Advancing Beef Leaders

Pathways. Impact. Influence.

A beef industry leadership and professional development program

The Advancing Beef Leaders (ABL) program is a tailored leadership and professional development program for emerging beef producers and rural community leaders.

Presently delivered through a partnership between Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries extension staff and private consultants, ABL aims to skill and enthuse those who wish to become more involved in community and industry organisations.

ABL overlays relevant technical skills with appropriate self-development, encouraging participants to build stronger networks, and sparking the confidence needed for alumni to contribute and influence.

ABL is overseen by the ABL Foundation Board and supported by generous sponsors and funders.

In 2025, ABL Foundation intends opening the ABL program to applicants across Australia.

ABL Alumni June 2023

We thank our 2024/2025 sponsors

This program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program.

  • If you are serious about being able to get the best outcomes for yourself, your business and your community, then this is the course for you. It's the rural MBA in my books.

    Jane Moore | Director Rivercea Pty Ltd - Director Riverside Hay, Treasurer - Horse of the North Inc.

    2021 ABL Graduate

  • The program and your mentor will provide you with the assistance to turn your desires into goals. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.

    Brendan Crouch | Branch Manager - Elders Moura & Theodore.

    2024 ABL Graduate

  • I applied to the Advancing Beef Leaders program to build my confidence. The program surpassed my expectations, and the network that I have built will play a critical role in the success of my career in agriculture.

    Harry Evans | Assistant Operations Manager - Daniels Pastoral Holdings, Secretary - Cloncurry & District Race Club.

    2024 ABL Graduate

  • If you're passionate about advancing the agriculture sector but are uncertain about the path to take, the ABL program is an ideal starting place. Each module equips participants with a diverse set of tools to refine personal development, enhance business acumen, and cultivate leadership

    Kristie Lisle | Grazier.

    2023 ABL Graduate

  • We have utilised the ABL learnings to strengthen our team and family relationships within our Cobb Cattle Co business.

    Samantha Cobb | Owner/Director - Cobb Cattle Co, Director - CHRRUP, Deputy Chair - CQRBRC.

    2021 ABL Graduate

  • The ABL Program turned up at a time when I needed to further my leadership skills. It gave me unique insight into the workings of the wider agricultural climate, and the importance of upskilling ourselves to assist our industry in progressing through the modern political climate and keep pushing for a better outcome for ourselves and the environment.

    Jane Moore | Director Rivercea Pty Ltd, Director Riverside Hay. Treasurer Horse of the North Inc.

    2021 ABL Graduate

  • This program challenged me in areas where I wasn't confident. Anyone wanting to grow themselves as an individual or ag business, have a go and see where it takes you!

    Jo McGuigan | Seed Stock Producer

    2024 ABL Graduate

  • Whether you have decades of experience or are just starting out, the ABL program offers invaluable knowledge, networking, and opportunities for anyone growing beef. Few other programs offer industry mentorship, business, governance, communication, and technical skill development in one engaging year. ...and certainly not at this discounted rate!

    Natalie Hughes | Grazier - 5PE Pastoral, Rural Financial Counsellor.

    2024 ABL Graduate

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