LambEx, in partnership with Coles, has announced the finalists in the Trailblazers competition for young innovators in the sheep and lamb industry.The LambEx Coles Trailblazers competition recognises and encourages young and upcoming industry professionals, producers, scientists and students to consider a future or ongoing career in the Australian lamb industry. The competition enables these young Trailblazers to demonstrate how they as innovators will make a difference in the lamb industry.
This competition is run in conjunction with LambEx, the pinnacle event for the Australian lamb industry, to be held in Adelaide 7-9 August 2024.
LambEx Chair Jason Schulz said ‘LambEx is distinctive in the fact that it is the only industry forum that incorporates and encompasses the entire supply chain for the sheep and lamb industry. We are particularly keen to foster innovative new talent within the industry and thanks to the support of Coles, we are thrilled to announce TODAY the finalists in the Trailblazers competition.
Applications have been received from across Australia and the finalists have addressed a range of topics of importance to the agriculture industry including early identification of issues caused by climate change, vaccine development, the improvement of reproductive potential within the flock and the optimisation of pasture management.
2024 LambEx Coles Trailblazer finalists:
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Jordan Ackland, Keith, South Australia
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Bianca Agenbag, Nuriootpa, South Australia
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Jamee Daly, Two Wells, South Australia
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Edward Kerr, Brisbane, Queensland
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Bobbie Lewis Bada, Mount Barker, South Australia
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Georgia Welsh, South Perth, Western Australia
2024 LambEx Coles Junior Trailblazer finalists (16 – 21 years):
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Tayla Blight, Clare, South Australia
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Charlotte Poker, Cherry Gardens, South Australia
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Sarah England and Lachie Wintulich, Mount Gambier, South Australia
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Isabel Jones and Monique Allen, Mount Gambier, South Australia
As well as supporting the initiative and competition, representatives from Coles have been involved in the high-level judging panel. Martin Smithson, Coles General Manager Meat, Deli and Seafood said the scope of fresh and innovative ideas was exciting.
‘The calibre of finalists is so impressive and based on some of the entries we’ve seen, the future of the sheep and lamb industry is in great shape. Like we do at Coles, being able to innovate whether you’re in your own family-run business or a large organisation is imperative to success,‘ said Martin.
Jason Schulz, Chair of LambEx 2024 said ‘The high calibre of entries and particularly the exciting ideas put forward by the finalists show that the industry is in good hands.
These go-getters are the future of the industry and their ideas will challenge and inspire those who’ve been in the industry for many years.
The LambEx Coles Trailblazers will be narrowed down to a final three finalists who will pitch their presentation to the full LambEx delegation before the ‘LambEx Coles Trailblazer’ will be announced at the LambEx Grandslamb Gala Dinner (hosted by Rabobank) on the final night.