Rotary Youth in Agriculture – Sheep

RYAG Sheep is an inspirational program for students in Years 9 to 11 who are interested in the sheep industry.  Students from across northern New South Wales participate in a four day camp near Walcha, during which they visit a range of industry facilities and innovative sheep farming operations.  All aspects of best practice sheep and wool production techniques are demonstrated in very hands-on sessions which include:

Pastures and grazing strategies
Sheep classing for wool and meat sheep
Breeding and genetics
Artificial breeding
Pregnancy scanning
Condition scoring and mouthing
Drone technology in agriculture
Parasite management and monitoring
Electronic tagging, data recording and drafting
Innovative preparation of sheep meat
Wool fashions

Based at the Walcha Showground, with dormitory-style accommodation supervised by Rotarians and appropriately qualified volunteers, the students travel by bus to various facilities, studs and farms at the cutting edge of the sheep industry. Other activities take place at facilities within the showground complex. All presenters are specialists in their field and cover an amazingly diverse range of subjects.

In 2023, the camp will run from the afternoon of Tuesday 28 February to Saturday morning 4 March, with a gala dinner on Friday 3 March for parents, friends and participating students.

The program cost is $250 per student after industry sponsorship. Students must have their application endorsed by their local Rotary club which may be able to assist with further sponsorship.

Not only do students come away with a wealth of knowledge about the sheep industry, covering both meat and wool production – possibly the gamechanger for a future career path – but they also make lasting friendships with likeminded people.