Jane Evans:
Jane is a Beef Extension Officer with the Department of Primary Industries in Cloncurry. She grew up around Roma, where her family runs a small beef business that she is involved in. She has worked on cattle properties in Queensland and the Northern Territory and studied a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Sustainable Agriculture.
Jane is based in Cloncurry and works with producers, researchers and industry stakeholders to improve the profitability and sustainability of beef businesses across northwest QLD through the implementation of best management practices. She is Secretary of the NWQ Regional Beef Research Committee and is passionate about creating awareness and support for regional issues. Jane enjoys volunteering in her community, and bringing people together.
Jane is one of the recipients of the inaugural Joe Rolfe Scholarship, which supports their participation in the ABL Program.
Scholarship recipients contribute positively to the ABL learning environment, demonstrate collaborative leadership and help share program impact with the broader community.
A deepened interest in governance, passion for voluntarism and a new network of friends for life are just some of the things Jane Evans has gained since commencing the 12-month Advancing Beef Leaders Program in June 2026.
What has surprised you in the course of the program so far?
It amazed me how tight-knit a group of strangers from all over northern Australia could become after spending a couple of days together. At the end of our first meeting in Darwin, it was strange to hear people saying, ‘nice to meet you’, because it felt like we were all old friends rather than new program participants that had just met.
What have you started thinking about differently?
I gained a new appreciation for governance after completing the module with Julia Spicer. Since then, I’ve thought a lot about volunteering and the structure and succession of committees in small communities. Finding volunteers can be hard so I’m keen to see what else we can be doing to encourage others to become part of vital community groups.
What conversation or experience has stuck with you?
The Supply Chain Tour to JBS Dinmore, Kerwee Feedlot and Jim’s Jerky was a memorable and eye-opening experience. The importance of creating a positive workplace culture and efficient production systems where they get the most value out of every single product really stood out to me after visiting these corporate and family-run businesses.
What are you doing differently already?
I’ve said yes to and had a crack at things that I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise like using LinkedIn, doing a radio interview, writing personal articles and becoming secretary of the ABL Foundation Gala Ball. The learning modules, group impact project and my mentor have all helped me to build my knowledge and confidence to take on things like this.
Who have you met who has shifted your perspective?
Coming from a sheep and cropping background in South Australia, my mentor, Dani England, provides an interesting and fresh perspective on things that I really appreciate. While we live and work in different parts of the industry and country, there are many parallels and learnings that I can takeaway, reflect on and apply to my work and personal life.
What have you learned about yourself as a leader?
My values like authenticity, loyalty, humility and generosity play a big role in how I lead and who I look up to as leaders. Reflecting on my values, what drives me and how I operate under pressure was a good exercise at the start of the program to help me better understand myself and how I lead. This also gave me a better understanding of how other people operate.
