Cowra takes the Youth Poll Dorset reins from Finley

Organised by the Central Western NSW region of the Australian Poll Dorset Association, the day will feature a number of hands-on activities aimed at young people aged between 12 and 25.

Equipping young people with skills and knowledge relevant to the commercial prime lamb industry will be the focus of a Poll Dorset Youth Day to be held at the Cowra Showgrounds on Thursday, August 6.

Poll Dorset Youth Day committee member Brendan Mansbridge, Brooklyn Park Poll Dorsets, Eugowra, said this year's event followed on from successful Poll Dorset Youth Days which had been held at Finley in southern NSW for the past seven years.

"The Youth Day in Finley has been very popular, attracting up to 100 students each year and this year our region has taken it on and given it a new look," he said.

"Cowra is a central location, which makes it easy for young people from across the state."

Guest speakers will present topics ranging from sheep health and nutrition to pregnancy and carcase ultrasound scanning, butchery and sheep selection.

Mr Mansbridge said while the event was being organised by a group of seedstock breeders, the focus of the day would be on the commercial side of the lamb industry.

"Many young people have experience with prime lamb operations, and we hope they will be able to take the knowledge they learn on the day home to their family properties or use it in their careers further down the track," Mr Mansbridge said.

"Those involved in the seedstock industry will also be able to benefit from the day, as the basis of a successful seedstock breeding program is satisfying the needs of the commercial industry."

One of the highlights will be Cowra butcher Matt Omalveney's presentation, which will look at how a lamb carcase is broken down and where different cuts of lamb come from within the carcase.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Ruth Klingner on 0438 642 113 or email rellegge@hotmail.com