AWI invites applications for 'Breeding Leadership' course

This course develops leadership within the wool industry with a focus on the development of young people. All passionate young people with an interest in the wool industry are encouraged to apply.

"Leadership is about personal and professional skills to ensure strong accountability at all levels of industry involvement. This course provides a mix of self-development as well as business skills including marketing and corporate governance," said Dr Jane Littlejohn, AWI Head of On Farm Research & Development.

Current AASMB President Phil Toland added "AASMB is dedicated to improving the opportunities for young people in the industry. Courses like Breeding Leadership provide a great opportunity for leadership and professional development of young people connected to the wool industry."

The course program covers a range of topics including leadership, personality typing, marketing, strategic planning, time management, managing change, and innovation.

Proactive young woolgrower from the Monaro region, John Murdoch, participated in Breeding Leadership 2012 and says the course has proven to be a fundamental step in the way he approaches his business.

"The course challenged, inspired and equipped me to contribute and achieve more, both within my business and within the wider wool industry. The Breeding Leadership course is a unique opportunity to learn, network and challenge yourself with a motivated group of industry peers."

The course will be delivered in February 2014 in Clare, South Australia.

"Breeding Leadership has had many success stories emerge over the years, and I am always happy to connect with past participants at events around the country, as they build their industry profiles", said Dr Littlejohn.

Established in 2002 by the South Australian Stud Merino Breeders Association, Breeding Leadership became a national program through the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders (AASMB) in 2004. Since then, over 80 people have completed the course. While AWI has supported the course in previous years, in 2012 AWI funded 100 per cent of the course, and will again in 2014.

Rural Directions Pty Ltd, an agribusiness consulting company based in Clare, South Australia, is delivering Breeding Leadership 2014.

Australian Wool Innovation Limited