Queensland’s multi-billion dollar beef sector is important to the economy, so beef producers are being encouraged to attend the 2015 Beef Industry Summit on October 13 at Biloela.
While the Banana Shire Council hosts a summit each year, this is the first time it is focusing on beef.
Department of Agriculture regional director Paul Walmsley said the summit offered the opportunity for grass-roots beef producers to hear firsthand the future direction from industry leaders.
“The focus of the Industry Summit this year is on the emerging challenges and opportunities facing the Queensland beef industry,” Mr Walmsley said.
The value of beef production in the central Queensland region is more than $1.03 billion a year, represents a third of all Queensland beef production and is over 10 per cent of the national value of Australian domestic and export beef.
Livestock numbers are around four million.
“Industry challenges include the implications of the recent senate inquiry into industry structures and levies for grass-fed cattle, the future of agricultural advocacy, and the growth of beef and live cattle exports from northern Australia,” Mr Walmsley said.
The theme “How changes will strengthen the industry” would include a powerful line-up of speakers, he added.
Federal Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce will open the summit, and speakers include Cattle Council of Australia president Howard Smith, who will present on the findings into the industry structures and systems governing grass-fed cattle levies.
Meat and Livestock Australia’s managing director Richard Norton will talk about producer owned and producer focussed, and AgForce general president Grant Maudsley will present on the future of agricultural advocacy.
General manager of Red Meat Innovation Dr Alex Ball will talk about MLA innovations in the supply chain that will drive change in the beef industry.
Teys Australia’s Geoff Teys will look at the history and future direction of Teys. Central Queensland houses three key plants - JBS Swifts Rockhampton, Teys Rockhampton and Teys Biloela.
Before a speaker panel and question time, Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chief executive Alison Penfold will present on building sustainability.
“DAF knows just how important the multi-billion dollar beef sector is to our economy and we work very hard to support our livestock producers in collaboration with industry, local governments and the community,” Mr Walmsely said.
“The department congratulates the Banana Shire Council on taking the initiative to convene this summit.”
