ONE of the program highlights during the early stages of Beef 2015 in Rockhampton will be the opportunity for cattle producers and other beef industry stakeholders to gain an exclusive insight into the global challenges facing the beef industry at the Beef Australia 2015 Industry Symposium.

The symposium, being held on Monday May 4, headlines a packed week of educational opportunities, including Beef 2015’s daily seminars program and property tours program.

Tickets are now on sale for the symposium which will feature five international keynote speakers delivering unique insight into the demand opportunities for the sector and to highlight the increased investment interest and capital streams available to the beef industry.

Global president of Elanco, Jeff Simmons, will speak from Indianapolis on feeding the world and the social licence to operate.

Elanco global CEO, Jeff Simmons

Mr Simmons is fresh off his global tour promoting his “Feed the Nine” report discussing the massive increase in global protein demand and the core solutions of innovation, choice and trade.

Click here to read Beef Central’s earlier report on Jeff Simmons’ recent presentation to the Queensland Rural Press Club in Brisbane – “New approaches needed in tackling the debate over feeding a hungry world.”

Also speaking is Gary Johnson, senior director of strategic sourcing /sustainability for McDonald’s worldwide supply chain. Mr Johnson is a respected figure, sitting on the US Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee in Washington. He will be speaking about how the beef industry can “close the gap between taste and trust.”

McDonald’s global sustainability manager Gary Johnson

Finance heavy-hitter David Williams of investment house Kidder Williams will speak on the global investment interest in agriculture. This session will also feature a panel of investors including senior managing director of Tavistock Group, Dr Shehan Dissanayake, and Tony Lovell, co-founder and chief executive of SLM Partners.

Tavistock is the single largest shareholder in the Australian Agricultural Co.

Renowned demographer and KPMG partner, Bernard Salt, who spoke at the recent G20 Summit in Brisbane, will provide an entertaining and insightful outlook on the next 20 years of consumer behaviour.  Bernard’s uniquely described PUMCIN’s and NETTEL’s (demographic groups) are ultimately the source of much of the beef industry’s income over the next two decades.

“This is a rare opportunity to access the thoughts and insights of these high-calibre figures, and I urge Beef 2015 visitors not to miss the chance to hear their presentations at the beef symposium,” Beef 2015 chairman Blair Angus said.

• Tickets for the symposium can be accessed here.