Seven young beef industry ‘Rising Champions’ from across Australia will travel to Canberra next week where they will compete for the title of 2012 NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Industry Champion.

The Rising Champion recognises leadership potential and is judged by the Cattle Council of Australia executive and NAB Agribusiness.

The winner will be announced at the ‘Beef Industry Champions Gala Event’ will be held at the National Press Club in Canberra, on Wednesday 28th November 2012.

This year’s state finalists include:

• Frank Archer from Tasmania
• Steph Coombes from Western Australia
• Krissie Riley from Western Australia
• Sasha Lanyon from South Australia
• Geordie Elliot from Victoria
• Steve Pocock from Queensland
• John Atkinson from Queensland
• Tegan Nock from NSW

The award is now in its third year.

Cattle Council of Australia president Andrew Ogilvie said this year's program is looking at the art of influencing decision makers and the importance of advocacy for the industry.

"This opportunity for has been made possible by Cattle Council Rising Beef Industry Champions Initiative, a program established to inspire, empower and support rising leaders in the Australian beef industry," he said.

“The success of this initiative has given the Cattle Council great optimism about the future leaders that we have in our industry. Our job now is to retain interest and help them develop the skills and political know-how to influence policy and stand up for their rights as beef producers to assure a profitable future for the next generation."

The Rising Champion award is supported by NAB Agribusiness, AgForce Queensland; Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association; Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association; NSW Farmers' Association; Pastoralists' & Graziers' Association of WA; Western Australian Farmers’ Federation; South Australian Farmers' Federation.