THE Graeme Acton Beef Connections mentoring project being held in the lead-up to Beef 2024 in Rockhampton in May is now on its final stretch, and as part of that process, Beef Central is following the journey of one of the ten talented young industry stakeholders taking part.

Using a monthly diary format, South Australia’s Phoebe Eckermann* is outlining her experiences and learnings as part of the program.

Today and again this time next month, she will share her journey towards executing her chosen Beef Connections project, culminating with a presentation in Rockhampton along with her mentee cohort.

Links to her earlier diary entries starting in September last year can be found at the base of this page ….

 

 

 

 

 

THE countdown to Beef 2024 is well and truly upon us – with only 30 days to go, gee, am I excited!

The Graeme Acton Beef Connections lunch is a sellout – that’s 400+ people coming to hear from myself and my nine fellow mentees. I’m looking forward to this challenge and sharing more about my project with this large audience.

A bit daunting, too, but lucky I’ve learnt some great skills to conquer this challenge and have a strong support crew. With only 30 days to go there’s lots to be done – preparing for presentations, packing, and pulling together our projects. I’m up for the challenge!

Real time, real issues, real support

So, what are these projects all about? Well, let me tell you more.

As a part of the Beef Connections program hosted by Beef Australia, each mentee chooses a project to complete. Before we were even selected for the program the idea of the project began.

I didn’t really know what to expect with the project part – however, I picked an important topic to me and for the industry and was keen to see where it would lead. And from humble – one might even say ho-hum beginnings – these projects have blossomed over the 12-month program and have led to some very exciting outcomes over the years.

And why are these projects so important?

Well, they enable emerging leaders to identify an issue or area of interest and set about a plan.

With the support of facilitators Jo Eady and Wendy Agar and mentors like Sam Noon (for me) mentees can then act on their projects. In real time, about real issues with real support; a combination that leads to innovation and progression in the beef industry.

The Beef Connections alumni is made up of 26 mentees this means 26 projects have been completed so far and 36 after 2024 – how exciting! Projects like Amanda Moohen’s who founded the Women of Lot Feeding group and created a community to support women in the Feedlot industry.

A member in every state of Australia and a ball that hosted 300 people and raised $12,000 for charity – what an amazing outcome. All from an application, a few words on a page to impressive actions.

Actions speak louder than words.  In this program, it’s all about what you put in and mentees commitment to their projects shows through their actions and attitudes.

I have seen mentees create break-throughs with their projects.  Emily McNair has progressed her project about AI and Embryo Transfer technology training via a trip to the United States.

It’s a challenge to balance full time work, a personal life, and the addition of a project. I’ve felt the pressure; to meet deadlines, whilst balancing other life commitments – but it’s made it even more rewarding to see the outcomes I’ve produced.

I’m also motivated to create a positive image for the Australian beef industry in the hope is changes public perceptions. Calling on people for support and surrounding yourself with people who care about you and your project is so important to keep the focus going. I feel like I have a new circle of people who have joined me in my project and it feels great.

Project Build Your Beef Future (BYBF)

My personal project, Build Your Beef Future, started like all the rest – with an idea. An idea to address the real issue of attracting young people to the beef sector and changing perceptions of the beef industry.

Despite its significant contribution to feeding and clothing billions worldwide, the agricultural workforce has seen a decline, reflecting a global trend. To overcome future challenges a passionate, skilled, and motivated workforce is essential. So, how do we accomplish this?

We become storytellers – those within the beef industry understand the diverse benefits and opportunities it offers, extending beyond traditional roles perceived as labour intensive.

Everywhere we go, we can share positive stories about the Australian beef industry – whether it’s in the supermarket, at a sports event, or online. And that’s precisely where BYBF comes in – online.

Through social and digital media, I aim to promote a positive image of the beef industry, showcasing its diversity in career opportunities and rewarding aspects.

I’m currently finalising an exciting outcome of my project, which I’ll be launching at Beef 24. I’ll also be part of the Schools Program at Beef24 which will see 1400 students visit in one day. I’m happy to be one of the team that will chat to these students about the diverse career opportunities open to them.

Unveiling Exciting Outcomes

So, what is this exciting outcome of BYBF?

A digital magazine! Creating a digital magazine wasn’t in my initial plan however, my mentor Sam Noon supported me to develop the idea and bring it to life (just what the mentoring process is all about).

Over the last few months, I’ve been working hard to collect the career stories from people working across the beef industry. Stories which I’ll share in the inaugural edition of the Build Your Beef Future digital magazine.

Each story focuses on a person working across the industry; stories of adventure, passion, & finding purpose. The beef industry offers more than common perceptions: there’s plenty of opportunities to pursue a fulfilling career in the beef sector that can see you working all over the world.

The digital magazine will outline the pathways of individuals working right across the supply chain. They also share their best advice along the way – and there’s some gold here.

Packed full of inspiration, this digital magazine is one you’ll want to read. It’ll launch at the Graeme Acton Beef Connections lunch on Wednesday 8 May. Make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list to receive it first.  Click here to sign up https://gmail.us22.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2ae29bbcd1667b4c7a2d4528c&id=9d8b8c80f0  Sign up and you’ll go into the draw to win a 1.9 L Yeti – bonus entries for following us on https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551751516347 and https://www.instagram.com/buildyourbeeffuture/

Fostering Mutualism: Mentees and the Beef Industry

In biology, the term mutualism describes a relationship where two species benefit, a bit like the dynamic between mentees and the beef industry.

Our projects not only raise awareness and prompt action on real issues in the Australian beef industry, but also facilitate personal growth. Through these endeavours, we acquire knowledge, expand our networks, and develop essential leadership skills.

Despite the challenges and pressure I’ve encountered, I recognise the invaluable personal development opportunities the experience has offered. My project has pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped expand my network.

These skills will undoubtedly prove beneficial throughout my career and life journey. I eagerly anticipate sharing insights about Build Your Beef Future at the Beef Connections lunch and witnessing the progress of my fellow mentees. It promises to be an inspiring occasion that will further emphasise the mutual benefits by both mentees and the Australian beef industry.

Join the Community

I’d love for you to be a part of the Build Your Beef Future community too. Head over to Instagram or Facebook and make sure you’re following. Join me for the last 30 days of 94 careers in 94 days on Instagram to see a different role in the beef industry each day.

We can all be a part of sharing a positive message of the Australian beef industry – take a snap of your favourite part of working in the beef industry and tag us online @buildyourbeeffuture.

What are you up to in the last 30 days before beef – preparing show cattle, packing, practising your pitch in the paddock speech? Comment below – I’d love to hear!

See you all in 30 days!

 

Talk again next month.

 

Phoebe

 

Phoebe’s previous diary entries

March 2024: Beefing up Innovation, and how you can too

February 2024: Embracing change and seizing opportunities

December 2023: Riverina families inspire

November 2023: The power of collaboration, opportunities and preparation

October 2023: Being, Balancing and Building Brilliance

September 2023: Meeting our mentors 

August 2023: Our journey begins

* Diarist Phoebe Eckermann works with NextGen Agri, a genetics and management consultancy company working with beef and sheep producers across Australia. She is one of ten 2023/24 Graeme Acton Connections Program mentees. Phoebe’s project vision is to create a web-based resource where people can explore the endless career pathways available in the modern beef industry. She has been engaged with the beef industry since her early teen years, having established her own Limousin stud and shown cattle, winning championships at the Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne Royal Shows.