Top honour goes to young LambPro breeding manager

Leading lamb producers across the nation call on the expertise of this 28-year-old, and now wider industry has recognised her bright potential.

Zanda McDonald 2021 winner Rozzie O'Reilly. Picture: Supplied

LAMBPRO breeding manager Rozzie O’Reilly has been honoured as this year’s Zanda McDonald Award winner.

The 28-year-old from Holbrook, NSW, was recognised for the big strides she had made in her career so far. Rozzie manages a database of more than 6000 performance-recorded stud ewes, working under leading breeder Tom Bull, has a Bachelor of Animal science with First Class Honours, has been heavily involved in the Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association and also runs a sheep and cattle business on agistment and lease country with her partner.

“I feel completely overwhelmed and honoured to win this award,” Rozzie said. “I’m really excited about the insights I’ll get into some of the best agriculture companies in the industry, and how I can apply these learnings to further benefit the industry.”

The annual award recognises and supports talented young professionals in the ag sector from Australia and New Zealand.

Zanda McDonald Award chairman Richard Rains said Rozzie was a worthy winner.

“As judges, we were extremely impressed with her commitment, achievements and dedication to her role and the wider industry,” he said.

“She applied for the award a few years ago, and rather than being knocked back, has since made great strides in her career, and come out on top. Her aspirations are strong and well aligned with what the award can provide her by way of mentoring. We can’t wait to see what’s next in store for Rozzie, and helping to take her career to the next level through the opportunities that the award provides.”

She said she was particularly excited about the mentoring opportunities and on-farm learning experiences that are extended to award recipients.

Rozzie was named a finalist alongside fellow Australians Hugh Dawson, 22, Head Stockman at Barkly Pastoral Company in the Northern Territory, Oli Le Lievre, 28, Consultant at KPMG in Melbourne and Founder of Humans of Agriculture, and Tim Emery, 35, a Technical Officer with Tropical Beef Technology Services at the Agricultural Business Research Institute in Roma.

In response to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, the 2021 Zanda McDonald Award will have an Australian and a New Zealand winner, with the Kiwi winner due to be announced in April.

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