YOUNG sheep producers from around the world have been hosted by Australia’s peak industry body in the lead-up to LambEx 2024 — the world’s biggest sheep, lamb and wool forum – that starts in Adelaide today.

Sheep Producers Australia is hosting producers and colleagues from the American Sheep Industry Association, Beef & Lamb New Zealand, the Canadian Sheep Federation, and the National Sheep Association (US).

The organisations are members of the Global Sheep Producers Forum and participate in the Global Sheep Producers Forum – Next Generation 2024 (Next Gen) initiative.

Sheep Producers Australia said it has a long-standing tradition of supporting initiatives that bring together young producers from different countries — to share the story of Australia’s sheep industry and foster relationships that enhance global collaboration.

Sheep Producers Australia chief executive officer Bonnie Skinner said to SPA as a member of the Global Sheep Producers Forum, a successor to the Tri-Lamb initiative, LambEx 2024 provided the perfect opportunity to reinstate a global young leaders program.

“Working together is important to help grow this industry.

Visiting other countries and seeing their production systems firsthand helps to provide a global picture of the lamb industry and its potential for growth,” she said.

“We want to encourage these young producers to build networks and partnerships as they look to take on industry leadership roles in the future.

“And what better place to network than with over 1300 people heading to LambEx 2024 this week.”

SPA director and Kangaroo Island producer Jamie Heinrich said he was fortunate, nearly ten years ago, to be selected as Australia’s founding Tri-Lamb group youth program member.

“Working with young producers from other countries impressed on me with how much we can learn from each other and work together to ensure lamb has a bright future on the world’s dinner plates.

“I am so excited to see this program reinstated to support a new generation of producers.”

The international group’s itinerary included three days of travel across South Australia to visit farms, feedlots, and studs, and meetings with senior leaders of the Australian sheep industry. Visits include Ella Matta and Mine Creek on Kangaroo Island, Thornby Feedlot, Inverbrackie Border Leicester Stud, Collinsville, Anlaby Station, and Michell Wool. The participants will attend LambEx, the biennial event showcasing the Australian sheep industry today.

Earlier this year, Sheep Producers Australia selected three young producers from Australia to participate in the 2024 Next Gen cohort: Alanah Boxall, Tiffany Davey, and Brittany Bolt.

Tiffany Davey said networking opportunities like these hold a lot of power.

“Both from a personal development perspective and from a business perspective, to provide a benchmark for your animals and just have the opportunity to see how other business models work.

“As a Western Australian producer, we have had a challenging year, and it’s been refreshing to hear some of these challenges sheep producers are facing nationally,” she said.

“But it has also been positive to be able to hear how growers are overcoming these challenges on a national and global level.

“To spend time with people who are passionate about sheep, to hear and challenge each other to do better,” Tiffany said.

Brittany Bolt said the Next Gen initiative has been one of the most beneficial experiences she has had as someone in the sheep industry at the early stages of her career.

“I’m constantly looking for ways to do and be better and this week has fostered that and created a very collaborative environment.

“I’d recommend any current or upcoming young sheep producer to stick their hand up for this opportunity,” she said.

“I hope this program continues long into the future to foster strong industry relationships with our international partners.

“This opportunity has opened up a network of producers worldwide that we wouldn’t otherwise have access to.”

“It’s such a positive and encouraging environment where everyone is eager to put everything on the table to learn about the challenges and solutions our respective countries are facing in the sheep industry.”

Alanah Boxall said she has found being able to have valuable conversations about the similarities and differences between Australian and non-Australian sheep practices has been an amazing part of the Next Gen experience.

“A highlight so far was the opportunity to tour the Collinsville Stud and see the absolute best genetics in Australia for the Merino breed.”

Tiffany Davey will introduce the 2024 Next Generation Cohort at LambEx on Thursday at 3:30 pm on stage next to the Sheep Producers Australia Networking Lounge.