Advancing Beef Leaders
Alumni in the News
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How one program is changing beef careers
15 July 2026
Three of our Advancing Beef Leaders Program superstars from North Queensland are featured in this North Queensland Register article. 2026/27 participants John Salmond, Barb Colls and 2026 graduate, Richard Colls, share some of their insights and perspectives on the program.
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The veteran using military discipline to expand a beef start-up
14 July 2026
Jack Blaine, founder of Diggers Cattle Co and part of the 2026/27 Advancing Beef Leaders Program cohort, is featured in The Land. It’s a compelling feature where Jack chats about the charity he has created for veterans of armed conflict who want to work in agriculture.
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Program bringing teachers to ICMJ gaining traction
10 July 2026
2025/26 Advancing Beef Leaders Program graduate, Rebecca Bennett, chats to Beef Central about her ABL Program group project. The professional development initiative aims to build teacher confidence and improve the quality of agriculture and food systems education while also increasing student awareness of opportunities within the red meat sector.
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Joe Rolfe Scholarship recipient on ABC radio
26 June 2026
John Salmond is one of the recipients of the inaugural Joe Rolfe Scholarship, supporting his participation in the 2026/27 Advancing Beef Leaders Program. He spoke to ABC Tropical North for the Rural Report.
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The projects helping advance the beef industry
17 June 2026
The group projects pioneered within each cohort of the Advancing Beef Leaders Program have real-world impact every year. This Beef Central feature explores some of the projects created within the 2025/26 cohort.
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22 Emerging leaders selected for Advancing Beef Leaders Program
21 May 2026
Congratulations to the 2026/27 Advancing Beef Leaders Program cohort. Successful applicants were featured in Beef Central.
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Alison Larard - From Founder to EO
9 March 2026
Our indomitable leader Alison Larard is profiled in Queensland Farmer Today on her appointment as Executive Officer of the ABL Foundation.
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Cailan Byrnes wins AMPC's Emerging Leader of the Year
12 September 2025
Congratulations to 2023 ABL alumnus Cailan Byrnes on being named Emerging Leader of the Year at the inaugural AMPC Awards of Excellence.
Read more here -
Kate Watts selected for Nuffield 2026
9 September 2025
Congratulations to 2024 ABL Graduate Kate Watts on her selection for Nuffield Australia’s 2026 scholarship program.
Kate will explore how traceability tools, such as ultra-high frequency ear tags and automated data systems, can improve real-time decision-making, especially for smaller and remote producers.
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Stephanie Laycock a QLD Rural Ambassador Finalist
30 July 2024
Congratulations to 2024/2025 ABL participant Stephanie Laycock on being selected as a Queensland Rural Ambassador State Finalist, representing the Toogoolawah Show Society and the West Moreton & Brisbane Valley Subchamber. -
ABL Alumni Shannon Rae joins NRM Board
2 May 2024
Congratulations to Shannon Rae on being selected as an Associate Director on the Gulf Savannah NRM Board.
Read about it here -
Rachael Cruwys elected CHRC Deputy Mayor
30 March 2024
Congratulations to alumna Rachael Cruwys on her election to the Cenral Highlands Regional Council where she will serve as Deputy Mayor during the 2024-2028 term.
Read more here -
Mandy Pickering voted CSC Councillor
27 March April 2024
Congratulations to 2023 Alumna Mandy Pickering on being elected a councillor for the Croydon Shire Council.
Read more here -
QCL feature Peter Chiesa
22 March 2024
Congratulations to 2023 Alumnus Peter Chiesa on being featured in the Queensland Country Life for his participation in a silvopastoral trial, evaluating integrated systems of forestry trees and grazing.
Read more here -
Sam Fryer shortlisted for Zanda McDonald Award
23 November 2023
Congratulations to Alumnus Sam Fryer for being shortlisted for the coveted 2024 Zanda McDonald award recognising future leaders in agriculture.
Read more here -
Ian Masterson reaches drought resilience goals
26 September 2023
Congratulations to 2023 graduate Ian Masterson who shared his story on Farm Business Resilience Planning.
See his video here -
Dave Andersen demonstrates business excellence
16 October 2023
Congratulations to North Queensland graduate Dave Andersen on his contribution to demonstrating the power of Farm Business Resilience Planning.
View his video here -
Success at Moonkan Park
11 September 2023
Congratulations to ABL graduate and mentor Kristie Lisle and her husband Matt on being featured in the Queensland Country Life for their involvement in a variety of industry programs.
Read more here -
Kylie Hopkins wins 2023 NABRC Young Achiever Medal
24 August 2023
Congratulations to ABL Alumna and QDAF Extension Officer Kylie Hopkins on being awarded the North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC) Young Achiever Medal.
Read more here -
Young beef industry leaders hail 'life-changing' program
12 June 2023
Congratulations to the 2023 Alumni who graduated in Brisbane this week.
Thank you to Beef Central for attending the awards night and publishing a wonderful article on ABL’s graduates and their personal successes.
Read about the graduates here
View ABL’s Alumni
