Groundbreaking ideas from young people who want to stand out from the flock.

Published August 8, 2024

LambEx and Coles has announced the winners in all categories of the  LambEx Coles 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 2024, the pinnacle event for the Australian sheep, lamb and wool industry, currently underway in Adelaide (7-9 August 2024).

LambEx Chair Jason Schulz said ‘LambEx is keen to foster innovative new talent within the industry and thanks to the support of Coles, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the Trailblazers competition. The three finalists presented today to a plenary session of over 1,200 delegates and their knowledge and enthusiasm were really well received by the audience. It was a great opportunity for new players in the industry to share their ideas with those who’ve been around for a while!”

Applications in the competition were received from across Australia and the finalists 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 overall winner : Bobbie Lewis Baida from Mount Barker, SA

2024 LambEx Coles Junior Trailblazer winner (16 – 21 years): Tayla Blight from Clare, SA

2024 LambEx Coles Peers’ Choice winner (judged by all Trailblazer finalists): Jordan Acklandfrom Keith, SA

Bobbie Lewis Baida has completed a Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) from the Uni of Adelaide and went on to complete her honours which is where her love for research began. She is now nearing the end of her 4-year PhD project investigating the impacts of heat and thermoregulation, on the fertility of extensively grazed sheep. Bobbie has recently been appointed as a post-doctoral researcher at The University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus, on a nationwide MLA-funded project titled, “Quantifying and understanding the reproductive performance of Australia’s shedding sheep flock”. During her career Bobbie has been involved with a multitude of sheep research including maternal nutrition, heat abatement strategies and on-farm management and adoption.

Bobbie said “Being part of the Trailblazer’s competition has been a really valuable experience. I’ve learnt so much, improved my presentation skills and feel that I’ve benefitted in ways that will really enhance my career.”

As well as supporting the initiative and competition, representatives from Coles have been involved in the high-level judging panel. When announcing the winner Martin Smithson, Coles General Manager Meat, Deli and Seafood said the scope of fresh and innovative ideas was exciting.

“I was blown away by the impressive initiatives that entered this competition, and it gives me great comfort for the future of the sheep and lamb industry. We’re proud to be able to support these young trailblazers and work together to reduce environmental impacts and create a more sustainable future,” 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.”