Australia’s national beef exposition, Beef 2012, is a step closer to delivering the cattle industry a valuable export trade boost, with a recent  announcement of a $2.2 million Federal Government grant.

Event organisers, Beef Australia, will use the funds to deliver an event focussed on improving the profitability and productivity of Australian producers, processors and retailers, by bringing in new customers from overseas and emphasising the opportunities new technology can provide the industry.

Beef Australia Chairman Geoff Murphy said Beef 2012 would be conducted under the theme of ‘Innovation, Collaboration, Inspiration and Celebration’.

“Our vision is not just to celebrate our great industry, but to generate new trade opportunities for the Australian beef industry through international collaboration and by exposing all sectors of the supply chain to innovative new technology,” Mr Murphy said.

“A host of overseas industry representatives will visit Rockhampton for the Beef 2012 International Beef Cattle Genetics Conference to be held at CQ University.

This conference will bring international cattle industry players face-to-face with Australian producers, as well as showcase the latest advances in scientific research and animal management techniques.

“Delivering a strong focus on innovation, technology and trade will make Beef 2012 the best event yet, and this would not be possible without the ongoing financial support of all levels of government, and in particular the ongoing Federal Government grant as announced by the Agriculture Minister, Joe Ludwig today,” Mr Murphy said.

Beef 2012, which is held every three years in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, is the biggest and most comprehensive cattle industry exposition in Australia.

A new feature next year will be a genetics marketplace, showcasing Australia’s best live cattle, the latest in animal reproductive technologies, and an international business lounge where new opportunities can be negotiated for the export of Australian genetics.

“Beef 2012 will provides grassroots producers with an opportunity to engage with the world, to develop their skills through the educational program, investigate the latest farm equipment at the trade displays, and to build business networks at the event’s business lounges and social functions,” Mr Murphy said.