Queensland finalist Kirsty McCormack was named the national 2016 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion last night in Canberra.

Ms McCormack is a sales and production executive at OBE Organic and was chosen after a challenging selection process.

CCA Rising Champion Panel member and AgForce Cattle President Bim Struss praised the high calibre of applicants who took part in the Rising Champion initiative this year.

“This initiative always identifies very bright young men and women who will be encouraged and supported to further develop their interest in agri-politics and contribute to policy debate,” Mr Struss said.

“I was very impressed with Kirsty and her vision for the entire beef supply chain, she will be a great representative for Queensland.

“Kirsty is passionate about the need for transparency and education throughout the beef supply chain to allow consumers to reconnect with their food.

“Ms McCormack follows in the footsteps of the likes of AgForce Cattle youth director Sam Becker who took out the prize in 2014.

“Queensland produces half of Australia’s beef so it makes sense that this great state is home to some great rising champions in the beef industry.

 “We know the average age of the farmer is more than 50 which makes it so important that we give careful consideration to who will lead our industry moving forward.”

Now in its sixth year, the NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion Initiative is run by Cattle Council of Australia and caters for 18 to 35-year-olds and aims to inspire, empower and support young people passionate about the Australian beef industry.

All seven finalists travelled to Canberra this week to network with key decision makers from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, learning effective communication techniques, developing their leadership skills and participating in Cattle Council of Australia sub-committee meetings.

Kirsty McCormack is a rural science graduate and an active youth ambassador in the agricultural sector, supporting the Young Farming Champions and Rural Women’s initiatives.

Having grown up on a cattle property in Northern NSW, Ms McCormack says her professional ambition lies in developing new livestock management technologies, such as the Aglive application.