The University of Wyoming Sheep Program, in partnership with the Wyoming Wool Initiative, Wyoming Business Council, and the UW Global Engagement Office, has recently created a program entitled “Sheep Innovators Exchange: Wyoming to New Zealand”.  This international program gives Wyoming sheep producers and industry entrepreneurs a chance to gain fresh insights by engaging with global peers who face similar challenges.

Participants in the Sheep Innovators Exchange will travel to New Zealand to explore the country’s renowned sheep industry. Over five days, participants will tour essential industry sites in Christchurch and South Island, such as genetic improvement facilities and value-added lamb and wool marketing operations. Leadership summits are included to drive innovation and strengthen Wyoming’s sheep industry.

The Sheep Innovators Exchange will take place from July 12, 2025, through July 18, 2025. Participants must arrive in New Zealand by July 12. Programmed events begin on July 14.

The program primarily targets young sheep ranchers ages 25-40, but it is also open to other sheep and wool industry professionals. If selected, applicants must purchase airfare and provide travel confirmation to secure a spot in the program.

Program Overview:

• Dates: July 12-18, 2025.
• Participants: Eight Wyoming sheep ranchers and sheep industry professionals.
• Eligibility: Open to Wyoming residents ages 25-40 with a professional interest in sheep and wool production. Regional applicants may be considered if space allows.
• Costs: Participants are responsible for covering their own airfare. The Wyoming Wool Initiative will cover additional costs, such as lodging, transportation, and food expenses associated with the program.

“Sometimes, gaining a fresh perspective on challenges and opportunities requires connecting with people who face similar circumstances in other parts of the world,” says Whit Stewart, UW Extension sheep specialist and associate professor of animal science. “This program is designed to create a dynamic exchange between sheep ranchers in Wyoming and New Zealand, a country recognized globally for its leadership in sheep production, innovative practices, and forward-thinking marketing strategies. Through structured tours, hands-on learning, and leadership summits, we aim to foster new ideas and strengthen the future of Wyoming’s sheep industry while building bridges with fellow sheep producers abroad.”

Stewart highlights the importance of global interaction, adding, “Collaborating and interacting with sheep scientists, extension educators, and producers abroad has been incredibly valuable to me, especially during challenging times over the past five years. I believe the next generation of our industry needs similar opportunities to grow beyond the ranch. The Sheep Innovators Exchange will create a platform for Wyoming and New Zealand producers to connect, share ideas, and embrace new ways of thinking in sheep production and marketing.”

Kate Harlan, co-chair of the Sheep Innovators Exchange, underscores the need to engage young producers. “It is important to focus on young producers and industry members as they will be taking the reins and guiding the industry forward,” says Harlan. “As the world continues to become more globally connected every day, it is important for us to use that to our advantage and stay connected globally as well.”

Harlan believes this program will influence both participants and the broader industry. “The opportunity to witness different production systems allows producers to become better. There is always a takeaway wherever one goes, and the chance to bring those ideas home will help strengthen not only each individual operation but the industry as a whole.”

The UW Sheep Program is grateful to the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming Global Engagement Office for their generous support in advancing the mission of this initiative. While these organizations do not directly cover individual participant expenses, their contributions are vital to ensuring the success and impact of the program.

Applications are open until January 2, 2025. Apply at bit.ly/4gF2Lm2.

For more details, contact the Sheep Program Team at woolinitiative@uwyo.edu.