The countdown to Beef27 is on
A flurry of launch events across the country this month, hosted by the Beef Australia Board and team, officially sounded the horn - Beef2027 is now less than 12 months away.
Which feels slightly terrifying considering I’m still mentally, physically, and socially recovering from Beef24!
If you know, you know.
A great time at Beef24 was had by all, not least the ALFA team!
For those outside the industry, it’s hard to explain the scale and significance of Beef Australia. Held every three years in Rockhampton, Beef Week is recognised as the largest beef industry event in the Southern Hemisphere. But calling it an “event” honestly doesn’t quite capture it.
It’s part conference, part reunion, part showcase, part survival exercise.
And that why… it works so brilliantly.
For one week, the entire beef supply chain descends on Rocky. Producers, processors, researchers, exporters, students, politicians, innovators, service providers, international delegates — all coming together to celebrate, challenge, connect and showcase the very best of Australian beef.
And what I love most is that Beef Week reflects the industry exactly as it is: hardworking, passionate, innovative, resilient, and deeply community-minded. I wouldn’t miss it.
Madie Hamilton, Former Beef Australia Chairman, Bryce Camm & Tom Green, Camm Agricultural Group on the streets of Beef Week 2024 in Rockhampton QLD.
More Than Meets the Eye
Yes, there are cattle competitions. Yes, there are business sessions and industry forums. And yes, there will be more R.M. Williams boots, Akubra hats and Paspaley pearl earrings per square metre than you’ll find anywhere else in the country!
Credit: Beef Australia
But Beef Week is a reminder of just how important the beef industry is to the fabric of Australia.
Australia’s red meat and livestock sector contributes more than $14 billion to national GDP, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and underpins regional communities right across the country.
And Beef itself injects enormous value back into regional Queensland — with Beef2024 reportedly generating more than $100 million in economic impact for the Rockhampton region alone.
They’re big numbers. But beyond the economics, Beef Week gives the industry something equally valuable: connection.
In an industry where people are often spread across vast distances and long days, there’s something special about having everyone in the one place. Conversations happen that simply wouldn’t otherwise. Ideas are shared. Partnerships begin. Careers evolve.
And after every Beef Week, the industry leaves a little more energised than when it arrived.
Albeit slightly more sleep deprived.
Beef Connections
Graeme Acton Beef Connections Graduation Luncheon at Beef2024
Amongst the packed schedule, one event I’ve always found particularly inspiring is the Graeme Acton Beef Connections Graduation Luncheon. Beef Connections is a mentoring program designed to grow future leaders in the Australian beef industry.
I’ve attended the last two graduations and every single time I leave feeling optimistic about the future of this industry.
The young people coming through the program are exceptional. Curious. Driven. Thoughtful. And genuinely committed to finding better ways forward for agriculture.
Beef Connections Program mentees 2026/27:
Drew Walsh (NSW)
Gemma Somerset (NT)
Amelia Unthank (NSW)
Sean Wright (TAS)
Caitlin Herbert (NSW)
Adam Bonner (QLD)
Naomi Leahy (NSW)
Laura Healey (VIC)
Zoë MacFarlan (NSW)
The program includes a mentoring component, which I’ve always admired from afar. There’s something incredibly powerful about industry leaders giving their time back to support the next generation — particularly in agriculture, where so much knowledge is built through relationships, experience, and community.
I’m incredibly grateful to have been matched with Zoë MacFarlan,a participant on this year’s program. Based in Dubbo, Zoë works as a Business Development Manager with AuctionsPlus, supporting the Nutrien Ag Solutions agency network across Australia. Zoë brings a strong combination of industry knowledge, energy, leadership and genuine passion for people, and I’m excited to support her throughout this journey as she continues to grow her capability, networks and impact within the beef industry.
I also had the great fortune of meeting the full cohort in Brisbane in May during the launch of the program, which coincided with the official launch of Beef2027. An incredible bunch of young leaders, that the beef industry will no doubt be so proud to see graduate in 12 months’ time.
And if I’m honest, I suspect (and hope) I’ll learn just as much from the experience as Zoë and the rest of the mentee’s will!
Next stop, #Beef2027
If you’d like to explore opportunities on how we could work together in the lead up to Beef27,
get in touch!