Beyond the Paddock: Developing the Next Generation of Northern Beef Leaders
Twelve emerging beef industry leaders from across northern Australia have gained valuable insights into the beef supply chain, business leadership and genetic improvement through the 2026 Find Your Northern Edge leadership tour.
Held from 26–30 October, the five-day program brought together participants from the Northern Territory, northern South Australia and Queensland for an immersive industry experience delivered in partnership by Angus Australia, Teys Australia and the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA).
Now in its second year, the initiative provides emerging leaders with opportunities to explore the broader beef supply chain, connect with industry decision-makers and develop the skills and perspectives needed to strengthen their own businesses.
Connecting the paddock to the plate
Beginning in Brisbane before travelling to Dalby, participants heard from Olympic gold medallist Gemma Noller OAM, who shared lessons in resilience, commitment and leadership, alongside DIT AgTech Founder and CEO Mark Peart, who discussed innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture.
A visit to Teys Australia’s Condamine Feedlot provided insight into cattle performance, nutrition, market specifications and the commercial factors influencing feedlot profitability.
At JK Angus, Brangus and Ultrablacks, participants explored the practical application of genetic selection, using Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and cattle assessment exercises to understand how breeding decisions influence productivity and market outcomes.
The tour continued through Teys Australia’s Beenleigh processing facility, automated distribution centre at the Port of Brisbane and Teys Australia Food Solutions, providing a firsthand understanding of processing, logistics, value-adding and the requirements of domestic and international beef markets.
Visits to Brisbane retail butcher shops completed the supply chain journey, demonstrating how consumer preferences and market requirements influence the value of Australian beef.
Leadership beyond the cattle yards
Beyond the operational visits, participants engaged directly with Teys Australia’s senior leadership team, including CEO Andrew MacPherson, gaining valuable perspectives on business strategy, workplace culture and the importance of investing in people.
Workplace culture emerged as a particularly significant takeaway, with all 12 participants identifying opportunities to apply lessons from Teys Australia’s approach to leadership and team development within their own pastoral businesses.
NTCA Deputy CEO Jessie Daniels said the opportunity to experience the broader supply chain firsthand was invaluable.
“The journey from paddock to plate is a lot more complex than most people realise, and there’s enormous value in producers seeing firsthand where their cattle go, what drives demand and what ultimately determines the value of their product,” Ms Daniels said.
“Getting young producers off station into different parts of the supply chain around the table with industry leaders, opening doors, changes perspectives and builds connections that last well beyond the tour.”
Investing in the future of northern beef
For Angus Australia, the initiative provides an important opportunity to strengthen relationships with northern producers while demonstrating the role of genetic improvement in supporting productive, adaptable and profitable northern beef production systems.
Through the continued partnership between Angus Australia, Teys Australia and NTCA, Find Your Northern Edge is helping equip emerging industry leaders with the knowledge, networks and confidence to contribute to the future of Australian beef production.
