Bridget Liebelt is heading to one of the world’s most prestigious dairy events, after being awarded the 2025 Power of Women in Dairying Scholarship.
Raised on her family’s farm, home to Grantley Holsteins, her journey in the industry began at just eight years old when her father, Grant, introduced her to the art of showing cattle.
Today, Bridget works as a co-herd manager and farmhand at Newlyn Park Holsteins, breeds cattle under her own Torlea prefix, and is vice president of the SA Holstein branch.
The scholarship – a program run by the Power of Women in Dairying committee – will see Bridget travel to the United States to attend the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin from September 30 to October 3.
The Expo is North America’s largest dairy-focused event, drawing more than 60,000 people annually for a week of cattle shows, global networking and the latest innovations in dairy production and genetics.
Bridget said she applied for the scholarship earlier this year, and was notified a couple of months ago with a phone call confirming her selection.
“I had to keep it a bit of a secret until the announcement was made at the Victorian Winter Fair in Bendigo,” she said.
“I was just over the moon – it’s such a generous opportunity and I am super proud to be representing the Power of Women in Dairying.
“Going to the Expo has always been at the top of my bucket list ever since I found out what it was as a kid.”
The scholarship is open to women aged 18-30 who are passionate about the dairy industry and committed to sharing their experiences with others.
Along with funding travel and accommodation to the Expo, it also includes organised farm visits and educational activities to help recipients gain global insights and expand their knowledge of dairy systems and breeding programs.
Bridget said she was most looking forward to seeing the calibre of cattle on show in North America and visiting farms to learn more about how systems differ overseas.
“I think I’m going to make a lot of new connections, which will really help me going forward,” she said.
“I’ll learn a lot about showing, breeding and dairy farming in general, which I think will be a huge benefit to my future plans and goals.”
She said the timing felt right to apply for the program, and she was grateful to be selected.
“I’m at a point in my life where I feel ready to do the travel and really make the most of an opportunity like this,” she said.
Bridget, who mentors young people through SA Dairy Youth programs, said she planned to pass on her learnings through youth camps and practices.
