We operate in a globally competitive market and it is important that we stay on the front foot of changes and evolutions in our industry right from research and development through to on farm practices as well as marketing and better meeting our consumer’s needs.

The Rising Champions Initiative provides a great opportunity for young people to get involved in the cattle industry, and I would encourage anyone that is passionate about our industry and has an ambition to be a leader to put up their hand and apply.

Today we live in a world that is constantly changing, a world where new technologies are hard to keep up with and where environmental and economic conditions are uncertain.

As young people involved in agricultural industries we have a huge task ahead; in order to manage these factors, while sustainably producing enough food to feed the worlds growing population.

The Rising Champion Initiative provides a great opportunity for you to have your say, and it can also help open the door for you to take on roles of leadership and be a part of shaping the direction that our industry takes.

The initiative for me has provided a unique opportunity to network with our industry leaders and to learn more about the beef industry from an international perspective.

I have been able to share some of my thoughts and inspirations for the beef industry, while also learning about the many issues of relevance and importance to other young people from the various sectors of the beef industry and supply chain.

Alison McIntosh is a stud beef producer from Crookwell, NSW (representing NSW Farmers’ Association) was the 2010 NAB Agribusiness Beef Industry Rising Champion and is the current Rising Champion Network Chair.

As part of her title, Alison received a trip to Denver, Colorado, USA in January this year and proudly represented Australian beef producers in the Five Nations’ Beef Alliance Young Ranchers’ Forum (which included a week-long beef tour) coinciding with the International Livestock Congress and National Western Stock Show.

* Applications for the 2011 Beef Industry Rising Champions close on 31 August 2011. For further information visit www.cattlecouncil.com.au/risingch ampions