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

• New MLA North America region manager has strong brand marketing pedigree
• ABSF welcomes five new Steering Group members
• Who are some possible contenders for the new Cargill Australia CEO role?
• ABRI extension services team expands
• New award for agricultural education
• ALFA casts net for new GM marketing

New MLA North America region manager has strong brand marketing pedigree

Meat & Livestock Australia’s newly-appointed North America region manager has strong credentials in brand marketing – both in red meat and other fields.

Paul da Silva has taken up the role, replacing Doug McNicholl, who is returning to Australia after three and a half years in Washington as MLA’s region manager.

Paul de Silva

Mr da Silva takes on the role during a period of resurgent growth for Australian beef and lamb in the US market. For the year to 8 June, the US has taken more than 181,000t of Australian beef, and could go close to 400,000t by year’s end, which if achieved would challenge the record high set in 2015.

Mr da Silva is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in brand strategy, product development, and global marketing. Most recently, he was marketing manager at vertically integrated beef producer Stanbroke, and prior to that in similar roles with Hewitt Cattle Co, Arcadian Organic and corporate pork producer Rivalea. In these roles, he led marketing initiatives across global markets and channels, driving brand development, consumer insights and new product development, and communications.

His experience before working in animal protein included working as an account director in advertising agencies, managing customer loyalty for retailer OPSM and seven years as the marketing communications manager for technology giant Canon. Early in his career he spent 12 years as an officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

Who are some possible contenders for the new Cargill CEO role?

The processing industry’s legendary grapevine is already in full swing, offering up possible candidates to take on the role of chief executive officer under the new Cargill banner at Teys Australia.

As announced earlier this month, the Teys family will exit their 50pc interest in the beef processing business in around September or October (subject to FIRB and ACCC scrutiny), and current chief executive and chairman Brad Teys has already confirmed he will move into retirement.

Here are four potential candidates whose names have arisen in recent weeks (in no particular order):

Andrew MacPherson: Mr MacPherson has worked in the beef industry for more than 30 years in commercial and strategy leadership positions. He was an original (pre-Teys merger) employee of Cargill Australia for 18 years, rising to become chief operating officer and managing director. After the merger he worked for the next 12 with Teys Australia. He was appointed Teys chief executive officer in 2021, before leaving the company in 2023. He is currently holds directorships with the Sunpork group, agtech company DIT and the Mighty Good Food Group.

Shaun Johnston: An experienced processing operations manager, Mr Johnston has worked with Teys Australia for the past decade. Earlier he spent a lengthy period as Northern operations manager with JBS based at Dinmore, in charge of company processing operations at Dinmore, Beef City, JBS Rockhampton and JBS Townsville. He previously served as Dinmore plant manager. Mr Johnston is widely respected for his depth of knowledge across the industry, both in slaughter and livestock operations, having previously worked for MidCo Meat Co at Macksville in NSW, Blue Ribbon Meats out of Tasmania and Victoria, and the old Australia Meat Holdings business.

Anthony Pratt (centre)

Anthony Pratt: Rising through the meat trading ranks at JBS, Anthony Pratt became general manager of JBS’ trading division, Swift and Co Trade Group, where he spearheaded initiatives to promote Australian protein into numerous international markets, leveraging his extensive expertise and relationships to penetrate global markets. In 2012 he was promoted to become chief operating officer for JBS Northern, in charge of processing and feedlot operations including plants at Dinmore, Rockhampton, Townsville and Beef City. He left the company suddenly in 2022, last year becoming CEO of export and domestic meat trading business Endeavour Meats.

Jon Nash, corporate senior vice president, Cargill Protein Group, USA: If Cargill is to embed a US executive into the new wholly-owned Australian processing business, someone like senior executive Jon Nash might be given the establishment role, observers suggest.

ABSF welcomes five new Steering Group members

The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework has welcomed five new members to its Steering Group, bringing an injection of experience and regional representation to help guide the Framework.

The ABSF sets out the key indicators of performance in sustainability for the beef industry. It enables success to be recognised through evidence-based metrics and empowers the industry to continually improve and demonstrate its values to customers, investors and stakeholders.

The ABSF plays an essential role in Australian beef production.

The new steering group appointees are:

• Bryce Camm – CEO, Camm Agricultural Group (QLD), past chair of Australian Lot Feeders Association and Beef Australia, and current Cattle Australia board director.
• Olivia Lawson – Director and co-principal, Paringa Livestock (VIC), Landcare Sustainable Farmer of the Year 2014, and former director of the Cattle Council of Australia.
• Paul McDougall – Manager, Natural Capital, Paraway Pastoral Co (NSW), a soil scientist with extensive experience in environmental and biodiversity initiatives.
• Brad Robinson – Manager, Sustainability, Mort & Co (QLD), with a strong background in feedlot management and industry leadership.
• Scott Strachan – Head of sustainability and environment, Harvest Road Group (WA), an environmental scientist with a PhD and expertise in data-driven sustainability strategies.

These appointments follow the conclusion of tenures for Jenny O’Sullivan, Michael Maxwell, Carl Duncan, and former Chair Mark Davie. The new members join existing steering group members Patrick Hutchinson, Kari Moffat, Jessica Loughland, Amy Brooks, and Peter Gall.

Each of the new members brought a unique perspective and deep expertise that would be invaluable as the ABSF framework continues to evolve, the ABSF’s steering group chair, Patrick Hutchinson said.

“Their diverse backgrounds, from environmental science and natural capital to on-farm operations and industry leadership, reflect the broad scope of sustainability in the beef sector,” he said.

“I’d also like to extend ABSF’s sincere thanks to the outgoing members for their dedication and contributions, particularly Mark Davie for his leadership as chair.”

“Core to the ABSF is the belief that sustainability is the production of beef in a manner that is socially, environmentally, and economically responsible. The industry does this through the care of natural resources, people and the community, the health and welfare of animals, and the drive for continuous improvement,” he said.

The objectives of the SG members are to continuously strengthen the impact and relevance of the ABSF through material issue examination and robust annual reporting. They also do this while communicating the Australian beef sustainability credentials on the domestic and global stage, ensuring a science based objective representation of material topics to the industry.

ABRI extension services team expands

The Agricultural Business Research Institute has expanded the organisation’s extension services team, with the recent appointments of Dr Fiona Macarthur and Alastair Rayner.

These appointments further strengthen the organisation’s commitment to practical, science-based support of ABRI’s clients, producers and the wider industry, ABRI said in a statement.

Fiona Macarthur

Fiona Macarthur brings more than 18 years of experience in agricultural industries, including the past eight years in ruminant extension and producer engagement. With a strong background in parasitology, her work has consistently focused on improving animal health and production outcomes. She is actively involved in several industry-funded projects that aim to enhance the welfare of livestock while optimising farm productivity.

Based in the New England region for over 25 years, Fiona is deeply embedded in the practical realities of livestock production through her involvement in her husband’s family owned Merino and beef cattle enterprise. Her blend of scientific knowledge and hands-on experience makes her a valuable asset to producers navigating animal health, welfare, and performance challenges.

Al Rayner

Alastair Rayner joins the team with more than two decades of experience spanning livestock consultancy, genetics extension, and industry leadership. As Principal of RaynerAg, he has built a reputation for providing practical, data-driven advice to improve productivity in pasture management, breeding, and herd health. Mr Rayner writes a weekly column for Beef Central on the topics of genetics and genomics, from the perspective of the bull buyer.

His previous roles include 17 years with NSW DPI, where he delivered major extension programs and contributed to national research through the CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies. He has played a leading role in industry education, helping to develop and deliver programs such as Bred Well Fed Well and Winning With Weaners.

More recently, he was head of commercial services and farm adoption at Cibo Labs, where he championed the use of satellite-based pasture tools including the Australian Feedbase Monitor and PastureKey.

A regular contributor to Beef Central and a familiar presence at field days, conferences, and cattle shows around the country, Mr Rayner is known for his ability to translate science into action on-farm.

Alongside the wider ABRI Extension Services team, Fiona and Alastair will be working across the livestock industries to support producers in maximising the value of ABRI’s commercial products and services. This includes helping users better understand and apply BreedPlan data, while also engaging with the broader suite of ABRI tools designed to improve herd performance, sustainability, and profitability in the livestock sectors.

New award for agricultural education

The Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) has launched the Jim Pratley Award, honouring a national leader in agricultural education and a lifelong advocate for food and fibre learning.

Presented last week at the 2025 PIEFA Conference in Canberra, the inaugural award was bestowed on Professor Jim Pratley, after whom, the award is named, in recognition of his remarkable five-decade contribution to education, research, and sector leadership.

Jim Pratley accepting his award in Canberra last week

Prof Pratley began his teaching career in 1972 at Wagga Wagga Agricultural College, now Charles Sturt University. As Foundation Dean of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture and a long-serving Research Professor, he has influenced generations of educators and students through innovative teaching, research and mentoring.

Beyond the university setting, Prof Pratley has shaped national conversations on agricultural education. He led the NSW Ministerial Review into Agricultural Education and Training, helping elevate the importance of food and fibre in schools. He was a founding member of the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture and has served on boards and advisory panels across industry and research. His work spans areas such as weed management, viticulture, and rice production.

In 2019, Prof Pratley was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to agricultural science and education.

“Jim Pratley’s legacy in agricultural education is unmatched. His influence has shaped generations of educators and how food and fibre is taught across Australia,” said PIEFA board chair Dr Cameron Archer, Board Chair.

“This award honours his impact and will continue to recognise those who follow in his footsteps.”

Prof Pratley said he had been fortunate to spend his career in a field he cared deeply about — helping young people understand the vital role that agriculture plays in our lives.

“I hope this award encourages others to keep building those connections in the years ahead,” he said.

Going forward, the Jim Pratley Award will be presented biennially at the PIEFA Conference, recognising an educator who has made an outstanding contribution to food and fibre education in Australia.

ALFA casts net for new GM role

The Australian Lot Feeders Association’s popular staffmember Madie Hamilton will finish up with the grainfed industry peak council soon, to ‘take a breather’ from industry affairs and finish renovating her house. She has worked in two stints within the grainfed industry for 15 years.

Madie Hamilton

Madie has been serving as both ALFA’s chief operating officer and general manager for marketing and communications.

A farmer’s daughter, she originally hailed from a sheep property outside Mudgee, NSW. Madie holds a Bachelor of Ag Economics (Hons) majoring in Agribusiness from The University of Sydney. She has held various positions at ALFA from the Executive Officer, to Manager – Membership, Communications & Capability to now holding the COO role.

Prior to joining ALFA, Madie held Communication & Marketing positions within GrainGrowers and Syngenta Australia & New Zealand.

A recruitment process for the general management position has started through Mick Hay at Rimfire Resources.