Worm surveillance idea wins LambEx26 Coles Trailblazers top honour

A proposal to tackle one of the Australian sheep industry's biggest animal health challenges has won the top prize in the LambEx26 Coles Trailblazers program.

Victorian researcher Rebecca Farnell, a second-year Federation University PhD candidate, impressed judges with her proposal for a sheep worm surveillance database.

Rebecca Farnell - LambEx26 Coles Trailblazers Winner with Karen O'Connor (General Manager - Meat, Deli, Seafood & Convenience, Coles)

Designed to map parasite distribution across Victoria, the database would help producers better manage worm risk, improve animal health and productivity, with potential to expand nationally. Rebecca takes home a $3,000 cash prize designed to support her career progression and professional development.

The LambEx Coles Trailblazers program supports emerging industry leaders to develop and pitch innovative solutions to challenges facing the Australian sheep industry. Seven semi-finalists undertook mentoring and professional development before presenting their ideas at LambEx26.

LambEx Coles Trailblazers mentor Chloe Smart said the finalists demonstrated the strength of emerging talent in the sheep industry. "Trailblazers is about the next generation bringing fresh thinking to real industry challenges," she said. "This year's finalists tackled everything from parasite management and agricultural education to helping producers tell their own story. Every idea offered an innovative solution backed by genuine passion for the industry."

Judge Emily King from Australian Wool Innovation said the standard of presentations was outstanding. "The professional development was evident in every finalist, and it was incredibly encouraging to see so many passionate young people stepping forward with ideas that can strengthen the future of the sheep industry," she said.

Jordan Norman received the Junior Achiever Award (under 24) and a $1,000 prize for his proposal to establish a Sheep Industry Education Hub connecting students from non-agricultural schools with producers through farm visits, school programs and mentoring.

Karen O'Connor (General Manager - Meat, Deli, Seafood & Convenience, Coles) and Coles Trailblazer Junior Achiever Award Winner Jordan Norman.

Victorian farmer and content creator Tara Farms received the Trailblazing Concept Award and a $500 prize for her proposal to help more producers use authentic digital storytelling to strengthen community understanding of modern sheep farming.

Karen O'Connor (General Manager - Meat, Deli, Seafood & Convenience, Coles) and Coles Trailblazing Concept Award Winner Tara Farms.

All semi-finalists receive mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities to help emerging leaders turn innovative ideas into practical outcomes for the Australian sheep industry.

Coles Trailblazer Semi-Finalists L-R: Angus Langsmith, Emily Steer, Bianca Agenbag, Jamee Daly, Jordan Norman, Rebecca Farnell, Tara Farms, Leo Redden (Trailblazers Sub-Committee Member) and Sammy McIntyre (Trailblazers Sub-Committee Chair)

What is the Coles Trailblazers Competition?

The LambEx Coles Trailblazers Competition recognises and encourages young and upcoming industry professionals, producers, scientists & students to consider a future or ongoing career in the Australian sheep industry.

The competition provides an opportunity for these ‘Trailblazers’ to showcase how their ideas, skills and innovation can make a meaningful difference across the sheep Industry. Successful finalists will gain exposure at LambEx26, while developing their capabilities through professional development opportunities and networking with industry leaders.

Further information on all semi-finalists and their presentation topics can be found on the LambEx Website.

Media Enquiries:

Lauren Watt

Chief Executive Officer

0417 330 192

ceo@lambex.org.au