The award is supported by Australian Pork Ltd (APL) and private donations to a trust fund set up to honour the late Doug Ross. It recognises the contribution Doug Ross (1947-2000) made to the Australian pig industry. Doug was a veterinarian who was passionately involved in the pig industry and was a mentor to many people in the industry.

Speaking on behalf of the judges panel Dr Ross Cutler, said this is the first time that the award has been made to a student. The judges hope that the award brings another bright young veterinarian to the field of pig medicine or allied areas.

This award will enable Ms Groat to travel all-expenses paid to Vancouver, Canada, to attend this year’s International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress from 18 – 20 July. Additionally, she will attend the Australian Pork Veterinarian’s (APV) Satellite Conference also being held in Vancouver before the IPVS Congress.

Ms Groat first became interested in pig production following student prac work on a pig farm in the Young district of New South Wales. “I’m initially from an extensive farming background with sheep and cattle and found working with pigs really challenging but rewarding. This opportunity to see how pigs are managed in a cold climate such as Canada, as well as the differences in the grow out process and shed design, compared with the Australian climate, will be a fabulous time in my life.

“The experience of seeing firsthand another country and meeting pig vets from all over the world is something I am very excited about. Sharing views with these people will be very rewarding“.