Raising the Baa was open to all commercial sheep and wool producers, and was initiated by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) as a way of identifying and encouraging innovation within the industry.

Winners

The State winners are:

• Western Australia — Brad Wooldridge, Wagin; for his impressive strategic and labour management plan for the growth and expansion of the business.
• South Australia — Lynton Arney, Strathalbyn; for his application of breeding and genetics theory as well as an innovative marketing plan for his rams.
• Victoria — Andrew Dufty, Melville Forest; for his logical and solid planning and implementation strategies, and the appropriate use of infrastructure on-property.
• Tasmania — Chris Headlam, Woodbury; for his excellent business direction and clear business goals.
• New South Wales — Henry White, Coolah; for his well thought out risk management, clear goals and well-balanced team.
• Queensland — Pat Hegarty, Longreach; for encouraging his children to remain in the industry, and establishing an exceptional overall strategic and operational plan.

State winners will participate in a national tour of each winner’s enterprise valued at $4,200.

From the above a national winner will be announced next week. The National prize is an international study tour to the value of $10,000 to further assist in developing their enterprise.

The Raising the Baa competition was funded and partnered by AWI, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Sheep CRC, Grain & Graze, Kondinin Group and supported by Rural Press.