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Young Pilbara stakeholder crowned beef’s Rising Champion

Beef Central 31/10/2013

 

A young Western Australian beef industry stakeholder was last night crowned as Cattle Council of Australia’s fourth annual NAB Agribusiness Rising Beef Champion.

Blythe Calnan grew up in the Pilbara region in WA and is now based in the region on Yarrie Station, near Marble Bar.

2014 NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion Blythe Calnan is congratulated by CCA president Andrew Ogilvie and NAB Agribusiness's Khan HorneThroughout her career, she has worked on cattle stations in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, as well as on properties in NSW, in addition to spending time in the pearling, horticulture and mining industries.

For four years she has consulted as an animal handling and welfare consultant supporting live export supply chains in the Middle East and North Africa.

Last night’s second significant award presentation, the NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion Acknowledgement Award, went to Craig Croker from Crookwell, NSW.

Craig grew up on his family’s cattle and sheep property near Crookwell on the NSW southern tablelands. He has worked as a technical officer for Tropical Beef Technology Services in Queensland and is now running a crossbreeding operation focused on feeder cattle for the domestic and shortfed markets. He also works as an agribusiness finance manager.

Cattle Council president, Andrew Ogilvie, said the NAB Agribusiness Rising Champions initiative provided an opportunity for young people involved in the beef industry to build their knowledge and networks across the Australian beef supply chain.

“This week the Rising Champions have developed their knowledge of policy making, participated in a social licencing workshop, heard from agribusiness leaders and met with agriculture minister, Barnaby Joyce,” he said.

“The enthusiasm and knowledge of our Rising Champions participants is very encouraging. Cattle Council looks forward to continuing to work with these young people into the future.”

Mr Ogilvie said the initiative would not be possible without the commitment of its sponsors, including gold sponsor NAB Agribusiness, and silver sponsor, McDonalds Australia.

NAB’s general manager for agribusiness, Khan Horne, said NAB was again proud to support Cattle Council’s Rising Champions Initiative and congratulated Blythe Calnan and this year’s strong group of finalists.

“There is a wealth of talent in Australia’s beef industry and celebrating the passion of up and coming leaders helps to secure a strong future for the whole sector,” he said.

 “The achievements and drive that Blythe has shown makes her a worthy winner.” 

 

 

 

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