POTENTIAL sheep meat industry leaders with a yearning to network and see other production systems overseas are being sought by the Sheepmeat Council of Australia.

The council is seeking applications from sheep producers 22-40 years-old for the 2016 Sheepmeat Industry Ambassadors Award.

The award recognises the contributions of two outstanding young sheep producers and their potential as industry leaders. It is part a new SCA and Meat & Livestock Australia joint initiative, ‘Building Leadership Capability for the Sheep Industry’.

The project’s objective is to ensure that the Australian sheep industry attracts, develops and retains people with leadership skills to contribute to the long-term viability of the industry.

The ambassador role is for two years and includes an all-expenses paid, two-week study tour from August 8-20 2016 in Australia and New Zealand, including attending Australia’s premier sheep meat industry event, LambEx 2016. Visits showcasing the industry supply chain as part of the Tri-Lamb Agreement with the United States, Australia and New Zealand are also included.

There is also the potential to be part of other international delegation opportunities with the SCA as well as a range of domestic and youth-focused events.

Interested young sheep producers must submit an application form and a two-minute video clip to be considered for the award. In the video, applicants must demonstrate their role in the industry and their vision for its future.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their industry involvement including work and education history, their capacity to be a current sheep meat industry ambassador and their understanding of the industry’s importance and articulate a vision for its future. They must also have the potential to be a future leader within the industry and the SCA and be willing to work with SCA on industry youth initiatives.

Winner of the 2014 Ambassador Award, Jamie Heinrich, Kangaroo Island, says the award is a great opportunity to get more young people into leadership roles in the industry.

“I travelled to the United States with the Sheepmeat Council of Australia and it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to build relationships with US sheep producers and get an insight into sheep production in the United States.

“I encourage any young person in the sheep meat industry to enter and have a go.”

Applications close at 5pm on Friday June 24 2016. The application form and video guidelines are available at www.sheepmeatcouncil.com.au/Ambassadors

Source: Sheepmeat Council of Australia.