FOLLOWING the success of the inaugural expo last year, and the popularity of the NZ trip and Heiniger scholarships on offer, a new scholarship has been announced this week for this year’s SA Sheep Expo participants.
The Lawral Park Work Experience Scholarship offers 1-2 weeks of on-farm work experience at the Ungarra-based Prime SAMM stud, which gives the recipient an insight into stud sheep preparation, sheep production and attending a major field day or show with the stud.
The scholarship is open to intermediate to senior competitors at the expo and will be judged and awarded at the expo.
Parental consent is required for applicants under 18.
Lawral Park is a mixed farming enterprise on the Eyre Peninsula, comprising cropping, hay, stud sheep, commercial sheep and feedlotting activities, providing comprehensive producer exposure for the scholarship recipient.
Lawral Park stud principal Campbell Lawrie said the stud hopes to encourage and foster the next generation of sheep entrepreneurs.
“After talking to the competitors, it was clear that the industry was lacking this kind of event and the opportunities that can be obtained,” he said.
“The sheep and livestock industry needs new and vibrant leaders, this can only come about by being given an opportunity.”
The scholarship is one of a number of new additions to this year’s expo, with activities focused around the importance of the breeding ewe.
Expo committee member and sponsorship co-ordinator Sam Neumann said the expo was about bringing young sheep enthusiasts together to discuss and learn about the skills and technologies available to run successful and sustainable stud and commercial enterprises, and provide exposure to the career pathways in which young people can take to attain a profession in the industry.
And the scholarships helped the expo to remain relevant and pitched at the grassroots level.
“The committee was excited to partner with expo sponsors Lawral Park and Heiniger to offer young aspiring producers these opportunities,” she said.
“Facilitating these direct links to industry pathways and partners is the essence of the expo – it is an incredible option for those even considering a career within the sheep industry.”
The three-day SA Sheep Expo, of which Stock Journal is the official media partner, is on at the Adelaide Showground from April 19-21.
Registrations close next Friday, March 17.
Lawral Park Work Experience Scholarship applications forms can be found online, Heiniger Scholarship application forms will be available at the expo.
- Details: sasheepexpo.com.au
