Video or image
Merino Scholarship
21 January 2022
Categories
Wool
Wool Street Journal
Company News
Farmers Voice

Wool Street Journal: Sponsorship helps expand understanding for Merino scholars

PGG Wrightson is delighted to sponsor the Otago Merino Association’s annual Monaro Scholarship.

Selected annually, scholars visit a variety of Merino properties in Monaro, NSW, gaining a better understanding of breeding principles, bloodlines, and farm management across the Tasman.

PGG Wrightson Wool general manager Grant Edwards explains:

“Our sponsorship of the OMA Scholarship provides exposure to the industry and a detailed understanding of the wool supply pipeline. It is one among many of the ways we are proud to help farmers achieve their objectives. Helping fund keen and motivated Merino growers and others associated with fine wool to spend a couple of weeks meeting and learning from Aussie growers in one of the major fine wool regions, is one way we are pleased to show that support.”

Due to Covid restrictions, current Monaro scholar Pru Heaney has had to delay travelling to Australia for the past two years, though is looking forward to heading away in a few months.

Pru lives in the Nevis Valley with partner Aaron Johns. They purchased Craigroy Station six years ago and also lease Ben Nevis Station, running a mix of Quarterbred and Halfbreds ewes, alongside a beef herd.

Growing up on merino properties, Pru has always had a passion for fine wool.

“More recently I spent time with other wool classes studying for my certificate in Wool Technology, since when I have picked up a good run wool classing around Central Otago, and spend three months during pre-lamb away classing.

“It’s an exciting time in the wool industry. Consumers are becoming more aware of what products they use, where they come from and their impact on the environment. There is so much in the industry for me to learn. I’m looking forward to seeing how Australian farmers operate, the genetics they use and the wool they produce. I feel this opportunity will add knowledge for both my farming and classing career,” says Pru.

Over the years winners of the scholarship have included people from farming families, farmworkers and others involved in Merino.

Back to News

Proudly Supported By