YOUNG beef industry stakeholders will have a unique opportunity to follow their dreams with the support of an experienced industry leader as part of a new mentoring program being supported by Beef Australia 2015.

The Graeme Acton Beef Connections program is open to 25-35 year olds working in any aspect of the beef industry, including production, processing, marketing, and agribusiness.

Successful applicants will be paired with a mentor who has proven leadership skills in agricultural industry, who will support participants in achieving their personal development aspirations.

The aim of this relationship is to help develop the skills and knowledge that will enable these young beef industry members to become more effective in their current roles and to take on new and exciting positions in their career or family business,” Beef Australia chairman Blair Angus said.

The Beef Connections program has been named in honour of the late Graeme Acton, who was not only renowned for being one of the leading producers this country has seen, but also for supporting young people in entering the sector and generously sharing with them his extensive knowledge.

“In the same way that Graeme’s legacy is living on through his remarkable positive influence on countless people in the cattle industry, we hope that this program will also benefit the wider beef community, enabling participants to become effective future leaders in their own right,” Mr Angus said.

Successful applicants will participate in the Building Your Future Conference – a three-day personal development workshop to be held in February 2015, where participants will develop a project to be worked on with the support of their mentor.

Participants will have access to monthly webinars and one-on-one follow-up sessions to provide assistance with their personal development projects and an opportunity to share learning experiences and success stories.

Beef Connections is an initiative of Beef Australia 2015’s Next Generation committee.

“Under traditional corporate structures, career development, mentoring and coaching are all critical elements to ensure effective professional development of all people within a business,” one of the program sponsors said.

“It is hoped that by linking young industry participants with an experienced industry leader, they will establish a personal and professionally-relevant relationship that will grow over time and help guide the young person through the course of their career in coming years.”

The mentoring program will take place between February 2015 and 2016, with all participants to be brought together during Beef Australia 2015.

Applications close on October 6.

• More information and application forms are available here