Sheep Producers Australia is proudly hosting young producers and colleagues from around the world this week in the lead-up to LambEx 2024 to share the story of Australia’s sheep industry and foster relationships that enhance global collaboration.

Sheep Producers Australia has a long-standing tradition of supporting initiatives that bring together young producers from different countries. This commitment has provided opportunities for producers like Sheep Producers Australia Board Director Jamie Heinrich to share ideas, network, and broaden their understanding of sheep production practices in different countries.

“Nearly ten years ago, I was fortunate to be selected as Australia’s founding Tri-Lamb group youth program member. Working with young producers from other countries impressed on me with how much we can learn from each other and work together to ensure lamb has a bright future on the world’s dinner plates. I am so excited to see this program reinstated to support a new generation of producers.”

Sheep Producers Australia CEO Bonnie Skinner said that as a member of the Global Sheep Producers Forum, a successor to the Tri-Lamb initiative, LambEx 2024 provided the perfect opportunity to reinstate a global young leaders program.

“Working together is important to help grow this industry. Visiting other countries and seeing their production systems firsthand helps to provide a global picture of the lamb industry and its potential for growth. We want to encourage these young producers to build networks and partnerships as they look to take on industry leadership roles in the future. And what better place to network than with over 1300 people heading to LambEx 2024 this week.”

Sheep Producers Australia is hosting producers and colleagues from the American Sheep Industry Association, Beef & Lamb New Zealand, the Canadian Sheep Federation, and the National Sheep Association. These organisations are members of the Global Sheep Producers Forum and participate in the Global Sheep Producers Forum - Next Generation 2024 (Next Gen) initiative.

The itinerary includes three days of travel across South Australia to visit farms, feedlots, and studs, and meetings with senior leaders of the Australian sheep industry. Visits include Ella Matta and Mine Creek on Kangaroo Island, Thornby Feedlot, Inverbrackie Border Leicester Stud, Collinsville, Anlaby Station, and Michell Wool. The participants will attend Australia's LambEx, the biennial event showcasing the Australian sheep industry.

Earlier this year, Sheep Producers Australia selected three young producers from

Australia to participate in the 2024 cohort: Alanah Boxall, Tiffany Davey, and Brittany Bolt.

“Networking opportunities like these hold a lot of power. Both from a personal development perspective and from a business perspective, to provide a benchmark for your animals and just have the opportunity to see how other business models work. As a Western Australian producer we have had a challenging year, and it's been refreshing to hear some of these challenges sheep producers are facing nationally. But it has also been positive to be able to hear how growers are overcoming these challenges on a national and global level. To spend time with people who are passionate about sheep, to hear and challenge each other to do better.

I would say this has been one of the most beneficial experiences I have had as someone in the sheep industry at the early stages of my career, I'm constantly looking for ways to do and be better and this week has fostered that and created a very collaborative environment.” Tiffany Davey Australian Next Gen participant.

“This is such a unique and invaluable experience that I couldn't speak more highly of. I'd recommend any current or upcoming young sheep producer to stick their hand up for this opportunity. I hope this program continues long into the future to foster strong industry relationships with our international partners. This opportunity has opened up a network of producers worldwide that we wouldn't otherwise have access to. It's such a positive and encouraging environment where everyone is eager to put everything on the table to learn about the challenges and solutions our respective countries are facing in the sheep industry. It is such a positive and constructive group of producers.

This is not only a great opportunity to showcase Australia's sheep production systems to our global partners, but it has sparked passionate and engaging conversations about the similarities and differences across our countries and our businesses. It's so important to be conscious of what is happening across the world in our industry. It highlights the strength and knowledge that we gain through collaboration. It's important for us as sheep producers to work together to continue to innovate and grow a stronger, sustainable sheep industry long into the future. We have built strong friendships through this program that I will be able to call upon long into the future, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.” Brittany Bolt Australian Next Gen participant.

“This has been such a valuable and unique opportunity to connect with young producers from across the globe while experiencing some of the best on offer from the Australian sheep industry. I have found being able to have valuable conversations about the similarities and differences between Australian and non-Australian sheep practices has been such an amazing part of this experience.

A highlight so far was the opportunity to tour the Collinsville Stud and see the absolute best genetics in Australia for the Merino breed. It was fantastic to speak with Tim Dalla about the values and traits that they have selected across their flock and how this process has helped them to develop such well-balanced rams. It’s great to see younger people so engaged and enthusiastic about the sheep industry globally and I’m so excited to see what the future holds for the sheep and wool industry.” Alanah Boxall Australian Next Generation participant.

Tiffany Davey will introduce the 2024 Next Generation Cohort at LambEx on Thursday 8 August 2024 at 3:30 pm on stage next to the Sheep Producers Australia Networking Lounge.