Two state finalists have been named for the Cattle Council of Australia’s Rising Beef Industry Champions award.

Grazing extension officer Ian McConnel has been named as the Queensland state finalist while cattle producer Lauchie Cole will represent Tasmnania.

The initiative aims to identify, empower and support rising leaders in the Australian beef industry, and is open to applications from young people involved in the industry between the ages of 21 and 35.

Selection is based on a demonstrated level of industry awareness, comprehension of beef industry issues, leadership capacity and suitability to represent each state at the CCA’s annual meeting in Longreach, as well as potentially representing Australia at an international beef community event.

One finalist from each state will compete for the national title of 2012 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion, and will represent Australia at an international Livestock Conference in Denver, Colorado, USA in early 2012.

All six state finalists will travel to Longreach in November to present the Cattle Council with their solutions for a specific challenge facing the Australian beef industry; experience the national beef policy debating forum at the Cattle Council meeting, and develop leadership and public speaking skills through tailored workshops.

The winner will be announced at a Gala Dinner in Longreach on November 16.

Mr McConnel is a grazing extension officer with the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) at Nambour in Queensland and was chosen after a challenging selection process chaired by AgForce.

Mr Cole is part of the management team at the family owned Angus and Murray Grey Stud called ‘Woodbourn’ based in Cressy. 

AgForce Cattle policy director Andrew Simpson praised the high calibre of applicants taking part in the Rising Champion initiative.

“It was a real challenge selecting the most unique project from a wonderful profile of candidates. All applicants should be congratulated for putting their hand up and giving it a go,” Mr Simpson said.

“This initiative has identified some very bright young men and women who will be encouraged and supported within our own farming organisation to further develop their interests in agri-politics and contribute to policy debate.”

Paul Saward, Tasmanian CCA Councillor said he was also impressed by the standard of entrants.

“It is comforting to know that we have a group of rising leaders in our state showing genuine passion for the future of our industry.”

Cattle Council received almost 50 applications from young beef industry enthusiasts from across Australia to be part of the initiative aimed at identifying, empowering and supporting rising leaders in the Australian beef industry.