Fostering Future Sheep Industry Leaders with SA Sheep Expo Bursary

On Tuesday, 2nd July 2024, the Angaston Ag Bureau hosted its Annual Social at the Angaston Lawn Bowling Club, where seven recipients of the SA Sheep Expo 2024 Student Bursary presented to an audience of over 80 attendees. This event marked the culmination of a partnership between the SA Sheep Expo, the Angaston Agricultural Bureau, and three local high schools—Faith Lutheran College, Nuriootpa High School, and Birdwood High School—further solidifying their commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders in the sheep industry.

Since the SA Sheep Expo’s inception in 2016, the Angaston Ag Bureau has provided bursaries to local high school students, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with the sheep industry. This initiative encourages young people to develop a deeper understanding of the sector, helping them explore potential career paths while gaining hands-on experience. The SA Sheep Expo, held annually during the April school holidays at the Adelaide Showgrounds, serves as a three-day educational forum for youth aged 12 to 23, offering insights into the diverse opportunities within the sheep industry.

Led by the passionate SA Sheep Expo committee, chaired by Mark Grossman in 2023-24, the event is designed to equip young sheep enthusiasts with valuable knowledge and skills. The bursary recipients not only attended the Expo but also engaged in a range of professional development activities, including media training, report writing, and public presentations. These opportunities enhance students' confidence and provide them with skills that will set them apart when pursuing future career opportunities.

The bursary offers more than just participation in the Expo. Recipients are encouraged to document their experiences through photography, written evaluations, and media engagements, culminating in a presentation at an Angaston Ag Bureau meeting. These activities provide a platform for students to showcase their learnings and reflect on their growth, contributing to their professional development and boosting their CVs.

The Angaston Ag Bureau remains committed to investing in youth and encouraging other Ag Bureau branches across South Australia to do the same. By offering bursaries and supporting student participation in expos, conferences, and training events, the Bureau is helping to build a pipeline of talent for the agricultural industry. Engaging students from both agricultural and non-agricultural backgrounds is crucial in attracting fresh perspectives and securing the future of primary industries in South Australia.

As the Angaston Ag Bureau continues its efforts to nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders, it encourages other branches to consider partnerships with local agribusinesses to support bursaries, ensuring that more students can access these life-changing experiences.

For more information on the SA Sheep Expo and the Angaston Ag Bureau’s initiatives, visit SA Sheep Expo