TOP SIRE 2026–2027 CLASSER PROFILES MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF CLASSERS A new generation of sheep classers is emerging, bringing enthusiasm, knowledge and a deep passion for the sheep breeding traditions that have shaped our Merino industry. Representing diverse backgrounds and regions, they all share a common commitment to the ongoing success of the Australian Merino. In this feature, we introduce some of these rising young professionals as they help lead the industry into its next chapter. AUSTIN GRACE Austin Grace developed a passion for the sheep industry from a young age, growing up working on his family’s Merino operation near Young, in the South West Slopes region of NSW. He began his career at Egelabra Merino Stud, Warren, as a young jackaroo and later progressed to the role of assistant manager of the operation. It was during his time at Egelabra that he developed a foundation as a sheep classer, working closely with Paul Kelly and Cam Munro. Austin now manages Bogo Merino Stud at Cootamundra and has completed a Bachelor of Agribusiness as well as a Certificate IV in Wool Classing. In 2021, Austin was awarded a Peter Westblade Scholarship which has been a highlight of his career and provided valuable education, guidance and mentoring. Austin runs a sheep classing business, AG Livestock, classing sheep in the Central West, South West Slopes, Southern Tablelands and Riverina regions of NSW. He takes an independent approach when working with clients and works with varying bloodlines and breeding objectives. He provides assistance with sheep classing, ram selection and pre-joining assessments of ewes and rams. Austin’s outlook on classing Merino sheep emphasises a strong commitment to visual assessment and production, focusing on structure, conformation as well as white, soft and productive wools. He believes in selecting the right sheep for the right environment and production systems and provides a balanced approach to incorporating objective measurement and flock benchmarking to achieve client goals and more profitable outcomes. M: 0473 969 552 TOM LILBURNE Tom Lilburne is a passionate sheep classer and dedicated Merino breeder with a strong focus on breeding productive sheep suited to both commercial and stud operations. He became involved with the sheep industry from a young age and is now based at Hay, – 31 –
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1