The annual South Australian Sheep Expo offers young people a platform to develop a better understanding of the sheep industry, the opportunities it offers and to encourage the next generation to engage at a grassroots level within the industry.
The 2023 Expo was held at the end of last month, and saw over 140 young people from three states travel to the Adelaide Showgrounds for the program.
Inspired by the highly successful SA Junior Heifer Expo, the SA Sheep Expo provides an education forum for young sheep enthusiasts aged 12 to 23 years and enables them to build their knowledge and identify pathways to further careers in areas of the sheep industry over a 3-day program.
Representing Elders were District Wool Managers Tim Shepherd from Burra and Emma Turner from Mildura, along with Livestock Production Specialist Monica Ley from Murray Bridge. The team presented to junior competitors (ages 12 to 15) about both the on and off farm processes involved in the production of wool.
The team focused on why we separate wools into lines, the mob concept, the importance of completing wool specifications and the importance of correct identification of wools. The students also learned about the roles of staff within a shearing shed.
The off-farm supply chain sessions covered the whole wool supply chain, working through the process from the sheep’s back to the final garment.
Emma Turner explained it was a great opportunity to foster excitement for the wool industry among the next generation.
“We had a good turnout, and the students were all really engaged,” she said.
“It was a great few days, and inspiring to see a large group of students taking their own time to attend. The next generation of the sheep industry is looking strong!”
Meet the team
