Scholarship held in honour of the late Peter Westblade

Young sheep industry professionals Chloe Dutschke and Brett Stockings were chosen from a field of applicants from NSW, South Australia and Western Australia by a panel of  judges.

The winners were announced at the Peter Westblade Scholarship and auction dinner at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on April 4.

The other four finalists were Sebastian Liphuzen, Deniliqun, NSW, Georgia Reid, Boyup Brook, Western Australia, Josh Cousins, Burra, South Australia, and Luke Ramsay, Kimba, South Australia.

Now entering its eighth year, the scholarship will provide opportunities and in-kind support worth up to $10,000 over a 12-month period.

Open to young people, 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.

Brett Stockings, 31, of Dubbo, manages the sales and marketing of sheep meat for the Middle East and North Africa for Fletcher International Exports.

 "I aim to continually grow and open new international markets for Australian sheep meat and co-products,'' he said.

Chloe Dutschke, 26, is a self-employed contract musterer. 

She will use the scholarship for work experience with consulting companies to understand how they work with farmers and other companies to achieve on-property results.

"I have a specific interest in helping pastoralists make the most from their properties and see on-property consulting an area I would like to pursue,'' she said.

Scholarship executive officer Georgie McGuiness said the committee faced a difficult decision in deciding the 2019 recipients.

Ms McGuiness said the applicants were all outstanding and passionate about shaping the future of the sheep and wool industry.

An auction of donated goods and services held during the scholarship dinner raised $15, 650 together with annual donations bringing the total to $17,650 raised.