Beef industry representatives from across the district flocked to the inaugural Northern Beef Producer Expo last Friday – prompting organisers to commence planning for the next event.

More than 300 people were in attendance – despite the hot and steamy conditions – and 49 trade displays featuring everything from troughs to tractors added colour and interest to the day.

Organising committee member and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries extension officer Megan Willis was delighted that the northern industry had embraced the Expo concept.

“We were looking to give the beef industry something that hadn’t been done before and was based around grazing best management practice (BMP) –covering the major elements needed to make the most of your beef business.

“The program included inspirational and informed speakers that told of their own experiences in the business of beef, as well as practical demonstrations of innovations and technology, that combined to make it a wonderful day.”

Ms Willis said her role, supported by the Queensland Government’s commitment to the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, aimed to assist all Burdekin catchment producers achieve best management practice through the Grazing BMP program. In the Burdekin, DAF partners with NQ Dry Tropics NRM to deliver the program.

“Improved management practices not only build more durable and profitable beef businesses, but the benefits flow downstream and enhance water quality in the creeks and rivers that ultimately head to the Great Barrier Reef.”

She said the next step for the Beef Expo organising committee – consisting of producers and DAF FutureBeef extension staff – would be to regroup and plan for the future.

“We have received great feedback from those who attended, so we will take this on-board and start planning for the next Expo,” Ms Willis said.

She added that any producers who would like to become involved in organising future events were more than welcome, and could contact DAF’s Charters Towers office on 4761 5192.

The Northern Beef Producer Expo was supported by ANZ, North Queensland Register, and FutureBeef, a collaboration between DAF, the Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, the Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Meat and Livestock Australia.

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