ANGUS Australia, with specialist rural insurance company Achmea, has announced a new program designed to support the future leaders of Australia’s beef and agricultural industries.
The comprehensive GenAngus Future Leaders Program will provide opportunities for members to create a business plan, using knowledge gained in corporate governance and commercialising ideas, to business resilience, obtaining funding, financial planning, farm risk management, insurance, succession planning, marketing, promotion and branding, effective business networking, industry insights and supply chain.
Achmea Australia has committed funding over three years and will also work with Angus Australia to develop a tailored beef cattle insurance solution and stud stock insurance product.
Angus Australia chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Parnell said the program would bridge the generation gap between people finishing youth programs and taking up industry leadership roles.
“While our existing youth program is already highly successful in providing opportunities via a suite of scholarships, awards and bursaries, this new initiative is part of our organisation’s aim to support the development of leadership and entrepreneurial skills amongst our young members,” Dr Parnell said.
“We find that while a lot of youth programs tend to focus on the 16 to 25 age group, there aren’t many programs for 25 to 40-year-olds. It means that a lot of younger people are hesitant to take on leadership roles, because they feel they don’t have enough experience.
“It’s our goal to equip our young members with the knowledge they need to run a successful beef business, and develop their knowledge and skills so they can more effectively establish, advance and promote our breed, and the beef industry as a whole.”
Achmea Australia CEO Emma Thomas said the program reflected Achmea Australia’s focus on collaboration and community.
“We hope this industry partnership will be first of many aimed at helping to protect and enhance our agricultural communities, and we’re delighted to be involved in this much-needed initiative,” Ms Thomas said.