The next generation of beef producers have converged on the Young Beef Producers’ Forum (YBPF) to learn from industry leaders.
Now in its 14th year, the forum drew a record number of delegates this year with 265 youngsters making tracks to Roma.
With the theme of “Stepping up to the Plate”, attendees went on a property tour of John and Angela Frith’s Glen Arden Cattle Co, before hearing about investments shaping the future from Michael Crowley, Meat and Livestock Australia, the current competitive landscape from Brad James, Rabobank, and from David and Prue Bondfield, Palgrove Pastoral Co, about their business and operation.
Prue Bondfield spoke about stepping up to the plate and said it was wonderful to see so many future industry leaders in the room.
“Stepping up to the plate isn’t just thinking about it over a period of time and doing it over a number of years, I think stepping up to the plate is really all about these light-bulb moments,” she said.
“It’s that light-bulb moment that says things are going to be different from now on.”
While passing on some of her key business tips, Prue highlighted the importance of stepping away from what’s comfortable and opening your mind.
“Go to something that makes you really uncomfortable, talk to someone who you really don’t know, who’s not in your tribe, because you’ll find out a lot more from those people than you actually will from the people who know what you know,” she said.
“If you go to somewhere different, talk to someone you could never imagine having a conversation with, it’s amazing what you’ll pick up.”
Organising committee chair, Sarah Packer, TopX, said it was great to see such a huge turnout.
“Everyone seems to be really engaged this year which is great,” she said.
“There’s a lot of new, young faces coming through which is magnificent and the dinner tonight is set to be bigger than ever with 280 people.”
Sarah said the theme of “Stepping up to the Plate” was about giving young people coming into the industry the ability to grasp any opportunities and advantages presented to them.
“It’s not a narrow mindset our industry, so you have to widen your horizons to stay profitable and successful in our industry,” she said.
“Diversification is a key point, so we hope we’ve hit enough different areas this year to keep everyone interested, or even bring new ideas to their table.”
In a first for the forum, day two will also include discussions about sheep and how they fit into certain operations.