The Western Australian Farmers Federation and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association have announced that Wellard head stockman, Clinton Gartrell, from Busselton will represent Western Australia in the 2011-12 Cattle Council of Australia Rising Beef Industry Champions Initiative.

WAFarmers and the PGA coordinated the State’s selection and interview process, with a panel comprising of WAFarmers and PGA livestock representatives and National Australia Bank (NAB) Agribusiness executives interviewing each candidate.

WAFarmers president Mike Norton said the standard of finalists was outstanding and he “strongly encouraged” those who missed out to apply again next year.

“In addition to selecting our State finalist, this initiative has identified some great young people who we will be fostering within our farming organisations and State to further develop their interests in agri-politics and contribute to policy debate,” Mr Norton said.

Selection was based on demonstrated level of industry awareness, comprehension of beef industry issues, leadership capacity and suitability to represent Western Australia at the Cattle Council/MLA Annual General Meeting in Longreach, Queensland.

Mr Gartrell will join his fellow state finalists in Longreach, Qld, in November at the judging of the national young rising champion award.

The 2012 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion will be announced at the gala dinner on 16 November 2011, and the winner will represent Australia at an international Livestock Conference in Denver, Colorado, USA in early 2012.
 

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