Australian Wool innovation (AWI) has opened applications for its Breeding Leadership 2022 program.

Condobolin’s Amie L’Estrange undertook the program last year and said she would be able to put her new skills into practice at home.

“I am very keen to continue on with succession planning and to be able to put in place new visions for our own business, strategic plans, risk management and to put from owner/manager to owner/leader.”

Breeding Leadership is national program for young people in all facets of the wool industry. Applications for the 2022 program close on 30 September 2021.

The program develops skills and knowledge in personal leadership as well as strategic planning and team leadership. It also provides an excellent opportunity for participants to network with 25 other like-minded people from across Australia, as well as the skilled program deliverers and others from the wool industry.

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 in 2004. Since 2012, AWI has funded the course.

The next Breeding Leadership course will be held in 2022 in Clare, South Australia.

Since its inception, more than 175 people have completed the Breeding Leadership course.

2022 will be the ninth time the five day program will be delviered. The week covers a range of topics including strategy (understanding your business and industry), understanding yourself (personality typing), working in teams (accountability, communicating expectations, decision making) and the future (entrepreneurship, innovation and managing change). There is a full day bus tour to allow participants the opportunity to visit local leaders in a range of industries.

AWI chief executive officer Stuart McCullough said Breeding Leadership is an important program.

“This will be the ninth time we have run the course and it has helped more than 200 young wool leaders.

“If you are interested in our great industry this is perfect way to take your knowledge to the next level,” he said.

“Breeding Leadership continues to demonstrate AWI’s commitment to capacity development and the next generation of the wool industry.”