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28/02/2024
With the new year comes refreshed energy and resolve, and beef producers have no better opportunity to unite, showcase, and celebrate an industry than at Beef Australia.
For Australia’s progressive young beef producers, the Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador Award marks a further opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills and contribute to the industry.
Currently accepting nominations for the award, which will be presented at Beef Australia in May, Central Queensland’s 2021 Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador Ryan Olive encouraged all young beef producers to throw their hat in the ring.
“The Young Beef Ambassador award has been a great experience, it has offered me the ability to attend places and events that I otherwise would not have had the privilege. It has also provided a fantastic networking opportunity and some great learnings along the way.”
Thirty-six year old Ryan, from Raglan Station south of Rockhampton, was applauded due to his leadership and vision, which extended beyond his family’s own extensive Brahman operation – his development of a feedlot and live-export facility on the Raglan property creating additional markets for beef producers throughout Central Queensland.
Award provides skills and knowledge to lead an industry
Recognising the important role and contribution of young, up-and-coming producers in the beef industry, the Rabobank Young Beef Producers Ambassador Award aims to further upskill and support young producers by providing opportunities such as attending a scholarship to attend Rabobank’s Business Management Program, presenting at Rabobank events, and advocating for the Australian beef industry.
“All of the Rabobank programs unfolded some great learning opportunities, there was a large volume of information and topics in the events that I attended, and they covered a very broad range of areas.”
Ryan said one of the highlights from the experience has been gaining a deeper understanding of the bank’s key indicators and lending criteria – ultimately helping support his business growth aspirations.
“If the banks are looking at these numbers, then there is a pretty good reason I should be too.” he said.
“There was also valuable information on negotiation, team building, public speaking and many other skills that underpin good leadership.”
The Award, which is presented every three years at Beef Australia, was presented to Ryan in front of more than 450 guests, including former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud, at the Rabobank Beef Industry Awards Dinner at Beef Australia 2021.
Describing the experience as a “surreal feeling”, it was also a very proud moment.
“I was honoured to be recognised by industry leaders and to be selected out of a high calibre group of applicants.”
“The opportunities I have been exposed to throughout this experience has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally and I’d like to thank Rabobank for the amazing opportunity that has transpired over the past three years.”
“I would also encourage any young beef producer looking for a genuinely worthwhile life experience to submit an application, this has without a doubt been one of my career highlights.”
Young producers encouraged to ‘throw their hat in the ring’
The 2024 Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador Award is judged on the nominee’s successful and progressive approach to farm business management, as well as their potential as a leader and contributor to the beef industry.
Nominees must be 21 to 35 years of age and have a minimum of three years on farm experience in either leadership or decision-making capacity and currently be working in a successful and progressive farming business.
To apply, go to Registration for Young Beef Ambassador Award 2024 - Young Beef Ambassador Award Registration (eventsair.com) before March 16.