SHEEP meat producers with leadership potential are being sought through a new initiative launched in Canberra tonight.

The Sheepmeat Council of Australia and Meat & Livestock Australia launched ‘Building Leadership Capability for the Sheep Industry’ to ensure the Australian sheep industry attracted, developed and retained people with leadership skills to contribute to the long-term viability of the industry.

The initiative included two landmark projects:

– Sheepmeat Industry Governance Scholarship. Five sheep meat producers will have the opportunity to receive specialist training from the Australian Institute of Company Directors in corporate governance. The sponsorship covers course fees to attend the Company Directors Course, valued at up to $10,000 each.

– Sheepmeat Industry Ambassador Award. Two young producers, between 22 and 40 years, will represent the industry as ambassadors, working with the SCA to boost the profile of young people in the industry. The award involves a study tour through Australia and New Zealand as part of the Tri-Lamb Group, including attendance at LambEx 2016 in Albury in August.

SCA president Jeff Murray said the project addresses priorities identified in the Sheepmeat Industry Strategic Plan 2015-2020 to ensure a succession plan for the industry’s leaders.

“Succession planning is so important on-farm and it is just as important when it comes to the future leaders of our industry.

“Strong governance and leadership skills are crucial to the future of the sheep industry and we are committed to ensuring we are equipping the next generation of sheep producers to take on positions of leadership in industry organisations,” he said.

“The AICD program is a great avenue to learn the skills important to successfully represent our industry while our Sheepmeat Industry Ambassador Award is about recognising those individuals who will be future leaders of our industry and putting them on a trajectory to learn more about the industry internationally and develop their networks.”

The leadership initiative also included the Governance in Action program – an opportunity for policy officers and sheep producers to get first-hand experience in the work of the SCA through increased engagement, networking and professional development. The first Governance in Action session is currently being held in Canberra to coincide with the SCA board meeting, with 16 policy officers and producers representing the sheep meat industry.

MLA managing director Richard Norton said building leadership capability had been identified by the sheep meat industry as an important initiative, including ensuring leaders get the recognition and training they need to support the continued success of the industry.

“The red meat and livestock industry’s future depends on having leaders with the capacity, skills and experience to protect and promote it.

“MLA’s role is to work with industry to build that capacity. We’ll invest in the skills base of the current and future generation of industry leaders and advocates,” he said.

Entries for the Sheepmeat Industry Governance Scholarship and the Sheepmeat Industry Ambassador Award close at 5pm on Friday June 24 2016. For more information, visit www.sheepmeatcouncil.com.au