Emmeline Vivian says growing up in an agricultural world has impacted everything she does in life, including inspiring her to take up an unusual hobby.
Ms Vivian was raised in South Australia's Murraylands in the small town of Cowirra, across the river from Mannum, with a population of around 200 people.
Her family had a dairy-turned-beef farm. But a property is never complete without some chooks.
The 23-year-old spent her childhood showcasing award-winning poultry around the state, but over time her family's interest in birds grew.
Her dad became a qualified poultry judge, but a few years ago had an accident that meant he could not drive anymore.
She would take her dad to his judging jobs, closely watching and learning.
"I'd go around with him and help him out," Ms Vivian said.
"I listened to him a lot.
Game on
Ms Vivian has emerged as a serious talent in the poultry judging game ever since, claiming multiple national finalist spots in young poultry judge competitions around the country.
This month, she competed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show after being selected to represent South Australia.
In the lead up to the young judges' competition, Ms Vivian spent hours memorising the breed standards for various chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys, paying close attention to features like the birds' eye colour and weight.
"It sometimes varies between judges and it's a little bit of a grey area."
Without any prior information or notes on hand, the judges must inspect the birds and make an assessment, before delivering a presentation on their findings.
The young judge whose assessment is closest to that of an experienced judge is declared the winner.
From the country to the capital
Despite not taking out first place this year, Ms Vivian was pleased with how she went.
And while she said poultry judging is a hobby, it is a hobby so serious she wants to become qualified.
"In the next couple of years, possibly, do my courses," she said.
"Just depends on where life allows me to do that."
She now works and lives in Canberra, a 12-hour road trip from her small Murraylands home.
While the bird buff's day job is a far cry from plumage and pecking, Ms Vivian said growing up in an agricultural world has shaped her worldview.
Ms Vivian has already served as president of the Mannum Show Society and said she could not imagine her life without agriculture.
"I still attend shows regularly because I was raised heavily in country shows," she said.
"It's all bringing the community together."
