The Australian Beef Industry Foundation is seeking nominations from industry stakeholders wishing to contribute to the organisation in a voluntary capacity as a board director.

ABIF is a not-for-profit organisation that for the past 20 years has provided valuable opportunities for younger people engaged in Australia’s beef industry.

The organisation’s vision is to attract, educate and retain young people in all aspects of the beef supply chain to create a smarter, more profitable and sustainable Australian beef industry. It aims to target and build the next generation of beef producers through education and training that is focussed on efficiency and competitiveness, leading to financially rewarding and successful careers.

Essentially ABIF is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for beef industry career information and assistance. The foundation has contributed to running a number of programs including scholarships towards international study, work experience placements and leadership courses.

These initiatives have produced a host of beef industry leaders. Some of ABIF’s alumni include:

• Jason Strong, past chairman of ABIF and 1990 Illinois Scholarship winner. Currently MLA’s Europe region representative in Brussels
• Greg Chappell, ABIF’s 1982 Illinois Scholarship recipient, who was heavily involved in the establishment of Meat Standards Australia
• Erica Halliday, 1994 Illinois Scholarship winner, principal Ben Nevis Angus stud and current ABIF board member. Prominent Royal Show stud beef cattle judge.  

Potential board members should exhibit qualifications and/or experience in one or more of the following fields:

• Sound financial management experience
• Fundraising
•  Education
•  Beef production supply chain
•  Agribusiness in general.

A keen interest in promoting the importance of agriculture as a career path, as well as strong, well-established networks within the agricultural community and/or local, state and federal governments and key industry advocate organisations; as well as previous board experience would be an advantage.

Applications close Wednesday, August 31.

Click here to read the full description of the board director’s role. More information on the ABIF organisation can be found here