The Young Stud Masters Muster at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show (ASWS) has become one of the top priorities for all visitors and exhibitors at the event.
With almost 150 people attending each year, the event has continued to grow since its first event in 2012.
One of the organisers of the event is Anna Toland, Toland Poll Merino Stud, Violet Town, Victoria, who said the event was orginally set up to encourage young people in agriculture to get to Bendigo and socialise with like minded people.
“This show (and others) have been running for a very long time and there wasn't an event specially for young people to join in,” Anna said.
“A lot of people are busy being stewards or showing sheep at the show so this event was set up to give everyone a chance to get together and chat about where they come from, what they do and to chat about all things good and bad with their industry.
“We have had some great speakers present on the night and this enables the guests to find out more information about the certain topic that we have nominated for the night. We also to get to honour eight "young achievers" that are doing fabulous things in their industries.”
The relatively informal event, includes guest speakers from the major sponsors including Rural Bank, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Sheep Meat Council and this year will also include a panel discussion. “We are encouraging a bit of a panel discussion with the guest speakers who will take questions from the audience and create a discussion on all things agriculture,” she said.
“The nominees for the RASV award will also spend two minutes introducing themselves and why they have been nominated.”
The Young Champion Award supported by the Rural Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) is also gaining significant industry traction. The award was first set up In a continued effort to identify, nurture and encourage youth within agriculture and last year’s winner Alex Lewis, Beverley Merino stud, Redesdale, Victoria, was clearly representative of that.
“We wanted to recognise young achievers in the agriculture Industry,” Anna said.
“It has donated prize each year of a tailored suit from MJ Bale, which the recipients love as it is something quite different and the award recognises outstanding contributions made to the individuals industry and showcases eight young, energised leaders in agriculture each year.”
Anna said all are encouraged to attend the event on Friday, July 14, in the Exhibition Centre.
Tickets are $25 and this includes two drink tickets. Finger food will also provided.
“I love that we can manage to get 150 young guns from all over Australia in the one room talking about Agriculture,” Anna said.
“People come from all sorts of backgrounds, whether they are Stock and Station agents, farm hands, students, shearers, stud owners etc.
“Guests are able to let their hair down a bit and chat with like minded people from similar backgrounds.
“It's a great way to start the three-day ASWS.”