Work on a pig farm in southern NSW during student placements from 2005 to 2008 encouraged a Charles Sturt University (CSU) veterinary science student’s interest in the pork industry and has led to her being awarded an all-expenses paid study trip to Canada. Fifth-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science student Ms Jill Groat has been named the winner of the Australian pork industry’s biennial Doug Ross Travel and Study Award. Supported by Australian Pork Ltd, the award honours the late veterinarian Mr Doug Ross and his work for the pig industry. Ms Groat is the first student to win the award, which she will use to attend the International Pig Veterinary Society Congress in Vancouver, Canada, from Sunday 18 to Tuesday 20 July, and to build contacts in the industry. From the small town of Rankins Springs in the Riverina, Ms Groat gained her first experience working with pigs during voluntary work experience at a piggery at Young the year before she began the veterinary science course at CSU in Wagga Wagga. “The award is very exciting and I particularly hope to bring back knowledge about the management of pigs in cold climates,” Ms Groat said.