Young people passionate about the sheep and wool industry, and wanting to make a difference, can now apply for the prestigious 2015 Peter Westblade Scholarship.
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Now entering its fourth year, the scholarship provides cash and in-kind support worth up to $10,000 over a 12-month period.
Open to young people aged 18 to 30, the scholarship honours the late Peter Westblade, a Lockhart sheep producer passionate about breeding profitable sheep, and a supporter of young people interested in agriculture.
Young southern NSW breeder Ben Patrick was named as the 2014 winner from a field of over 30 national and international applicants.
He works as the livestock manager at Yarrawonga Merino stud, Harden, and runs his own stud, Woollahra Merinos, at Yass.
Mr Patrick said the scholarship enabled him to develop his interest in innovative sheep breeding practices, technology and genomics.
2013 scholarship recipient Annabel Lugsdin said it had provided inspirational mentors, practical industry knowledge and helped with the transition from study to employment.
Co-ordinator Sally Martin said the scholarship aimed to deliver hands on experience to young people aspiring for a career in the sheep and wool industry.
“It provides practical education and mentoring for young participants, while promoting, demonstrating and adopting new technologies within the sheep and wool industry,’’ Ms Martin said.
“The scholarship is also designed to encourage young people into the sheep and wool industry by demonstrating opportunities and career pathways.’’
The 2015 recipient will receive mentoring from industry leaders, involvement in the industry’s largest commercial genetic trial, practical training, travel opportunities, resource books, and the opportunity to develop wider networks of key industry contacts.
Applications close on December 15 with applicants short-listed in early February for interviews by an industry panel.
Ben Patrick found the industry networking and development of his own personal “brand’’ particularly helpful.
He attended a Sheep Genetics workshop on Australian Sheep Breeding Values and data collection, the Merino sire evaluation trial at Trangie, and explored the supply chain via the Peter Westblade Memorial Merino Challenge carcass evaluation at Fletchers International, Dubbo.
“I spent a week with sheep classer Craig Wilson grading rams and attending the sheep field days in Western Australia,’’ Mr Patrick said.
“I would encourage any young person to apply for the scholarship – the networking, experience and learning is fantastic.
“I’m grateful to my mentors over the past 12 months – I didn’t really know them before but now they are trusted friends who I can go to for decisions on my career or the sheep.’’
The 2015 Peter Westblade Scholarship recipient will be announced at a dinner in Temora, NSW, on March 4.
For more information visit www.peterwestbladescholarship.com.au