AT just 22 and showing maturity beyond her years, Brisbane-based Tess Camm is Queensland's representative in the NAB Agribusiness Rising Champions Initiative.
Tess' involvement in the beef industry was nurtured at a very early age, growing up on the family property at Natal Downs in the Charters Towers district.
She experienced even greater exposure to the beef industry when she spent seven years at the family's Wonga Plains feedlot near Dalby.
At the age of 11 she moved with her parents Rob and
Ainsley McArthur to Mystery Park at St Lawrence, a 12,500ha breeding and backgrounding property.
"I really was hands on from a young age through to today," Tess said.
Involvement grew from school-holiday mustering to Tess spending her gap year at Mystery Park and becoming heavily involved in the day-to-day operation.
"I also took on an administrative role in the business during that time," Tess said.
Tess has recently returned from a three-month study and work experience tour in the US, having been the recipient of the Australian Brahman Breeders Association Edgar Hudgins Scholarship.
She is currently studying a bachelor of business management at the University of Queensland, and on graduation next year she plans to gain experience outside the family business.
According to the Cattle Council of Australia president, Andrew Ogilvie, the NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Champions Initiative provides an opportunity for future leaders of the beef industry to build networks, develop skills and gain insight into the policy-making role that the Cattle Council fulfils.
"The NAB Agribusiness Rising Champions Initiative is also an important aspect of succession within the Cattle Council of Australia," he said.
The NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion will be announced at the gala dinner in Canberra on Wednesday, October 30.
Fairfax Agricultural Media is the official media partner of the NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Champions Initiative.
