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Genetic selection passion a winner for Annabel Lugsdin

April 9, 2013

2013-1

Annabel Lugsdin has won the prestigious 2013 Peter Westblade Scholarship

A young woman with a passion for practical sheep genetics and ewe productivity has taken out the prestigious 2013 Peter Westblade Scholarship.

Annabel Lugsdin, a project officer with Australian Wool Innovation, was announced as the winner at a dinner held at Temora, in southern NSW, last week.

Miss Lugsdin, 22, was preparing for her university graduation in Armidale when she received word of her win.

The daughter of Ian and Stacey Lugsdin, Annabel grew up on a large scale commercial Merino property at Hay, in the western Riverina.

“The sheep and wool industry is at an exciting time of innovation with new technologies and research available to producers to improve their profitability and productivity,” Annabel said.

Miss Lugsdin said she was encouraged to apply for the scholarship by an industry mentor, Sally Martin, of Young.

“Sheep advisory with growers is an area I want to get into – working with practically based genetics to bridge the gap between researchers and farmers,” she said.

“Coming from an area of large scale properties, I know the constraints posed by running an extensive production system in a variable climate, especially with reduced lambing percentages.”

This knowledge has led Annabel to pursue an interest in genetic advisory, selection and ewe management, graduating with a Bachelor in Livestock Science.

The Peter Westblade Scholarship was developed in conjunction with the Peter Westblade Memorial Merino Challenge to provide practical education and mentoring for young people in the sheep and wool industry.

Valued at $10,000 (cash and in-kind), the scholarship gives the winners opportunities to develop wider networks, travel, and receive mentoring from industry innovators and leaders.

For more information visit www.peterwestbladescholarship.com.au

 

 

 

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