White Suffolk: Insight into industry at SA Sheep Expo

More than 120 young sheep enthusiasts from ages 12 to 23 attended, coming from SA, WA, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.

On top of the 120 particpants were 120 sheep sourced from breed societies that sponsor the event, including the Australian White Suffolk Association.

Committee member Sam Neumann said the annual expo had grown from 40 participants in its first year.

"It's very well supported by the industry both here in SA and interstate," Miss Nuemann said.

"Usually it's held in school holidays, so the kids have chosen to be there to learn more about the sheep industry."

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While there are plenty of opportunities for young people to learn more about the beef industry through breed and industry camps, the SA Sheep Expo is the country's only youth camp focused on sheep.

"As I was growing up on a Merino property, the only learning opportunity for me in agriculture was the SA Heifer Expo," she said.

"At that time there was no sheep alternative, and I wasn't the only kid who wanted to learn more about sheep."

The next expo, to be held from April 15 to 17 next year, is expected to be just as big or bigger than 2019.

"It's exciting to see the increase in numbers, because it means that kids are interested in the industry," Miss Neumann said.

"We make a conscious effort to have a range of people on our careers panel.

"We've had producers, vets, journalists, stock agents - we want open the participants up to the range of careers that are available in the sheep industry."

The youth camp event is run by a committee of 15 volunteers, including stud and commercial producers, agriculture teachers and agency representatives.

"We have a good blend of wiser and more experienced people and young and enthusiastic volunteers," Miss Neumann said.