2016 National Rising Beef Industry Champion Kirsty McCormack.

The call is out for young beef producers across the country to apply for the 2017 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion.

Now in its seventh year, the initiative attracts young producers from across the country, interested in having their say on behalf of their industry.

The initiative aims to attract the next generation of advocates for the cattle industry whose talent and vision can be harnessed to enable industry to respond to future market and consumers trends.

“In an increasingly global market, facing strong competition and new challenges, now more than ever we need to develop the next generation of leaders to ensure beef remains front and centre on the governments and communities mind,” Cattle Council president Howard Smith said.

“The Rising Champions program is not just about recognising the skills of young producers within our industry today. It is about equipping them with the tools to harness their passion and build the industry of tomorrow.”

2016 National Rising Champion Kirsty McCormack said the skills learnt through the workshop, combined with the networking opportunities, gave her the confidence to represent the youth of the Australian beef industry at an international level.

Kirsty represented Australia at the 2016 International Beef Alliance (IBA) held in New Zealand and is now a member of the 2017 IBA youth group.  The group are currently planning youth engagement activities at the 2017 IBA meeting to be held in Paraguay in October this year.

The 2017 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion Initiative is open to producers aged between 21 and 35 years of age.

One Finalist from each State and Territory will spend two days in Canberra in September attending the Process of Government and How to influence Change workshop plus two days in Alice Springs in November where the 2017 National Rising Champion will be announced.

Finalists will also have the opportunity to take up guest speaking roles as well as contributing to other youth focused industry/government functions.

The 2017 national announcement coincides with the Cattle Council of Australia and the Meat and Livestock Australia Annual General Meetings to extend the networking opportunities for the finalists.

The finalist that demonstrates the greatest leadership potential will win the title of ‘2017 NAB Rising Beef Industry Champion’ to be announced at a Gala Dinner on the 20th November in Alice Springs, NT.

There is also a scholarship to the Marcus Oldham College on offer for the National Runner Up.

This award is made possible through Cattle Council’s initiative partners including NAB Agribusiness, McDonald’s, Fairfax Media and the State Farming Organisations.

For further details on how to apply and specific dates on activities please visit www.cattlecouncil.com.au/risingchampions