Queensland’s Kylie Stretton was named 2017 NAB Agribusiness Beef Industry Rising Champion at a gala dinner in Alice Springs tonight.

Kylie Stretton from Charters Towers is the 2017 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion.

Kylie and her husband Shane are the owners and managers of Charters Towers livestock agency Northern Livestock Services, as well as operating Clancella Downs, where they produce beef, hay and free-range eggs, and operate tourism and education programs.

Kylie is also the co-founder of the Ask an Aussie Farmer Facebook community.

The judging panel described her as the kind of ambassador who could represent the Australian beef industry at an international level.

Now in its seventh year, the NAB Agribusiness Rising Champions initiative is run by Cattle Council of Australia and aims to inspire, empower and support 18-35 year olds passionate about the Australian beef industry.

“Kylie brings leadership skills that the beef industry will benefit from,” Cattle Council of Australia’s Margo Andrae said.

“We need to encourage young people to step into leadership roles so we have the next generation coming through the beef industry all the time. Through the Rising Champions program, all the finalists can learn the skills and build the networks to really make an impact,” she said.

“The beef industry is going through good times for many producers and it will be young people like those who come through the Rising Champion program who will lead us through these opportunities.”

Khan Horne

NAB Agribusiness general manager Khan Horne said Kylie will be an ideal ambassador for the Australian beef industry.

“I congratulate Kylie and wish her all the best as she embarks on the next 12 months as the NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion, and all the challenges and opportunities that it will bring,” he said.

“I also commend our outgoing 2016 Rising Champion, Kirsty McCormack, on all that she has achieved over the past 12 months and thank her for a wonderful contribution to the industry.

NAB Agribusiness has been involved with the Rising Champions initiative since its inception in 2010 in developing the next generation of beef industry leaders.

NAB 2017 Rising Champion Kylie Stretton, with finalists Shaun Byrnes (WA), Aaron Brown (VIC), Darcy Nicklason (TAS), Tom Heggaton (NSW), James Beale (NT) and James Pitchford (SA).