The first Judging Competitions took place in 1920.  Students of Agricultural Colleges, Schools and Experimental Farms competed in Judging Competitions for horses, dairy and beef cattle, pigs, poultry, grains and vegetables.  These competitions were designed to encourage young people to get involved with agricultural judging. 

The Competitions were briefly abandoned in 1930 and then revised at the 1934 Show.  The already established core of competitors were then joined by members of Junior Farmers Clubs. 

Much of the early development of these competitions can be credited to EA Southee (RAS Councillor 1923-1939, Vice-President 1939-1968).  His contributions to the regulation of judging standards during the 1950s and 60s left an indelible mark on the RAS Judging Competitions.  However, after his death in 1968, the RAS returned to the older scheme. 

International Competitors first appeared at the Show in the 1950s and 60s.  During the early 70s through to 1997 the Competitions were coordinated by George Bennett (Hawkesbury Agricultural College), who was preceded by Al Nicod (Deputy State Organiser for Junior Farmers’ later known as Rural Youth Clubs).  Both contributed to the new direction of the RAS Judging Competitions.  Run by the Education & Projects Committee (previously known as Scholarship & Education Committee) the Competitions progressed significantly in that period. 

In 1974 Jim Wilson (lecturer Hawkesbury Agricultural College) visited the US and upon his return he brought with him the Hormel Computing Slide.  This method of judging became part of the RAS standard.

In the 1980s and 90s, in conjunction with the Agricultural Societies Council NSW (ASC), the RAS became involved with staging state finals in beef and dairy cattle, sheep and fleece.  This involved running District and Zone Competitions and providing stewards.   In 1989 the Auctioneers’ Competition began and as of 1993 all Judging Competitions at the Show are State Final Championships.