Applications are now open for the 2015 Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador program, an initiative supported by Beef Australia aimed at recognising young, forward thinking, and high achieving beef producers.
Nominees can be from any part of rural Australia but must be between 18 and 35 years of age, with at least three years of on farm experience.
They must be currently working in a successful and progressive farming business and demonstrate commitment and vision for the future of the Australian beef industry.
Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador 2012, Sarah Becker, from Rockhampton is a passionate industry professional who says the Australian beef industry has a bright future ahead.
“Generally speaking, with an aging population of farmers and beef producers, it’s important that we look to develop the younger ones in the industry so they have something new and different to bring to the table,” Becker said.
“As the next generation of industry leaders, it’s really up to us to realise the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for ourselves and the sector. We need to develop the right skills and management capabilities to drive the industry forward.”
Presented the Ambassador award in Rockhampton at Beef Australia 2012, as part of the award Becker received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Rabobank Farm Managers Program, a week long intensive business training course for farm managers who aim to run and/or take ownership of a farming business.
Designed to strengthen the operational and strategic skills of emerging farmers, the Farm Managers Program is modelled on the highly-respected Rabobank Executive Development Program, a long standing business development course for leading Australian and New Zealand farmers.
Participants take away new skills and techniques with a commercially driven perspective on farm management to put systems and structures in place to manage growth.
This year marks the 10th year of Rabobank’s Farm Managers Program, with more than 300 young farmers from across Australia and New Zealand graduating from the program since its inception in 2006.
Rabobank state manager for Queensland/Northern Territory Brad James says investing in the next generation of farmers is key when it comes to ensuring the future of the industry.
“While it’s important to invest in your business, it’s also important to invest in your own management skills – these will be very valuable in the long run when it comes to being equipped to manage the cyclical nature of running a farm business,” James says.
“We believe sponsoring a young producer to attend the Rabobank Farm Managers Program is an excellent way to help the next generation develop and harness their potential. We look forward to helping provide such a unique and beneficial opportunity to up-and-coming producers who will no doubt benefit in a similar way to Sarah.”
Criteria for nominees include:
- Nominees must be between 18 to 35 years of age
- Minimum of three years experience on farm
- Currently working in a successful and progressive farming business
- Show potential to be a significant contributor to the beef industry
- Demonstrate commitment and vision for the future of the Australian beef industry
- Show personal achievements within the industry
The winner will be awarded a full scholarship to attend the 2016 Rabobank FarmManagers Program.
For more information or to nominate for the Young Beef Ambassador Program, contact Rabobank state marketing manager QLD/NT, Gen McAulay, gen.mcaulay@rabobank.com.
