Now in its fourteenth year, the Young Beef Producers’ Forum (YBPF) has become a regular event on the calendar before the Roma Cup.
The YBPF provides educational, capacity building and networking opportunities for under-40's with beef industry interest.
YBPF committee chair Sarah Packer said the 2018 conference will begin with the traditional meet and greet on the evening of November 14, with the forum, focussed thematically on ‘Stepping up to the Plate’, on November 15 – 16.
“Every year YBPF aims to attract the most influential and determined individuals our industry has to offer, and this year has proven to be no exception,” Ms Packer said.
To commence proceedings, John and Angela Frith from Glen Arden Cattle Co, will host the forum’s property tour to Nardu and Glen Arden, 65km NE of Roma.
“In partnership with John’s parents, John and Angela make objective business decisions based on data and strive to increase efficiency by using a range of tools and technologies.
“On the tour, YBPF attendees will get out in the paddock and look at cattle, infrastructure and improved pastures, while John details exactly what makes their business tick.”
Ms Packer said Joy McClymont from Off The Track Training, will emcee the forum over its duration “and is sure to have everyone’s energy levels up as she introduces our strong line-up of speakers”.
“Such speakers include Prue and David Bondfield, of Palgrove, who’re well regarded in the stud and commercial world, and will have a wealth of knowledge to share about their journey thus far.
“They’ll highlight their recent experience of forming a joint venture partnership with the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, and how Palgrove is now operating under a family/corporate business model.”
She said in an industry that needs to be progressive, Dalene Wray from OBE Organic “is a driving force for innovation and digital adoption in our Australian beef industry”.
“Dalene, is this year’s QCL Beef Achiever of the Year, and is set to bring a dynamic point of view to the forum from her extensive involvement in numerous industry groups.”
Ms Packer said the beef industry has a continual driving force behind it with the next generation of rural enthusiasts coming through.
“YBPF will provide a platform for guests to hear from a couple of these go-getters, Emily Pullen and Bryce Camm.
“Emily, CEO of Jim’s Jerky, was recently named the Cattle Council of Australia’s Rising Champion for 2019, and Bryce, Camm Agriculture Group, has recently been appointed president of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association.”
She said YBPF is developed by young beef producers for young beef producers.
“With many producers currently exploring technologies being used by other ag sectors, along with ways to diversify, the topic of sheep came up. So for the first time in the YBPF history, a two hour concurrent sheep focused session will take place on day two.
“With a lifetime of knowledge on wool, Rod Miller from the Australian Wool Network will be a highly anticipated speaker, while young graziers, Tom Perkins, Dirranbandi, and Jesse Moody, Cunnamulla, will also share their local knowledge on the topic.”.
Ms Packer said high calibre speakers and thought provoking topics “will undoubtedly keep attendees on the edge of their seats for the full two days”.
“Most people have heard of Tinder, but have you heard of Cultivate Farms and what they offer?”
“Sam Marwood founded Cultivate Farms in 2016 as a match maker for retiring farmers or investors and want-to-be farmers alike, and during the forum he’’ll detail what the service can provide.”
She said Robert Herrmann from Mecardo will focus on the beef and sheep industries.
“Robert will provide attendees with an insight into his strategic and marketing advisory business regarding the rural sector.”
She said in addition to the Frith family, attendees will get to hear directly from other beef producers, including Bec Beissel, director and owner of Maranoa Beef, and Owen and Brigid Price, Hillyvale, Arcadia Valley, while Rick Ford, Hancock Agriculture, will make the big journey over from Fossil Downs in northern WA, to present.
Other YBPF Speakers will include Tim Pryor, StockCo Australia, Michael Crowley, MLA, Michael Wellington, Bush Agribusiness, Georgie Aley, KPMG (and former chair of Future Farmers Network), Mark Westcott, The Strategic Evolution, Robert Wyld, Sapien Technology, Tony Koch, QRIDA, Bart Davidson, Maia Grazing, and Rabobank’s Brad James and Angus Gidley-Baird.
“YBPF wouldn’t be complete without the TopX YBPF Dinner and Auction on the Thursday night.
“Auction items have been donated to raise funds for mental health and youth personal development.
“Conversations won’t be hard to start with guest speakers, The Trademutt Duo, telling their story, and to finish the night off, Shotgun Shae will provide live music to get even the most uncoordinated of attendees up and dancing.”
Please visit the Young Beef Producers’ Forum website for further enquiries and to book your tickets to attend.
