He has held the reins in running Australia’s largest genetic wether trial annually invites schools and young shearers to major shearing event in Wagga so they can improve their skills.

This was also the vision of the late Peter Westblade of Pastora Merino Stud at Lockhart in the Riverina.

Mr Westblade was known for his commitment to mentoring young people in the industry. 

Part of his legacy is the Peter Westblade Scholarship.

This year the recipients Anna Cotton and Joe Walden were chosen from a field of applicants from NSW and Tasmania by a panel of industry judges.

The winners were announced at the Peter Westblade Scholarship and auction dinner at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on March 1.

The other five finalists were Harrison Stonnill, of Jerilderie, Matthew Connor, Taralga, Jane Brien, Wellington, Hilary Beech and Veronika Hartmeier, both of Wagga.

Now entering its seventh year, the scholarship will provide opportunities and in-kind support worth up to $10,000 over a 12-month period.

The winners will benefit from practical skills training, mentoring and the establishment of industry networks.

Miss Cotton, 26, works on the family farm, Kelvedan Estate, at Swansea, Tasmania, and aims to use the 12 months scholarship to educate herself further through learning from a range of wool enterprises and attending industry events.

She studied a Bachelor of Business (Farm Management) at Marcus Oldham College and now works as assistant manager in the family enterprise. 

Joe Walden, 23, works at Cavan Station, home of Bogo Merinos, Yass, and is interested in the use of technology to capture data for analysis.

Originally from Braidwood, Joe completed a Certificate IV in Agriculture and wool handling at Tocal Agricultural College.

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