THE 2021 line-up of guest speakers for the CQ University Beef Australia Symposium has been announced, with tickets now on sale. Held on Monday 3 May, the first day of the Beef Australia 2021 program, the CQUniversity Symposium half-day event will bring keynote speakers to the fore, who will canvas the biggest issues of the day and impart their leadership experience and wisdom.

Keynote speaker, Dr Frank Mitloehner, pictured left, was profiled in detail in this earlier symposium preview story on Beef Central. Dr Mitloehner is a professor and air quality specialist from the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. His presentation “Climate Is Better On Beef” will promote discussion around greenhouse gases, the sustainability of beef cattle production, and assess the livestock sector’s carbon neutrality goals. His presentation will explain factors of climate change, livestock impacts and the importance of ruminant livestock in the midst of growing pressures from environmental groups.

Laura Ryan, founder and global chair of networking group Meat Business Women, will present “Insights to a Global Vision for Beef.”

As an internationally recognised advocate for our industry’s leadership and diversity, Ms Ryan will outline challenges the industry faces and what industry can change and improve whilst maintaining our high standard around our cultural identity in a world outside of Beef. She will also expand on how the meat industry is perceived and share insights into the potential for building networking across the globe.

A Meat Business Women network* was established in Australia in 2018, joining similar industry networks in North America, the UK, Ireland and New Zealand.

Ms Ryan started with the UK’s Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in 2007 after successfully launching premium beef & lamb brands within a large butchery business in the North East of England. Working her way through the ranks she was appointed sector strategy director for the UK Beef & Lamb Board in 2015. She led the strategic review and development for the Beef & Lamb sector in England by identifying key challenges and opportunities which deliver long term growth.

As the leader of one of Australia’s largest agricultural funds, there are few more qualified people in the world than Macquarie Group’s head of agriculture, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets division , Elizabeth O’Leary, to provide insight into the future of investment in Australian agriculture.

Her presentation, “Economy of Beef”, will address where the key opportunities for the beef sector are, amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, changing climate conditions, and an evolving global economy, and how Australia will maintain its edge as a leading destination for agricultural investment.

Also speaking is Barry Irvin, executive chairman of Bega Cheese, a globally recognised leader of the Australian dairy industry. During his presentation “Growing The Pie,” he will share the powerful story on the growth of Bega from a small regional dairy to a great Australian food company. With a proven track record within the dairy industry, Mr Irvin will provide further insight as to how the beef industry can best position itself for future success.

Beef Australia Symposium

Beef 2021 patrons can join these purpose-driven leaders from different industry sectors who bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills that will help drive the future of beef through creative thinking and strategy, to look over the horizon to see what will shape our ongoing growth as a leading global agriculture.

Starting at 7.30am Monday 3 May, the Symposium is followed by a stand up networking lunch from 1.30 to 2.30pm. Tickets are on sale now, along with further details, accessible here

 

* Meat Business Women is the global professional networking group for women working in the meat industry. It’s objectives are to develop the image, culture and landscape of the meat industry to make it more attractive to female talent; Nurture new female entrants into the sector through networking, education and mentoring; and skilfully improve networking.