird at our local show, and entered the competition for young judges at the Ekka four years ago and really enjoyed the experience judging many different birds.

Travelling around to different shows and judging has become a real passion of mine. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn so much from experienced breeders.

My parents Gabrielle and Frank English encouraged me to enter the young judges competitions. II also owe thanks to Gary Bazley, my mentor and Grame Hopf who has been fantastic helping me get judging jobs down were he lives, and always there for me to give me advice.

A real highlight of my showing was winning the Australian Indian Show with my Indian game bantam, then going on to win Reserve Bird Of Show. My most special moment at a show was winning the young judges competition at the Ekka but my most embarrassing was putting my birds in the wrong pens.

I love showing my Indian Game birds and seeing many different breeds of birds.