For 20 years the annual Young Beef Producers Forums at Roma have provided invaluable educational and networking opportunities to thousands of people embarking on careers and futures in the Australian cattle industry.

Now young beef industry stakeholders will have the opportunity to travel to future Young Beef Producers Forums from anywhere in Australia free-of-charge under a newly launched bursary named in honour of one of the event’s long-term supporting champions.

At the 20th anniversary Young Beef Producers Forum in last week Future Farmers Network chair Caitlin McConnel announced that a new bursary has been created, recognising the contribution to the event’s success of Roma’s Tim Emery.

Tim is a well-known beef extension officer with the Department of Primary Industries based in Roma.

For 13 years he was also an active member of the hard-working volunteer committees that brought each annual YBPF to life.

“The Future Farmers Network and the YBPF Committee would like to acknowledge the invaluable impact one particular individual – who is still very much within the younger age bracket – has had in the shaping of careers of so many young aggies in the Australian beef industry through the networks and professional development provided by this very forum,” Caitlin McConnel told last week’s YBPF audience on the final afternoon.

“Tim Emery for 13 years dedicated countless hours to every aspect of this forum as a Director of FFN, and as a long-term YBPF Committee member.

“Whilst formally retiring in 2022, Tim remains a passionate supporter of this event, its committee, and our sponsors in so many ways, including volunteering his time to help set up, and also staying after hours to help clean up.

“Tim has given his time willingly, and selflessly, to ensure that every young person in the beef industry – regardless of their level of experience – feels welcomed, actively included, and supported at this forum.”

In recognition of his contribution, the FFN Board and the 2024 YBPF Committee have established the Tim Emery Bursary.

Through a dedicated application process opening at the beginning of each calendar year, and in consultation with Tim, the bursary opportunity will enable a successful applicant – from anywhere in Australia – the opportunity to attend YBPF, with expenses including the ticket, travel, and accommodation costs covered by FFN & YBPF.

Tim told Beef Central he felt truly honoured to be recognised in such a manner and thanked FFN and the 2024 YBPF committee for initiating the bursary.

“I’ve absolutely loved being involved in YBPF over the years and can’t thank enough my fellow committee members for their hard work and dedication to the event,” he said.

“I really hope that the bursary will lead to one young person, every year, undergoing a life changing experience and that will inspire the next generation.”

Beef Central will provide future updates with details on how to apply for the bursary when they become available.