In her role as the executive officer for the Red Angus Society and the Australian Belted Galloway Association, Kate McDonald is passionate about promoting Australian agriculture and the beef industry to the wider community.
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"I think it is really important to use technology, whether in stores, on television, or on social media, to get the message out about the beef industry and the important role it plays in everyone's life," she said.
"The people in the beef industry love it, but you have to get across why and encourage others to see that as well."
Growing up at Wingham in NSW, Miss McDonald's interest in agriculture was sparked after spending a gap year living with her grandparents on their sheep and cattle farm and working in a local, large agricultural business in Somerset, England.
On her return she studied at UNE and became a high school teacher before being employed as a governess on a cattle station in the channel country of Qld.
After being immersed in station life for three years, Miss McDonald decided to re-train, studying Agbusiness at the University of Qld.
She has now been working at the Australian Business Research Institute for nearly five years, busy promoting the Red Angus and Belted Galloway cattle breeds throughout Australia.
"I am in touch with members every day and also attend shows, field days and on-property sales," she said.
"I love being part of the agricultural industry, being able to live and work in rural and regional areas and be involved with a wide range of people from the land."
Miss McDonald said events such as the Young Breed Leaders conference helped build networking capabilities and was a great opportunity to gain information from industry experts.
"Having people attend the conference from many parts of Australia enabled participants to learn about a range of beef operations. Many were surprised at the different management practices and scale of operations."
