Phoebe Yabsley is making significant strides as a young leader in Australia’s lamb industry. As an advocate for the red meat sector, she emphasises the importance of young people being passionate about Australia’s primary production.
Ms Yabsley believes that sustaining the industry’s future relies on younger generations stepping up to support local producers and fostering innovation in agriculture.
Through her work, she aims to inspire more young Australians to engage with the red meat industry and ensure its continued growth.
Growing up on her family’s mixed farming operation "Murrawombie," in Western New South Wales, Ms Yabsley developed a strong connection to the land and livestock early in life.
After completing her schooling in 2020, she seized an opportunity to work at McDonald Holdings at Iffley Station, a cattle station in Queensland's Gulf Country.
This experience was pivotal, allowing her to immerse herself in different aspects of farming and expand her practical skills.
Determined to deepen her agricultural knowledge, Ms Yabsley then pursued an Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham in Geelong, Victoria.
Now at LambPro, a leading lamb genetics business in Holbrook, New South Wales, Ms Yabsley plays a crucial role in advancing one of the most innovative sectors in livestock farming.
Ms Yabsley believes that at her workplace there is a higher female to male ratio, something that is statistically unlikely in the agricultural industry.
“I really love the vast range of opportunities that come my way through my role at LambPro,” Ms Yabsley said.
“From working hands-on with lambs to studying their pedigrees, collecting data, and witnessing the results, it’s a full-circle experience.
“I enjoy the balance between physical and analytical tasks, and being surrounded by intensive agricultural operations and a supportive community is great."
Her passion for agriculture goes beyond her daily responsibilities; Ms Yabsley is committed to advocating for Australian producers and inspiring younger generations to continue this important work.
As a MLA Red Meat Ambassador, she actively encourages young people to engage with industry programs that promote growth and understanding.
Phoebe with her parents Kate and Bruce Yabsley at Iffley Station. Pic: Supplied
“Being a young rural woman in the industry comes with both challenges and opportunities,” she said.
“While being female can have its physical limitations, it’s inspiring to work alongside women who perform just as strongly as men. Here, everyone is treated equally, and the focus on working ‘smarter rather than harder’ has been a valuable lesson for me.”
Ms Yabsley draws inspiration from her senior colleagues, particularly Tom Bull, the General Manager at LambPro, who she describes as an invaluable mentor.
“He’s always willing to teach and answer questions, no matter how busy,” she added.
Ms Yabsley expressed her deep appreciation for the women in her workplace, particularly highlighting Operations Manager, Rozzie O'Reilly.
She views Ms O'Reilly as an invaluable source of knowledge and an exemplary leader. A former recipient of the Zanda McDonald Award, Ms O'Reilly is admired for her calm and strategic leadership approach.
Ms Yabsley finds inspiration in her mentor's ability to guide others, underscoring the significance of strong female role models in the agricultural industry.
“Rozzie’s ability to help everyone understand the work is incredibly inspiring,” she said.
Ms Yabsley underscores the importance of female participation in agriculture, advocating for more women to take part in industry programs that foster connections and provide invaluable exposure to diverse experiences.
“These programs allow women to learn from one another and draw insights from various age groups, which enriches their journey in agriculture,” she said.
Ms Yabsley believes that sustaining the industry’s future relies on younger generations stepping up to support local producers and fostering innovation in agriculture.
