Three emerging beef industry leaders have been awarded new scholarships created by the ABL Foundation in honour of Dr Mike Stephens AM and the late Mr Joe Rolfe, recognising their enduring contributions to extension, education and leadership across Australian agriculture.

The 2026/27 cohort of the Advancing Beef Leaders (ABL) Program has been unveiled, with 22 leaders from Queensland, the Northern Territory, northern New South Wales and northern Western Australia selected to take part in the 12-month leadership development opportunity.

More than half of Advancing Beef Leaders (ABL) Program alumni have gone on to join beef industry boards or committees, according to a new independent evaluation of the program’s impact. The report found 54% of respondents have taken up formal governance roles since completing ABL.

The ABL Foundation (ABLF) is excited to welcome Alison Larard as its first Executive Officer, selected to lead the next chapter in the delivery of its renowned Advancing Beef Leaders (ABL) Program, as it continues to grow its national footprint.