New veterinarian gains specialist expertise through global placement

Growing up in Dubbo, NSW and having close family links to sheep, cattle and cropping enterprises, Charlie developed a strong passion for the agricultural industry. He continued this focus in high school where he discovered his interest in sheep artificial breeding and genetic advancement.

Charlie went on to study a veterinary science degree at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, NSW and was awarded an AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship in 2023, sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). Charlie credits this program with giving him the confidence and ability to take his “passion for the sheep meat and wool industry forward and support producers in this sector.”

Charlie says he was first inspired to apply for the Horizon Scholarship program as it resonated with his values and eagerness to be a leader in his field of work.

“The Horizon Scholarship program offers opportunities that no other agricultural focused scholarship can offer – personal development, creative thinking and communication.”

“It has provided me with a network of likeminded people that I resonate closely with, and we have been able to tackle relevant industry issues together. It’s shown me how powerful teamwork and collaboration can be when it is well coordinated.”

One of the highlights of the scholarship program for Charlie was the chance to hear from AgriFutures Australia Chairperson, Cathy McGowan, while attending the 2023 AgriFutures Stakeholder Summit in Cairns with the rest of his scholarship cohort.

“It resonated around ‘getting things done’ and that has really stuck with me. At our second summit in Wagga Wagga, Cathy recommended that we get on a board wherever we can because it’s how we make an impact.”

“The team from AgriFutures that organise the program are dedicated and committed to our growth and the success of the program, a group of people I will be forever grateful for!”

Given his interest in sheep specifically, Australian Wool Innovation selected Charlie as their sponsored Horizon Scholar, and it was through this connection that the opportunity to complete a placement in the United States arose.

“I was fortunate enough to spend four weeks with Reproduction Specialty Group (RSG) in Indiana. They’re industry leaders in the sheep artificial breeding sector which is the area I wish to pursue my further career.”

“Whilst I was there, I was involved with laparoscopic artificial insemination, embryo transfer, ovum harvesting for in vitro fertilisation and ram semen collection and freezing. There were veterinarians from Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia working for RSG which has provided me with amazing networking opportunities that I will carry into my future career.”

Charlie’s relationship with his sponsor, AWI, has increased his passion and focus on the wool industry.

“Wool is a natural fibre which offers a huge range of benefits to customers; however, it competes on a global scale with other textiles such as cotton and polyester. If we want to pay our producers properly, it needs to be marketed as a sought-after, niche product.”

“We need to work with processors to market premium Australian wool garments to the world – one of the many things AWI is utilising industry levies to do. Levied industry groups like AWI are key to the growth and success of any agricultural industry sector,” Charlie explained.

AWI National Extension Manager, Emily King, said it was a pleasure supporting Charlie’s final years of university through the Horizon Scholarship Program.

“Charlie is a dedicated and bright young man – exactly the type of person everyone is hoping to find! His enthusiasm for the industry and learning has been inspiring to watch.”

“The personal and professional development opportunities Charlie has been exposed to and sought out whilst in the Horizon program, and will continue to avail himself of as a valued alumnus, have been second to none. He is an asset to the wool industry, and I look forward to following his career.”

In November 2024, Charlie will start his first season as a full-time veterinarian in the Australian sheep artificial breeding sector, working with Genstock Reproductive Technology.

The business is rapidly expanding, servicing sheep breeding clients on most of the eastern side of the country. Charlie hopes to utilise his skills and knowledge in artificial breeding, health and management to improve farm productivity and profitability for Australian sheep meat and wool producers.

Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship open on Monday, 18 November 2024.  

Find out more about the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship