TOP SIRE 2025–2026 MERINOS ON FARM IT’S HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE AT RYAG SHEEP CAMP The NSW SMBA has continued its support for the Rotary Youth in Ag (RYAG) Sheep Camp in 2025, which gave 32 school students an insight into the many working parts of the sheep industry. 1– A total of 22 contributors and presenters were involved in this year’s RYAG Sheep Camp, with students exposed to wool and sheep handling, dog training, pasture management, livestock transport and drone technology. The four-day camp, hosted in March at Walcha, had 32 students attend from Dubbo, Inverell, Gunnedah, Dorrigo, Glen Innes, Barraba, Manilla, Woolgoolga and the local area. Students camped in shearers' huts at Europambela Station and visited a number of sheep and wool-growing operations in the local area, including Nerstane Merino and Poll Merino Stud where they had the chance to witness their AI program in action and learn about data collection, pedigree recording and marketing. Students also participated in workshops about sheep classing and appraisal, nutrition and shearing – even trying their hand at throwing and skirting fleeces. At a behind-the-scenes demonstration at a local butcher, they were shown how carcases are broken down into the various cuts for retail sale. The program has been running every second year since 2010 with funding from industry sponsors, including NSW SMBA, and Rotary clubs who endorse the participating students. There is currently no other program offering school students such a comprehensive introduction to the sheep and wool industries. For students, RYAG Sheep Camp can be a game-changer for their future career paths. – 36 –
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