QDPI’s Tim Emery leads the discussion on breed characteristics with the Vietnamese delegation during Beef 2024 yesterday.

Breed characteristics were the main focus of questioning from a delegation of 20 Vietnamese meat industry leaders visiting this week’s Beef 2024 in Rockhampton.

Queensland DPI’s Tim Emery guided the group through the Rockhampton venue’s cattle precinct, explaining the differences in type and production of the stud livestock. He was assisted by Beef 2024’s Libby Homer.

Led by Griffith University, the delegation is spending three days at the event, with an emphasis on watching celebrity chefs and the Australia Butchers’ team working with prime Australian beef.

As guests of MLA, the group attended a networking event on Tuesday evening, followed by a visit on Wednesday morning to the Raglan Station stud and feedlot.

The delegation comprised live exporters, retail butchers, geneticists, industry suppliers, producers and lotfeeders, restaurateurs and distributors.

One of the group is veterinarian and head of quality and planning manager at cattle trader Balance Distribution, Mr Nguyen Danh Tuyen. He has imported beef for more than 10 years and said: “It is important to have a look at the whole supply chain.”

Nguyen Dahn Tuyen (left) and Pham Xuan Tinh were impressed by Shorthorn cattle on display.

Spencer Whitaker, MLA’s Market Development Manager – Asia Pacific said: “Guests of the delegation will be able to draw on their experienced and interactions during the trip to continue to develop the red meat supply chain between Australia and Vietnam.” He added that the tour aimed to promote discussion around investment growth opportunities between the two countries.

The tour received funding through the Australia Vietnam Enhanced Economic Agreement Grant program.