Beef Central publishes an occasional summary of appointments, departures and achievements occurring across the red meat and livestock supply chain. Send details for entries to admin@beefcentral.com

• Live export industry’s Young Achiever of the Year announced
• Rudd extends into sustainability consultancy role with AA Co
• AA Co strengthens meats sales team
• ALRTA welcomes new executive leadership
• MLA appoints comms and Hong Kong managers
• Saleyards Australia launched
• Vale Moreton Rolfe
• Two additions to NFF board
• Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course scholarship recipients
• Ag Shows Australia appoints new chair

VETERINARIAN Dr Charles Vaughan, live export manager with northern cattle producer and live exporter AAM Investment Group, has been announced as the 2024 Livestock Exporter Young Achiever of the Year award winner in Canberra.

Dr Vaughan was recognised by the Australian Livestock Exporters Council and award sponsor Nutrien Ag Solutions for his outstanding leadership, industry knowledge and commitment to the sustainable future of livestock export.

Dr Charles Vaughan

In his role as live export manager with AAM, Dr Vaughan manages the export, operations and strategic marketing for the company’s Indonesian joint venture near Lampung, overseeing livestock specifications, developing feeding regimes and overseeing strategic marketing programs.

He previously worked in a similar role with Australian Cattle Enterprises, as well as running his own business, Charles Vaughan Veterinary Services.

ALEC chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton praised Dr Vaughan’s achievements and long-term vision for the industry.

“Charles is widely respected for his knowledge, work ethic and leadership skills. His practical experience – combined with a veterinary science degree – has made him a highly effective manager and advocate for the live export trade,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said. “He has taken an active role in industry initiatives, showing a commitment to the future of our sector.”

In May this year, while still working for Australian Cattle Enterprises, Dr Vaughan was named the 2024 Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador during Beef 2024.

Nutrien Ag Solutions Northern Livestock Lead for Eastern Australia Colby Ede presented the ALEC award during the annual livestock industry gala dinner at Old Parliament House in Canberra this week.

“Throughout the industry, there are young people who show incredible passion for the industry and a demonstrated commitment to improving animal welfare outcomes,” said Mr Ede. “Charles stood out for his hands-on expertise, commercial acumen and dedication to improving industry practices.”

Rudd extends into sustainability consultancy role with AA Co

One of the board directors of Australian Agricultural Co, Jessica Rudd, has accepted a consultancy role with the beef producer to lead the development of a sustainability-based pilot project.

Jessica Rudd

Ms Rudd has been a director of AA Co since 2017 and sits on the board’s People and Culture Committee, the Nomination Committee and the Brand, Marketing and Sales Committee.

In a statement to the ASX, the AA Co board said it believed that with her keen understanding of the issues facing the agricultural industry obtained during her tenure as a director, and strong business, media and intellectual property credentials, Ms Rudd brought a depth of relevant experience to the role.

The formal consultancy process started last month, and will continue until April next year. Ms Rudd will receive a contractor’s fee of $80,000 (excluding GST) for services provided during the term of the agreement.

The consultancy agreement included terms that are customary for an agreement of this nature, the board said, including terms related to confidentiality and protection of intellectual property.

She will continue in her current board role throughout.

AA Co strengthens meat sales team

Alastair Ronald

In other AA Co news, experienced Wagyu meat sales executive Alastair Ronald has re-joined the company as branded beef sales manager.

Mr Ronald previously worked for AA Co in a similar role between 2016 and 2018, before shifting to non-packer exporter start-up Paradigm Foods where he spent six years as meat sales manager until August this year, specialising in Wagyu.

Earlier still, Mr Ronald managed meat sales for Stanbroke Beef’s large Wagyu and Angus brand programs, for five years from 2011.

ALRTA welcomes new executive leadership

The Australian Livestock & Rural Transporters Association has a new executive committee, following its annual general meeting held a fortnight ago in Devonport, Tasmania.

Gerard Johnson

Leading ALRTA for the coming term is Gerard Johnson, president of the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland and owner of Gerard Johnson Transport based out of Tambo.

Mr Johnson will be supported by vice presidents Wade Lewis (LBRCA) and David Fyfe (LRTAWA), Treasurer Anthony Boyle (LRTAV), and Secretary Tamara McArdle (LRTASA).

Frasers Transport’s Athol Carter (LRTAQ) will represent livestock transporters on the board of the Australian Trucking Association, and Scott McDonald will remain involved as immediate past president, having served with distinction for the past five years.

The ALRTA also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing committee members Frank Tedesco, Alan McKenzie, Lyndon Jay, and Kevin Keenan.

MLA appoints comms and Hong Kong managers

Meat & Livestock Australia has appointed Allison Lee as its new general manager of communications.

Ms Lee brings a wealth of experience to MLA, having led communication teams across the private and public sectors. Her experience spans a range of industries and communication disciplines including media and issues management, marketing communications, sponsorship, digital communications, people communications, parliamentary and government services.

Most recently Ms Lee was executive director of Public Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Transport for NSW where she delivered bus and rail reforms, managed road safety communications including its $25M marketing and sponsorship portfolio, and major events such as the 90th Anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the launch of the new Sydney Metro lines.

She founded and ran communications agency, IMPACT Communications, for 15 years, where she worked with FMCG companies including Nestle, Cerebos, and Twinings. She also represented a variety of industry groups for Horticulture Innovation Australia (then Horticulture Australia) to promote fresh fruit and turf.

As MLA’s manager of communications, Ms Lee will provide strategic direction and leadership to develop and implement stakeholder engagement and communication strategies that build awareness and adoption of MLA activities and programs. She started in her new role on 28 October, based out of MLA’s North Sydney office.

Hong Kong office appointment

Also joining MLA recently was Oscar Ling who joins the industry service delivery company’s Greater China international team, based in Hong Kong.

From left, Murray Davis, MLA regional manager for Greater China International ,arkets; Oscar Ling, business development manager Hong Kong, Macau, and China, Andrew Cox, general manager international markets.

The new HK business development manager began his professional journey in 2011 as a butchery apprentice in Hong Kong, honing his skills alongside seasoned butchers from Australia and New Zealand. His expertise expanded when he transitioned to a local trading firm, where he managed the procurement of chilled and frozen beef and lamb products. With a career dedicated to the Australian meat industry, Mr Ling was exceptionally equipped to contribute to the burgeoning market in Greater China, MLA said.

Saleyards Australia launched

Saleyards Australia was formed recently as the peak organisation representing saleyards in Australia. The move follows the amalgamation of Australian Livestock Markets Association (ALMA) and Australian Livestock Saleyards Association (ALSA) last month.

Former ALMA president Paul Martin, from Wagga Wagga, NSW has been appointed president of Saleyards Australia. According to interim chief executive Pru Barwick, the combined membership will cover about 130 facilities.

Vale Moreton Rolfe

The Santa Gertrudis Breeders Australia Association has paid tribute to the life and service of former president, patron, respected stud breeder and NSW Supreme Court judge, Moreton Rolfe KC, who died recently aged 85.

The founder of Hardigreen Park in 1972 in the southern highlands of NSW, later relocated to its present site at Wallabadah near Tamworth, where it continues to be managed by Col and Dion Patterson, Mr Rolfe served as a Santa Gertrudis councillor from 1984-1999, with a term as deputy president from 1991-93 and president from August 1993 to August 1995.

Moreton Rolfe

Born in the eastern suburbs of Sydney in 1939, Mr Rolfe graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws in 1962, before called to the NSW Bar in 1964 and appointed a Queens Counsel in 1978 and later a judge of the NSW Supreme Court in the commercial division from 1990.

Among his many achievements with the breed, Mr Rolfe will be perhaps most fondly remembered as the instigator of Santa Gertrudis sponsoring the Queensland cricket team, which from 1994-95 became known as the Queensland Bulls and for a time saw a Santa Gertrudis bull paraded at Gabba home games, including the celebrations after the side’s first historic Sheffield Shield win in 1995.

Santa Gertrudis Australia president Liz Allen said it was the first time a professional sporting team had been sponsored by a beef cattle association, testament to Mr Rolfe’s foresight and innovation.

“From his earliest days as a prominent breeder and promoter of Santas in NSW to taking the Santa Gertrudis breed to new audiences nationally, Mr Rolfe will always maintain a special place in the history of our breed,” Ms Allen said.

“He remained a strong presence in our organisation almost to the very end, receiving life membership in 2002 and operating as our patron from 2021-23, while co-authoring a history of the Santa Gertrudis breed, which was only published in August.

Two additions to NFF board

The National Farmers Federation recently welcomed two familiar faces to its Board. Former director Mark Horan was elected and current director Georgie Somerset was re-elected at the NFF’s Annual General Meeting, held online in October.

The pair join the eight-member NFF Board, following a vote from representatives from the NFF’s member organisations.

Mark Horan is a cattle producer in New South Wales’ Southern Tablelands and previously served on the NFF Board from 2014-2017.

Georgie Somerset, a cattle producer from Queensland’s South Burnett region, stood for immediate re-election as Director, after reaching the three-year term limit.

NFF President David Jochinke said Georgie and Mark both brought extensive experience to the NFF Board, through their previous roles at the organisation, as well as their knowledge of the ag industry.

Mr Horan replaces Tony York, who reached his maximum term with NFF after six years of dedicated service. Mr Jochinke thanked Mr York for pouring his heart and soul into the role.

NFF’s 2024-25 Board Members include five people with strong beef industry connections:

President – David Jochinke; Vice President – John Hassell; directors – Lisa Minogue Georgie Somerset, Mark Horan, Hamish McIntyre, David Connolly, Nat Sommerville.

Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course scholarship recipients

The Angus Foundation has announced five young stakeholders as the 2024 Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course Scholarship recipients.

The Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment Course is known as Australia’s most practical beef cattle selection course, attracting participants of all experience levels. Organised by Angus NSW, it covers Bos Taurus, Bos Indicus, and their crossbreeds over two days. This year’s recipients are Alice Baty, Ashlea Cross, Archie Davidson, Toreen Denyer and Thomas Hayward.

The course features carefully chosen Overjudges with strong practical and communication skills to benefit a diverse audience. It aims to educate participants in all aspects of the beef industry, offering valuable learning experiences for both newcomers and seasoned individuals.

Upon their return from the course, each of the recipients will provide a report detailing their experience of the course and what they took away from it.

“The selection of five recipients of the course scholarship was difficult this year, with a number of high-calibre applicants,” Angus Australia Extension Officer Hanlie Jansen said.

Here’s a quick snapshot on this year’s winners:

Alice Baty, 23, is a passionate and determined professional with a clear vision to pursue a career in the agricultural industry, particularly within the Angus sector. Her strong work ethic and experience across multiple industries have enabled her to build a unique skill set, combining practical on-farm experience with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and business. Alice is eager to attend the Tocal Cattle Assessment School, seeing it as an invaluable opportunity to continue learning and network with industry leaders and like-minded individuals. With aspirations to contribute to Milwillah Angus, Alice looks forward to applying her skills and understanding in a strong, diversified business.

Ashlea Cross, 22, lives on a sheep and crop farm in Streatham, Western Victoria, where her partner is employed. Though originally from a city background with no direct farming experience, she pursued her passion in agriculture, earning a Bachelor of Agribusiness with a major in Rural Science from the University of New England. Currently, Ashlea works as the Southern Beef Sales Representative for Genetics Australia, a position she has held for over a year.

Archie Davidson, 19, recently returned home after a gap year in Alberta, Canada, where he worked on a Purebred Charolais and Galloway stud. A recent graduate of Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, Archie is now actively involved in his family farm, focusing on calf marking and managing an AI program for his own herd. He is an enthusiastic sportsman, with a passion for camp drafting and clay target shooting. The youngest in his family, Archie has a 13-year age gap with his sister and a 10-year gap with his brother.

Toreen Denyer, 19, is deeply passionate about the agricultural industry, especially beef cattle. Eager to deepen her expertise in the beef sector, she is enthusiastic about working with cattle and collaborating with others who share her interests. Toreen currently works in milking and general farm duties, and she has deferred her university studies to gain further practical experience, including cadetship work placements. She looks forward to attending the assessment school to enhance her skills in cattle assessment and build upon her knowledge base.

Thomas Hayward, 21, is a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Canterbury. Growing up on his family’s farm, home to the Twin Oaks Angus Stud in New Zealand, Thomas has a deep connection to agricultural life. Outside of his studies, he enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and skiing. He also looks forward to the Australian and New Zealand bull sale seasons, where he indulges in examining EBVs and scouting for potential bulls to enhance the family’s breeding program.

Ag Shows Australia appoints new chair

An experienced agri-food industries leader has been appointed the new independent Chair of Ag Shows Australia.

Jacqueline Wilson-Smith from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast replaces retiring Chair Dr Rob Wilson who has guided the ASA since its inception in 2016.

ASA represents more than 580 shows nation-wide and works to engage, influence and promote the essential value of Australian agriculture.

Ms Wilson-Smith brings experience over 30 years across a range of agri-food industries and membership-based organisations including McCormick, Kraft Foods and Gourmet Garden.

She has held international executive roles in strategic marketing, branding, product promotion, market development, design thinking, R&D, innovation, commercialisation, and stakeholder engagement.

She is currently director of a range of organisations including Meat & Livestock Australia, Twenty Degrees, Travellers Choice, Food Agility, Apples & Pears Australia and the Sustainable Innovation Co as well as sitting as a member of the industry steering committee for the Food and Beverage Accelerator.

“For more than 200 years, agricultural shows have bought people together across the nation with one in six people attending a show each year and this funding was critical in ensuring this remarkable legacy continued,” she said.