CONCEPT became reality with the inaugural Northern Beef Producer Expo taking place at the Charters Towers Showgrounds on Friday.
The expo which was organised by a committee of local young beef producers and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAF), was enthusiastically received by the near 300 guests who attended.
“Organising committee member and DAF extension officer Megan Willis said the kernel of the idea of having a large-scale beef information day had grown out of early discussions several years ago.
“The Northern beef industry has never really had an event on the calendar similar to the Young Beef Producers Forum held in Roma,” Mrs Willis said.
“The Expo gave local graziers and industry stakeholders the opportunity to access all the latest beef business information and see new emerging technologies in action in a convenient location,” she said.
“We asked representatives from a diverse range of sectors within the industry to come and exhibit on the day with the aim of covering the five core grazing best management practices module: animal health and welfare, animal production, grazing land management, people and business and soil health.
Throughout the day several insightful speeches were given by a selection of excellent speakers.
A photo gallery from the day can be viewed by clicking on the image below.
Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council CEO Alison Penfold gave guests insight into the improvements that the ESCAS system has produced within the supply chain over the last year, and discussed emerging and improving market opportunities.
ANZ Queensland Agribusiness Manager Jeff Schrale spoke about the positive future outlook for the beef industry regarding the burgeoning Asian markets and in particular the Chinese middle-class and how Australian producers can benefit from the situation.
The University of New England’s David Lamb provided an update on the work he is doing with his team of researchers through the Precision Ag Research Group. Mr Lamb runs the University’s SMART Farm project which aims at demonstrating the value of broadband communications connectivity to the sustainability, profitability and lifestyle of farming.
Grazier and Nuffeld Scholar Rob Cook gave an engaging presentation on the changes and technological innovations he’s incorporated into his beef business since he was paralysed in a helicopter crash in 2008. Mr Cook and his wife Sarah now run a successful breeding and fattening business based at Bucca. He detailed their unique situation and how he’s integrated cutting edge technology into the operation to assist with task’s he may not have been able to otherwise accomplish.
Several exhibitors also gave on-site talks on the advantages of their various products, equipment and services which ranged from weed control splatter gun demonstration to ways in which you can improve internet connectivity on and around your property.
A BBQ dinner was held to close the event which allowed guests the chance to socialise and network with like-minded people in a relaxed environment.
Mrs Willis said after the great show of support shown at the expo, there have been early talks of making it into a bi-annual event.
“For future events we’d really like to see a group of graziers take the reins and push it forward, truly making it a producer-driven day.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank our major sponsors ANZ Bank, Grazing BMP and the North Queensland Register, as well as all the exhibitors and speakers on the day.
“I’d also like to thank the MC’s for the day Michael and Michelle Lyons from Wambiana Station and Sally Turley from Wandovale Station.