FRIDAY, MAY 11 - Queensland Country Life

FRIDAY, MAY 11

Glen Whitton, Riverina,Warwick, Les Smith, Delta Grove 

Brahmans, Baralaba,Tony Grob, Riverina,Warwick, and 

Tony McIlwraith, Riverina Murgon, catching up at the 

Riverina trade site. 

Brazilian visitors Flor De Liz, Oilon Costa, Celha and Silvio Alves, Beef Point, Brazil, 

shopping at the Ozhatz.They have come from Brazil to Australia just for Beef 2012. 

Paul Gooley, Casino, with Dave McQuoid, branch manager for Dog Master Trainers 

in New Zealand. 

Trade show braces 

for final day rush 

Hugh Munro, Booroomooka Angus, Bingara, talking with 

John O’Reilly, CIA Goombungee. 

EXHIBITORS are bracing for possibly their biggest 

day yet as the curtain comes down today on the 

incredibly successful Beef 2012 trade show. Visitors 

still have time to purchase their Queensland 

Country Life showbag, which includes a copy of this week’s 

edition, QCL cap and stubby holder plus an assortment of 

other items. 

At the adjoining Rabobank marquee, visitors have until 

3pm to enter the guess the bullock competition and purchase a 

ticket in the win a Rabodirect Rebels Super Rugby jersey. 

Rabobank’s manager for Queensland and the Northern 

Territory Brad James said all proceeds from the Rebels’ jersey 

promotion went to the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter rescue service. 

Nearby at Elders, producers should drop in for the 10am workshop 

on animal production. Elders’ Brian Walker said the focus 

would be on transport and livestock welfare issues. 

Still in the Elders pavilion, the Tenterfield Saddlery - Brian 

Meldon and wife Lana have done a roaring trade. Wednesday was 

a case in point, the couple sold 20 Geoff Moore crafted whips to a 

group of visiting Americans. 

Inventor Ed Evans, the man behind the award winning Swing 

Gate, has been overwhelmed with interest. The Swing Gate won 

last year’s Queensland Country Life farm inventor of the Year 

award and then went on to win the ABC’s New Inventor program. 

2 BEEF AUSTRALIA 2012 • FRIDAY MAY 11 

queenslandcountrylife.com

Noel Hale, Dakin, 

Sunshine Coast, dropped 

in to the Centracks site. 

Medical talk: Louise Marsden, and Deb Thorley, at the 

Medibank site. 

Beef Australia’s Geoff Murphy, with Glenn McGrath and Katrina 

Hobbs,Australian Year of the Farmer. 

Angus Barrett, owner and operator of Angus Barrett Saddlery, 

Orange. 

Tony Dunne and father Trevor Dunne, from Duaringa, speaking 

with John Austin, sales manager for Westco Rockhampton. 

Phillip Kelly, from Ireland, is helping out Rose-Lyn Paigh, 

Pittsworth, at her Amazing Soaps stand. 

Rod Knight, Jim Lindsay, and Grahame Rees, of 

KLR Marketing. 

Karen Guest, Rockhampton, with Kathy Moloney,Wallumbilla, 

one of the two Mad Hatters for Gidgee Smith, at their display. 

Gary Rynne, Cloyna, Doug Rynne, Cawarral, Grant Shelton, 

Merlwood, with Ed Evan, Brisbane, the creator of the Saftey Gate. 

Gordon Kent,Toowoomba,Tuff Bullbars Australia. 

queenslandcountrylife.com FRIDAY MAY 11 • BEEF AUSTRALIA 2012 3

Your say on BEEF 2012 

QUESTION 1: 

What do you 

like the most 

about Beef 

Australia 2012 

QUESTION 2: What 

could be done to 

improve Beef, and make 

Beef Australia 2015 

bigger and better 

Ian McConnell, manager of 

sustainable beef,WWF 

Q1. I’ve really enjoyed the conferences, 

the technology, and the people striving 

to make a difference in our industry. 

Q2. More food stalls - it takes forever to 

get a feed.There could also be more 

water bubblers around the place. 

Tonya Hayward, Felton, and Georgie Griffiths, Killarney, 

both of Advance Fitting Service. 

Tonya Hayward, Felton 

Q1. There are good facilities provided. Beef attracts 

plenty of people, and it’s great to catch up with a lot of 

them during the week. 

Q2. There needs to be better coloured sawdust for the 

cattle. 

Georgie Griffiths, Killarney 

Q1. The people, the place, and the atmosphere - it all 

makes for a great week. 

Q2. The earlier judging time is hard for fitters and 

people with large teams. 

Leith Hartwig, Ellentee Charolais, 

Dalby 

Q1. All the best cattle in the country are 

in the one place at the once time. 

Q2. A bit more shade for judging. 

Bruce McConnaughty, Baradine, 

NSW 

Q1.The friendly atmosphere, the great 

companionship among breeders, and 

being able to see what other breeders 

are doing with their cattle. 

Q2. I think we need a bit more shade to 

watch the judging. 

Greg Lee, Diamond L Charbrays, 

Nanango 

Q1.The record number of people 

attending - as producers, it means 

we’re getting great exposure. 

Q2.Accommodation is always hard, but 

generally people seem happy enough. 

John Mercer, Kandanga Valley 

Charolais and Charbrays, Kandanga 

Q1.The diversity - so much to do. It’s 

very educational, and it’s good for the 

young people, as well as more mature 

producers.We need to entice the 

younger people into the industry. 

Q2. More eateries, and I don’t believe 

you should have to pay for conferences. 



Dale Wendt, and his son 

Western, the Monty 

Foundation, Mundubbera. 

Dale Wendt 

Q1. The variety - everything in the industry is 

all here on the grounds. 

Q2. I don’t know, I think anything you wanted 

is here, and if you can’t find it then your not 

looking hard enough. 

Western Wendt 

Q1. The cattle, because it’s good to get up 

close with them. 

Q2. Needs to be more fun things, like rides 

and more slush puppy machines. 

Beryl Maroske,Wyreema 

Q1. Looking at the cattle and the cattle 

displays; meeting up with people you 

haven’t seen for years. 

Q2. Better parking. Other than that, can 

you make it bigger 

Warren Smith, Celestial 

Charbrays, Gympie 

Q1. It brings everything together, the 

whole industry, to the one place. 

Q2.Try and have everything together, 

for example all the crushes in the one 

place, or cattle. 

Matt Welsh, Huntington 

Charolais and Charbrays,Taroom 

Q1.The social aspect and catching up 

with everyone. 

Q2. Maybe not have as many topics, 

rather select a few important ones to 

focus on, and really get the message 

across. 

Russel Gray, Brisbane Valley 

Q1.You can see so much, a complete 

range of things, all in the one place. 

Q2. More shade, and things should be 

spread out a bit.The cattle judging is 

pushed into a couple of days, and in the 

main rings things are jammed so the 

cattle can’t really be exhibited properly. 

Esther Ruffo, Gympie 

Q1.The showing and the amount of 

quality cattle here, and also the sites 

where you can get information. 

Q2.The tie up area outside the main 

ring on show day - there isn’t enough 

room. 

Debbie Trace, Dunngullen 

Brahmans, Nanango 

Q1. Its a good place to meet up with 

everyone - neighbours, friends, and 

people you use to work with.The maps 

are good, you can find what you are 

looking for, and the PA system is set up 

well, you can hear each ring. 

Q2. Shade is probably a bit of an issue. 


R&D a must for 

agriculture 

THERE can be no more important issue 

than the health of agriculture and the 

research, development and extension 

system which seeks to serve it and on 

which it relies. 

That was North Australia Beef Research Council 

(NABRAC) chairman Ralph Shannon’s clear 

message to a breakfast gathering of government 

representatives from three states. 

Mr Shannon was speaking at the launch of 

FutureBeef, a partnership between government 

agriculture agencies and industry across northern 

Australia and Meat and Livestock Australia. 

“I must applaud the new LNP government’s 

commitment to both agriculture and R&D, and 

assure them of NABRCs support in finding an 

improved way forward,” Mr Shannon said. 

“In that process we must at all costs preserve 

our capacity for discovery science, and our 

intent in searching for transformational solutions 

to the traditional and emerging limitations 

of the northern beef industry. 

“My core anxiety is that an R&D system in 

decline loses its capacity for creativity, and that 

our most creative thinkers must be able to be 

released from financial imperatives in order to 

chase more risky projects.” 

A feature of FutureBeef is the use of new 

technologies, including online seminars, e- 

bulletins and learning packages. 

MLA managing director Scott Hansen, Sydney, with Beef CRC chief 

executive officer Dr Heather Burrow,Armidale, NSW. 

Alan Laing,Ayr, Mick Sullivan, Rockhampton, and Peter Johnston, 

Brisbane, all from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 

Christopher Nott,Alcoota Station,Alice Springs, with MLA’s Liz Allen 

and Wayne Hall. 

Dan Lynch,Tara, Cloncurry, with MLA 

director Greg Harper. 

Richard Galton, Darwin, and Trisha Cowley, Katherine, representing the 

Northern Territory’s Department of Resources. 

Krista Cavallaro, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 

Brisbane, with Wayne Hall, MLA, Brisbane and Jane Weatherley, 

MLA, Sydney. 

NORTH Australia Beef Research 

Council chair Ralph Shannon. 

WHAT’S ON FOR TODAY 

Friday 11 May 

Property tours 

Craigleigh, Wowan - departing 7am 

Gyranda, Theodore – departing 7am 

Trade fair 

8.30am-5.30pm 

Centre ring 

Landmark Stud Cattle Competition – 

Young Paraders, 8am-10am 

Young Judges, 10am-12 noon 

Family entertainment 

Starshine & More 9am-12pm 

Live Music, 12noon-5pm 

Performance by Beyond Gravity 

Country Collaboration Concert: Kasey 

Chambers, Shane Nicholson & Busby 

Marou, 6pm 

Demo Ring 

Double Dan Horsemanship, 11am & 2.30pm 

Danny Rowen & Richard Hanson Blacksmith 

& Draft Horse Shoeing 9am, 12.30pm & 

4pm 

The Homestead 

The Crackup Sisters, 9am, 1pm, 3.30pm 

Acrobats or whip cracking workshop, 

10.30am & 2pm 

Roving Entertainment 

The Incredible Flea Circus, No Bull & More 

Bars 

Outback bar, 12 noon -11.30pm; XXXX 

Heartland Retreat, 12 noon-11.30pm 

Coles Kitchen, Walter Pearce Pavillon 

Sampling: Beef Burgers, 9am-10am 

Masterchef contestants, Dani Venn & 

Michael Weldon 

Live cooking on stage 10am-11am 

Sampling: Grilled Argentinian Steak, 11am- 

12 noon 

Kids in the Kitchen activity session – 

hamburgers 12noon -1pm 

Masterchef contestants Dani Venn & 


Live cooking on stage 1pm-2pm 

Activity session – Carcase Breakdown, 

2pm-3pm 

Masterchef contestants , Dani Venn & 


Live cooking on stage 3pm-4pm 

Mercure Branded Restaurant, Robert 

Schwarten Indoor Pavilion 

Suncorp Bank Sportsmans Lunch, 12 noon 

Cattleman’s Bar and Grill Restaurant, 

Walter Pearce Pavilion 

NAB Agribusiness “Beauty & The Beef” 

luncheon – 12 noon, Afternoon Tea – 

3.30pm-5pm 

Fashion Parades, Schwarten Indoor 

Pavilion 

Style Extravaganza, 4pm 

Aligned events 

CQ NRL Bid Breakfast, CQ Leagues Club, 

7.00am-9.00am 

Exhibitions, Art Gallery 



OPINION POLL 

Each day of BEEF 2012, our panel of industry experts 

will tackle the big issues affecting the cattle industry. 

The 

Ringer 

Tim 

Olive 

Brad 

Cooper 

Alf 

Collins 

Wendy 

Perry 

WEATHER 

WATCH 

Do you believe in 

climate change 

MONEY 

MATTERS 

Have banks treated 

the rural industry 

fairly 

FUTURE 

FOCUS 

How important is 

succession 

planning 

THE GOOD, 

BAD, UGLY 

Who inspires you 

Who disappoints 

you 

THE FACE 

OF BEEF 

Which celebrity 

should promote 

beef 

THE RINGER 

Yep- it was rainin’ yesterdee, it didn’t 

rain today and it might rain tomorrow. 

Complex sort of stuff to work out… 

BRAD COOPER, QUEENSLAND 

COUNTRY LIFE, ORMISTON 

The climate is forever in a state of 

change. How much of this change can 

be attributed to the actions of people is 

still a matter of debate.What we do 

know for absolute certainty is that 

governments the world over are 

'responding' to climate change in a very 

real way, via changes to policy, legislation 

and regulations. 

TIM OLIVE,APIS CREEK, 

MARLBOROUGH 

The climate is changing - always has 

and always will.As the caretakers of the 

earth at this time we need to be aware of 

our actions. 

ALF COLLINS,AL COLLINS BRAH- 

MANS, GUNDAROO, NEBO 

No. Sure the climate may change a little 

but I believe the big changes are more to 

do with natural cycles. 

WENDY PERRY, FLETCHER’S AWL, 

CLERMONT 

Not to the extent that the Federal 

Government would have us believe.The 

planet has been constantly changing 

since the dawn of time and will continue 

to do so. Carbon is a natural part of the 

ecosystem in which we live and without 

carbon, we would not have life. 

THE RINGER 

Yeah… fairly poorly. Personally, I’d 

rather keep my money in a rusty golden 

syrup tin, stashed beneath the floorboards 

of an outstation shack. In fact, I 

do. Of course, an argument could be 

made that there’s less deadwood 

surrounding my money. 

BRAD COOPER 

There was probably a time when you 

could say banks of all persuasions had 

either given rural Australia a touch up 

through the withdrawal of services and 

closures or dished out cold indifference 

through poor customer service and 

product offers ill-suited to rural 

commerce.That's not accurate 

anymore. I'm not one for buzz words, but 

I'm pleased the word agribusiness is 

widely used and has found a natural 

home in the branding of many of our 

banking and financial institutions. It's 

been part of an overall shift in thinking 

that primary production is big business. 

TIM OLIVE 

I can only speak from my personal point 

of view, Lynette and I feel strongly to 

work only with people that we can trust 

therefore that has driven our decision 

with our banking. 

ALF COLLINS 

Yes. My experience with banks has been 

positive, as long as they are aware of 

what is in front of them. 

WENDY PERRY 

I think some have and some haven’t. It is 

like everything, you need to shop around 

to find the right product with the back-up 

service to match. 

THE RINGER 

Very important if you’ve got someone to 

hand it to. My old man knew all about it. 

Before he passed on, we had a special 

‘handing-over’ ceremony- he tossed me 

a Vegemite jar that contained a comb, a 

broken drill bit, keys to the ‘64 Bedford 

and half a dozen fencing staples, before 

saying:“Welcome to agriculture.” 

BRAD COOPER 

Statistics suggest that the number of 

family owned farm businesses engaged 

in succession planning is very low.This 

is a worry, especially given the number 

of farmers expected to retire over the 

next 10 years.The lack of effective 

succession planning on our farms will be 

one of the big challenges facing agriculture 

in the next decade. 

TIM OLIVE 

It is extremely important as anyone with 

drive and direction at any age needs to 

know that they have a future to work 

towards within the family industry. 

ALF COLLINS 

Succession planning done well can be 

the difference between family business 

taking a leap into the future or falling flat 

on its face.The planning part is not too 

hard but sticking to the plan seems to be 

the greatest challenge for some! 

WENDY PERRY 

The rural population is aging and we are 

losing our rural youth at an alarming rate 

to other higher paying industries. We 

need to treat our properties like businesses 

and look at the issue of succession 

planning very early on in our 

children’s life. We need to be prepared 

well before retirement age and be confident 

that the next generation have the 

skills, both practical and managerial, to 

take over the running of our businesses. 

THE RINGER 

The late Sir Joh inspired me of course, 

along with Russell Coight (now there’s a 

real bushman) and David “Boonie” Boon. 

People who disappoint me include Bob 

Brown, vegetarians, Bob Brown, 

selected property agents, Bob Brown, 

Baz Luhrmann, Phil Gould and Bob 

Brown. 

BRAD COOPER 

MLA chairman Don Heatley’s conduct 

during the live-ex ban was inspiring. So 

who disappoints me Talkback radio 

shockjocks.They use their talent, power 

and influence for evil.And Shane Warne, 

because he's such a goose. 

TIM OLIVE 

Inspires - My wife inspires me with her 

big heart and kindness. 

Disappoints - The ones who are deceitful 

and don't keep true to their word. 

ALF COLLINS 

Inspires - Wayne Bennett, a man of high 

integrity, who makes very little noise but 

delivers great results. 

Disappoints - This could get me into 

some strife - Julia Gillard. No need to say 

any more! 

WENDY PERRY 

I draw inspiration from many people for 

differing reasons. 

As for disappointments – have you 

looked at the Federal Government and 

the way it runs our great country 

THE RINGER 

One man and one man only- Sam 

Backo.That league legend would 

certainly know a good steak when he 

has one for smoko, and probably eats 

beef sausages and savoury mince every 

night with steak sauce and a side order 

of steakhouse chips. Of course, I’m 

always happy to give it a crack should 

Sam not be available. 

BRAD COOPER 

The Wiggles. If they could turn a song 

about fruit salad into musical gold then 

just imagine what they could do with 

beef Rib fillet, yummy, yummy! 

TIM OLIVE 

Darren Lockyer. He has proven he is a 

true leader, honest, and people from 

many walks of life respect him and he is 

an Australian. 

ALF COLLINS 

Keith Urban.We might even get a new 

tune as part of the package. 

WENDY PERRY 

The boy-band “One Direction” – their 

legions of fans would do anything that 

they asked! Beef sales would go 

through the roof! 

IN SUMMARY 

STATE OF CHANGE 

IN SUMMARY 

YES, GENERALLY 

IN SUMMARY 

THE NO. 1 ISSUE 

IN SUMMARY 

POLITICIANS DISAPPOINT 

IN SUMMARY 

TOO TOUGH TO CALL 


Beef comes of age 

WHAT a week it has been. Beef genetics conference, held at UQ. This twoday 

forum attracted registrations of 320 

While hosting in the International 

talking to visitors, making them feel at home. 

2012 is bigger and better than 

ever before. There is so much to people from 34 countries - at which stage Lounge, I was speaking to cattlemen from the 

see and do, with the cattle judging, 

nominations were shut off, to the disappointment 

harsh Chako region of Paraguay where they 

trade fairs, conferences and property 

tours, not to mention the culinary experiences, 

entertainment, cocktail parties and 

dinners. 

To me, the essence of Beef 2012 is the 

coming together of people, involved or interested 

in all aspects of the cattle industry, 

from all countries of the world. 

Beef Australia has come of age, in facilitating 

this. It has worked hard to attract large 

numbers from overseas, and should be 

congratulated on the result. 

Setting the stage for what can only be 

described as a phenomenal week, was the 

of many. 

With exceptional speakers from five 

countries, we saw the concepts of innovation, 

collaboration, inspiration and celebration 

embodied to the full. 

Possibly the greatest innovation introduced 

at Beef Week 2012 is the Bayer 

Genetics and Reproduction Technologies 

Market Place where everything involved in 

the selection management and trade of 

genetics is situated under the same roof. 

The International Lounge has been a 

place where overseas people can come to 

relax. The hosts do an outstanding job of 

only receive 600mm rainfall annually. 

They are seeking to introduce genetics 

from regions that have a similar latitude and 

rainfall pattern. 

Burnett and I also met a delegation from 

Poland. They are interested in our genetics 

and want to keep in touch. 

At the NSW Trade and Investment reception, 

put on by Austrade I met a delegation 

from Mexico, including Felipe de Jesus 

Cabral Pulido who spoke no English. 

This was a wonderful opportunity to practice 

my Spanish. The look on Felipe’s face 

when I spoke his language made the effort all 

the more worthwhile.urnett and I are looking 

Louise 

to hosting a “fly-in-fly-out” tour group 

today, at Gyranda, our Santa Gertrudis stud, 

320Km South of Rockhampton. 

Joyce 

Gyranda, Theodore 

The Back Page

FRIDAY, MAY 11 - Queensland Country Life

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