There is still time for young beef producers across the country to apply for the 2013 Rising Beef Industry Champion award.

Now in its third year, the initiative attracts young producers from across Australia, interested in having their say on national policy decisions.

Aimed at nurturing and encouraging the next generation of advocates for the grassfed cattle industry, the Rising Beef Industry Champion Initiative is open to producers aged 21 to 35 years of age. This year's nominations close at midnight on September 21.

“Rising Champions is about providing young people involved in beef production with the opportunity to have input into issues that will have an impact on their business and their future,” CCA president Andrew Ogilvie said.

“This has proved to be a very popular initiative that has gathered more and more momentum each year.”

Finalists will spend two days in Canberra attending the Process of Government and How to influence Change workshop, attend the National Farmers Federation national congress and network with industry leaders.

Finalists will be asked to make a presentation on a topic that they feel passionate about such as trade and market access, the environment, research and development and animal health and welfare and biosecurity.

The candidate demonstrating the greatest leadership potential will win the title of ‘2013 Rising Beef Industry Champion’ to be announced at a gala dinner on October 23 at the National Press Club.

The winner will also attend the CCA and Meat and Livestock Australia AGMs in Perth in November, undertake guest speaking roles as well as contributing to other youth focused industry/government functions as determined by CCA.

There is also a scholarship to the Marcus Oldham College, funded by the Australian Beef Industry Foundation on offer.

• Application forms and further details can be accessed here.