Former SA Sheep Expo big winner Tess Runting gained several opportunities as a result of the event - and she's determined to help as many other people access those as well.
Ms Runting, Mornington Peninsula, Vic, was the second ever senior achiever winner of the SA Sheep Expo, in 2017.
She found it such as good experience, she returned in 2024 with 16 students from the school where she works.
About 18 months ago, Ms Runting started working as a farm manager at Flinders Christian Community College, Mornington Peninsula.
"It's on a very small land as far as farming, but in terms of drive, passion and interest, it's huge," she said.
There are 32 students that make up the school's sheep team, from years 7 to 12, with 16 of those flying across to compete.
Ms Runting said about eight students from the school had come across - independently - for the 2023 event, but with it not being school holidays in Victoria, it was difficult for them to make the trip.
So she proposed to the school they make it an official camp, resulting in 16 putting their hands up, from years 7 to 10.
"The students are sponges, they love it and have learnt so much," she said.
She said there had been at least nine ribbons won between the students across the three days.
"I was lucky and unlucky in that I won the first year I came across," she said.
"I did get a lot of experiences from it, but I would have loved to come and keep competing.
"I learnt so much in that one year but there would have been more to learn in coming back."
Ms Runting said it was important to her to pass on as many experiences as she could.
"High school is what got me into the sheep industry, I want to give these kids the same opportunities," she said.
"None of these students are off a farm, so I'm keen to foster and give as many opportunities as possible - whether in Victoria or outside."
She said the SA Sheep Expo was a rarity in the scope it offered.
"By bringing everything together in one spot, they have so much access to opportunities in one place," she said.
"They learn it's not just being a farmer and growing sheep but have their eyes opened to all the different elements of the agricultural industry.
"We want to keep as many kids in ag as we can."
Ms Runting said her school had also started a junior ag show team for primary school-aged students.
"It's an opportunity to step into ag before they even get to high school," she said.
"If we can get them interested as primary students, when they get to high school, we can keep it going."
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
