Livestock SA Executive Officer: A Rising Champion Of Agribuisness

Now in its eleventh year, the Rising Champion Initiative is a joint program of the Cattle Council of Australia (CCA) and NAB Agribusiness to foster the leadership and business skills of emerging beef industry leaders.

It provides an unrivalled opportunity for beef industry participants aged between 21-40 to kick-start their personal career development and network with industry and government representatives.

Tom, 29, will now attend an all-expenses paid Leadership Development week in Canberra with the 2021 Rising Champions from other states throughout Australia.

Tom runs a small farm in Hindmarsh Valley with his wife, Aimee, producing Murray Grey cattle and works as the Industry Fund Executive Officer for both Livestock SA and the SA Dairy Industry Fund.

Having been born and raised in the city, but with a lifelong fascination for agriculture, Tom hopes to use the experience he gains through the Rising Champions Initiative to positively contribute to building the pipeline of talent in agriculture, and specifically the cattle sector.

“The agriculture industry is often impacted by labour shortages, but I see such growth potential in the talent pool of young people who would love to be involved if they knew more about the industry,” Tom said.

“I grew up in the city, and knew nothing about farming, and I think there are many others out there with talent to offer, but no corresponding pathway to crack into the industry.

“I hope to be able to help share and communicate the great things about the Australian beef industry, with a view to boosting the number of new entrants willing to contribute their time and skills for the overall benefit of the sector.”

Livestock SA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Curtis said Tom had been invaluable to the team since coming onboard in December 2019.

"Tom is an incredibly talented agribusiness professional with a true passion for primary industries," he said.

"Livestock SA is very proud to have someone of Tom's calibre within its ranks."

NAB Executive for Regional and Agribusiness, Julie Rynski, said Tom was an exceptional role model for other young members of the beef industry.

“Fostering the professional development and leadership skills of the next generation of Australian beef industry leaders like Tom is vital to ensure the ongoing success of the industry and the many rural and regional communities who depend on it,” Ms Rynski said.

CCA President, Markus Rathsmann, congratulated Tom on his achievement and dedication to the Australian beef industry.

“Tom reflects the high calibre of candidates that the Rising Champions program continues to attract and bodes well for the future of the Australian beef industry,” Mr Rathsmann said.

“CCA would like to thank NAB Regional & Agribusiness, Livestock SA and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) for their support of the Rising Champions Initiative.”