BEEF Australia has developed a new initiative to help the industry hold on to its best and brightest young members.
Successful candidates in the inaugural Graeme Acton Beef Connections Mentor Program were announced last night at the Roma Young Beef Producers Forum.
The nine winners, aged between 25 and 35, were selected from a field of 49, will be mentored by experienced beef industry leaders and undergo personal development training.
Beef Australia 2015 Next Generation committee developed the Beef Connections initiative of the, which is backed by Westpac Agribusiness, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Federal and Queensland Governments.
Beef Australia chairman Blair Angus said the 49 applications for the were "outstanding across the board".
"So tough was the task of separating candidates for the eight spots on offer, that we have provided an additional ninth position to cater for another worthy recipient.
“A core goal of Beef Australia is to act as a platform to build the capacity of the national beef industry, so it is particularly pleasing that the successful applicants are from all parts of the country and currently have roles at various points along the length of the beef supply chain.”
The succesful candidates are:
- Adam Coffey, producer, NT
- Amanda Moohen, producer, Qld
- Ashley Kirk, producer, Qld
- Blythe Calnan, live export industry, WA
- Donald Hook, ag education, WA
- Joanna Robertson, DAFF employee, Qld
- Kenrick Cross, producer, NSW
- Rachel Hoolihan, agribusiness, Qld
- Sarah Rutledge, marketing, Qld
The Beef Connections program was named in honour of the late Graeme Acton, who was renowned for supporting young people in entering the sector and generously sharing with them his extensive knowledge.
“The program is a great opportunity for this group of young people to develop their skills and knowledge, which will enable them to become more effective in their current role in the beef industry,” General Manager Westpac Agribusiness Steve Hannan said.
“We believe this will also pay dividends for the beef industry in the longer term as these young people take on new positions and become leaders in the beef industry.”