The sheep and wool industry might be booming, but it still faces the challenge of attracting young people to get involved.
This is one of the issues that will be dissected on an industry panel at New Breed, held during the Young Stud Masters’ Muster on Friday night.
The question and answer session will be hosted by Marcus Oldham’s David Cornish, and panelists will include TechWool’s Evan Croake, Fox & Lillie’s Eamon Timms, Sheep Producers Australia’s Melissa Neal, WoolPoll chair Sydney Lawrie, and SproutX’s Steph Stubble.
Mr Cornish said encouraging young people into the industry is an issue relevant to the entire supply chain.
“The reality is we need to get people from urban areas coming out into the country,” Mr Cornish said.
“In my opinion, the sheep industry has never been more exciting, so we’ve got to figure out what it’s going to take to encourage more people to get on board.”
He said young people are coming out of university and TAFE courses more qualified than ever, meaning more opportunities are becoming available.
“I’d love to be starting in the industry at this time,” he said.
Ms Neal said the agriculture industry is lucky to have programs, work experience, scholarships and awards available to provide extra-curricular learning.
“I think it’s those opportunities that people partake in that will make them stand out and build their skills in a way that’s really going to help them excel in their own business,” Ms Neal said.
She said it was important to recognise the range of skillsets required in the agriculture industry.
“It’s not just farmers, we need IT specialists, lawyers, marketing people, and lots more, all with some sort of an agricultural background,” she said.
Young Stud Masters' Muster
To celebrate the best and brightest young people working in the agriculture industry, the Young Stud Masters’ Muster will be held this Friday night, as a part of the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo.
The winner of the Young Champion Award, which attracts nominees from all aspects of the industry, and from all parts of the country, will be announced.
The eight nominees for the award, which was won last year by Peta Bradley, Armatree, NSW, have just been announced.
Nominees include Andrew Gillett, Wunnamurra Poll Dorset stud, Jerilderie, NSW, Angus Ashby, North Ashrose Merino stud, mid-north South Australia, Ellie Bigwood, Sydney, Felicity Brumpton, Jolly Jumbuck Poll Merino stud, Mitchell, Qld, Ian Cameron, The Yanko, Jerilderie, NSW, Lexi Casnik, Moses & Son Woolbroking, Tarcutta, NSW, Rob Glen, Werona, and Sarah Ryan, Techwool Trading, Melbourne.
The award is held in conjunction with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV).
For more information, click here.
Joely Mitchell
Joely started her career at Stock & Land as a cadet journalist in 2016. She is now the editor of the paper.
Joely started her career at Stock & Land as a cadet journalist in 2016. She is now the editor of the paper.
