AUSTRALIA’S red meat sector is enjoying a rare and remarkable period of prosperity reflected in record prices for sheep, cattle and goats, positive seasonal conditions for many and soaring property values.

But the export-reliant sector is also facing potentially unprecedented global challenges as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supply chain disruptions fracture long-established global trading patterns and fuel inflationary pressures.

Against this backdrop the industry is also now on heightened alert with outbreaks of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease recently confirmed in nearby Indonesia, two highly contagious viruses that would have major animal health and welfare, trade and economic consequences if detected in Australia.

How likely is an outbreak here, what would a detection in Australia mean, and how well prepared are Australia’s world leading biosecurity and traceability systems in reality?

Joining us to discuss these and other issues of critical importance to Australia’s cattle, sheep and goat industries on Friday, May 27 will be guest speaker, Red Meat Advisory Council independent chair John McKillop.

The Red Meat Advisory Council is the policy leadership and advisory forum for the entire Australian red meat supply chain from paddock to plate representing 80,000 beef, goatmeat and sheepmeat businesses and lot feeders, manufacturers, retailers and livestock exporters.

Mr McKillop has extensive experience in all sectors of the supply chain from beef and sheep production, lotfeeding, processing to live export and meat exporting.

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Hancock Agriculture & S. Kidman & Co and has previously held senior executive and leadership roles with other prominent agricultural companies including Hassad Australia, Clyde Agriculture, Elders, Stanbroke Pastoral Company and LAWD, while also serving in board roles with a range of industry organisations including Meat & Livestock Australia, Dairy Australia, Cubbie Cotton and the Primary Industries Education Foundation.

The Rural Press Club of Queensland lunch will be held on Friday, May 27 from Noon at the Tattersall’s Club, 215 Queen St, Brisbane City

Register for tickets online here