Last night’s medalists, from left – Researcher Medal: Dennis Poppi; Lifetime Achievement Medal: Jackie Kyte; Young Achiever Medal: Kristie Warren; Lifetime Achievement Medal: Ian Braithwaite; Communication / Extension Medal: Mick Sullivan; Producer Medal: Jim Lindsay. Click on all images for a larger view.

THE North Australia Beef Research Council last night recognised six outstanding contributors to the northern Australian beef industry through the 2026 NABRC Medals, presented during the North Australia Beef Research Update Conference in Brisbane.

The Medals, presented every two years,  recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of the northern beef industry through research, extension, leadership and practical innovation.

NABRC Chair Paul Burke said the medals highlighted the people whose work strengthens the productivity, sustainability and future of the northern cattle industry.

“The northern beef industry relies on strong connections between producers, researchers, advisors and industry leaders,” Mr Burke said.

“The NABRC Medals recognise individuals whose work has had lasting impact across these areas – from groundbreaking research through to producer leadership and extension that drives adoption on the ground.”

This year’s Medal recipients are:

Jim Lindsay

Producer Medal: Jim Lindsay

South-west Queensland producer Jim Lindsay was recognised for decades of leadership, innovation and evidence-based management within the northern beef industry.

Jim has built a highly productive Brahman herd grounded in science and objective data, implementing advanced genetics, genomics research and breeding strategies focused on fertility, temperament and efficiency. He has also been a pioneer of low-stress stock handling in northern Australia and has generously shared his knowledge through mentoring, workshops and industry training.

Young Achiever Medal: Kristie Warren

Kristie Warren

Kristie Warren was recognised for her exceptional leadership and rapid progression within the northern cattle industry.

Beginning as a stockperson in 2018, Kristie rose through the ranks to become Operations Manager of Australian Country Choice property Barkly Downs, overseeing operations across more than two million acres. She is widely respected for her leadership, commitment to team development and dedication to building the next generation of industry professionals.

Communication / Extension Medal: Mick Sullivan

Extension specialist Mick Sullivan was recognised for more than four decades of service translating complex research into practical knowledge for producers.

Based at QDPI Rockhampton, Mick has played a major role in breeder management and cattle nutrition extension, contributing to initiatives including Beef CRC fertility projects and delivering more than 85 producer education events in the past 12 years alone. His work with decision-support tools such as Breedcow-Dynama has helped producers improve management decisions and business performance.

Researcher Medal: Dennis Poppi

Dennis Poppi

Professor Dennis Poppi was honoured for more than four decades of internationally recognised research into ruminant nutrition and beef production systems in northern Australia.

His work on microbial protein production, supplementation strategies, grazing management and nutrient requirements has had lasting impact on cattle nutrition and productivity across the northern industry. Beyond research, Professor Poppi has mentored generations of scientists and contributed extensively to building research capability within the sector.

Lifetime Achievement Medal: Ian Braithwaite

Veterinarian and industry leader Dr Ian Braithwaite was recognised for more than 30 years of service to producers across northern Australia.

Through his Mt Isa-based veterinary practice and extension work across vast regions including the Barkly, Gulf and north-west Queensland, Ian has supported producers in improving breeder management, nutrition, herd health and productivity.

As Chair of the North West Queensland Regional Beef Research Committee from 2019 to 2024, he also played a key role in shaping regional research priorities and strengthening the connection between research and on-ground production systems.

Lifetime Achievement Medal: Jackie Kyte

Jackie Kyte was also awarded the NABRC Lifetime Achievement Medal for more than three decades of service supporting industry communication, extension and major events.

Jackie has delivered more than 100 BeefUp forums and numerous conferences and industry events across northern Australia. Her work has helped connect producers, researchers and industry stakeholders, strengthening the communication networks that underpin effective research adoption.

Although officially retired, Jackie continues to manage industry events selectively, and will return next year to manage the Beef 2027 industry events including seminars, property tours, schools program, tech and innovation programs.

Mr Burke said the calibre of nominees each year highlights the strength and depth of leadership across the northern beef industry.

“These recipients represent the best of our industry – people who have dedicated their careers to improving productivity, sharing knowledge and building stronger connections across the north,” he said.

The NABRC Medals are presented as part of the North Australia Beef Research Update Conference, a major industry event that brings together producers, researchers, advisors and industry leaders to share the latest research and innovation relevant to northern beef production.

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