ALB Sponsors Young Leaders at Global Sheep Forum
Young leaders of the U.S. sheep industry, selected through a competitive application process sponsored by the ALB, participated in the 2024 Global Sheep Forums NexGen Program in Australia this August. The NexGen Forum was held in conjunction with the annual LambEx educational conference. The program is designed to create a global forum of young producers and leaders to share ideas, network and to broaden the understanding of new innovations and technology in sheep production practices around the world.
Jake Benson, age 33, of Utah; Isaac Matchett, 36, of Michigan; and Kyle Hurley, 31, of Iowa; were the young leaders that represented the US at the Forum. The three US representatives joined young sheep producers from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada to explore sheep and wool production in Australia. American Lamb Board Chairman Jeff Ebert, and American Sheep Industry Association Vice Chairman Ben Lehfeldt chaperoned the three young leaders.
“Participating in the Global Forum was important because the US sheep industry must stay innovative and progressive to increase our production efficiencies and improve our competitiveness.” Said ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert. “Educating our producers about the newest technologies and global opportunities is critical.”
The program included tours of farms focused on genetics, sustainability, traceability and innovation. The group learned about the use of genetics in feeding efficiencies, new designs in shearing facilities, and efforts to enhance land stewardship, such as eliminating erosion from animal traffic and overgrazing, fencing protected areas, and planting trees for shelter and shade. Following the tours, the group attended the LambEx conference where the young leaders learned about the amount of work and analysis that has been done to try to understand both the production process for the sheep industry in Australia and how that relates to lamb and wool customers worldwide.
Some observations from the US Young Leaders:
Issac Matchett
“Australian producers have been, and continue to make, genetic progress within their flock a top priority,” observed Isaac Matchett, who has used his life-long passion for agriculture and innovation to help grow his family’s sheep operation from 100 acres and 140 ewes to 1,400 acres and 2,000 ewes. “Eating quality, taste and tenderness was another key takeaway,” said Matchett. “Carcass traits are a high priority to producers and are part of the genetic selection process for many. Meat processors, industry professionals and producers alike are all focused on improving the quality of the eating experience for the end consumer in an effort to be highly competitive in the global market.”
Kyle Hurley
“What stood out to me the most was how much Sheep Producers Australia is educating all producers about consumer trends,” said Kyle Hurley. “Whether that be improving or changing genetics or starting to pay attention to their farms’ carbon footprint.” Kyle Hurley is part of the Pipestone Lamb and Wool program. He has grown his ewe flock from 250 head to 600 and started Pro-Ewe Genetics, a small flock of 100 purebred Polypays and enrolled them into the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP).
Jake Benson
“I had the great opportunity to meet some of the brightest minds in the sheep world & discuss everything that involves the sheep industry.” Said Jake Benson. “I look forward to sharing what knowledge I have gained to help promote & support the sheep industry in the US.” Jake Benson is a direct marketer, supplying several restaurants with locally raised lamb and frequently giving samples to people who believe they don’t like it. He is Chairman of the Utah Woolgrowers Young Entrepreneurs board, where he focuses on continuing education.
The trio summarized their experience by focusing on the relationships they built while learning new innovations and practices. They also expressed their appreciation for ALB’s support and investment in the future.