October was a whirlwind month as I headed to Australia—a trip packed with learning, connections, and a few surprises along the way, writes Nerys Wright.
I flew into Melbourne first, where I spent some precious time with family before diving into the sheep world. From there, I travelled to Wagga Wagga and visited four very different farms, ranging from a traditional Merino operation to a flock of wool-shedding sheep.
Each farm offered unique insights into breeding, management, and adaptation to local conditions. I was made to feel incredibly welcome—perhaps helped by the fact that I brought the rain with me!
Inspiring scientists
Next stop was Sydney, before heading an hour south to Wollongong for the International Sheep Veterinary Congress. This was a real highlight. Meeting scientists whose papers I’ve read and quoted for years was inspiring.
It was also fantastic to finally connect in person with UK colleagues I’d only ever met on Zoom. The networking opportunities were invaluable, and I left with some great new contacts and ideas.
The conference themes were wide-ranging and thought-provoking: flystrike control, parasite management, drought resilience, and pain relief strategies. Each topic reinforced the complexity of sheep health and welfare and the need for ongoing innovation.
One key takeaway for me was the stark contrast in research investment. In Australia, there’s still significant focus on farm-level R&D, whereas in the UK, this has declined – a real shame. I’m determined to champion practical, on-farm research.
Overall, the trip was a fantastic blend of professional development and personal connection. I returned home with fresh ideas, renewed enthusiasm, and a strong sense of how global collaboration can drive our industry forward.
The only hiccup? I arrived home a day late thanks to a cancelled flight—poor weather followed me all the way back. Thanks again to the East of England Agricultural Society Scholars Programme for their support.
The Sheep Geeks podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant. For more details, call 07891 187643 or visit sheepconsultancy.co.uk.