New beef industry scholarships awarded in honour of ag stalwarts

John Salmond, Jack Blaine and Jane Evans were named the inaugural scholarship recipients from the 2026/27 cohort of the Advancing Beef Leaders Program.

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.

Embodying their shared values of service to industry, humility in leadership and a commitment to building the capacity of others, the three ABL Scholarships support participants to extend themselves through the Advancing Beef Leaders (ABL) Program.

At a recent ceremony in Darwin, 2026/27 ABL Program participants John Salmond, Jack Blaine and Jane Evans were named the inaugural scholarship recipients. Jack Blaine, a cattle producer and founder of Diggers Cattle Company – a direct-to-consumer beef business in the Northern Rivers NSW – was awarded the scholarship honouring Dr Mike Stephens. Jane Evans, a Beef Extension Officer with Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries in Cloncurry, and John Salmond, a grazier and producer at Mt McConnel Station in Collinsville, Queensland, were each awarded scholarships in Joe Rolfe’s name.

"Both Joe and Mike played instrumental roles in the founding and success of the ABL Program, and we're proud to honour their contributions in a way that is so true to their characters," ABL Foundation Executive Officer, Alison Larard, said.

Each scholarship provides funding to support the participant's ABL Program contribution, travel to program events, and additional professional development opportunities.

The scholarships recognise the contributions of two very different leaders with a shared belief in the value of investing in people.

(Below, L-R: Dr Mike Stephens, Mr Joe Rolfe)

"Joe was a quiet leader who invested deeply in relationships,” Alison said. “His influence is felt right across the northern beef industry. He encouraged others to step forward and gave his time generously to help people succeed,” she said.

"Mike has long challenged people to think differently about the future of agriculture,” Alison said. “He has an extraordinary ability to see potential in people and ideas, connect them to opportunities and encourage them to have a go.”

Dr Stephens, in collaboration with Alison, is a co-founder of the ABL Program and has influenced generations of agricultural leaders through his work across farm business management, succession planning and leadership development.

Mr Rolfe, a highly respected Principal Beef Extension Officer with Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (formerly DAF), dedicated more than 25 years to supporting northern producers and developing those around him. He played an instrumental role sourcing funding to get the ABL Program off paper and into the world.

Joe's widow, Kerri Rolfe, said the scholarship was a fitting tribute to her husband's values.

"It is a very special honour for Joe to be recognised in this way," she said. "Reading about the recipients and their aspirations, Jane and John both seem incredibly worthy. I think Joe would have been proud to know these scholarships are supporting the next generation of industry leaders."

The inaugural scholarship recipients are currently undertaking the 2026/27 Advancing Beef Leaders Program while representing the spirit of service, generosity and leadership exemplified by the scholarships' namesakes.

The Joe Rolfe and Mike Stephens scholarships include:

• Funding towards the participant's ABL Program contribution, valued at $3,000;

• Travel support of up to $1,500 to attend ABL Program events; and

• Up to $1,500 for approved industry exposure and professional development opportunities.

Scholarship recipients contribute positively to the ABL learning environment, demonstrate collaborative leadership and help share program impact with the broader community.