Being a recipient of the Peter Westblade Scholarship for 2018 has opened the door to many opportunities.

One of those opportunities was to follow the wool clip form my family farm at Swansea, Tasmania all the way to Biella, Italy. Whilst in Italy I visited Romagnano scouring mill, Reda, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Lanecardate and G. Ferrarone who are wool agents.

These visits gave me a great insight to the wool industry post farm gate. The Italians were very open and enthusiastic; they explained the process of processing raw wool into cloth in a high level of detail. It reiterated the importance of wool preparation, as the different types of wool have a great effect on the quality of the final product.

From a wool growers point of view it was extremely encouraging to the level of investment, and plans for further expansion as well as a great focus on environmental factors within these companies. I left with great confidence that the relationship between Australian wool growers and the Italians Processors will continue to prosper.  

Whilst in Europe I took the opportunity to visit a Merino wool grower in Devon by the name of Lesley Prior. It was fascinating to visit Lesley and to learn the about farming in the UK. Lesley also took me to the nearby village of Dulverton where the strain of the Peppin Merino were bred.

I also visited the London AWI office to learn more about how they work with the international markets promoting and educating people about the benefits wool. It was also the lead up to wool week whilst I was there. It was great to hear what they had planned to promote wool.  This year they had a great focus on the easy care and had washing machines set up in Convent Garden where a lot of people pass through, to demonstrate this fact. 

Overall I had a fabulous trip and learnt a lot, a great thank you to the Peter Westblade Scholarship for making it all possible. If you are passionate about the Sheep and Wool Industry I highly recommend you apply, as the opportunities are endless and it is a great stepping stone for cementing yourself with an exciting future within the Sheep and Wool Industry.

2018 Recipients Joe Walden & Anna Cotton.

CONGRATULATIONS

PWS Chairman Criag Wilson with 2018 recipients Joe Walden & Anna Cotton with 2017 recipients Harry Mulquiny & Rachael Gawne

Our 2017 Finalists Harry Stonnill, Mat Connor, Anna Cotton, Hilary Beech, Veronika Hartmeier, Joe Walden & Jane Brien.