Young sheep industry leaders from New Zealand, Australia and the United States got together in New Zealand last week to discuss common interests and look at the New Zealand sheep industry first-hand.
The trip was one of the annual activities of the Tri-Lamb Group, giving young leaders a taste of sheep farming in each of the three member countries - this time, showcasing New Zealand's unique farm-management systems.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand's Northern South Island farmer director, Phil Smith, said the forum was designed to encourage young producers and leaders to share ideas, network and to broaden understanding of sheep production practices in all three countries.
"This is an exciting opportunity for the young leaders to develop and share knowledge of sheep-meat production and on farm practices," says Smith, who accompanied the group and acted as the New Zealand mentor.
Among the participants were American Sheep Industry Association president Burton Pfliger and the association's secretary/treasurer, Benny Cox.