Meet the 2026/2027 Alumni

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE – SIGNATURE ONFARM - QLD

Madelaine is a fifth-generation beef producer, working in the first generation of full vertical integration in her family’s supply chain. Throughout her career she has jumped in to every element of the business – from station hand; property manager; marketing of boxed beef; some logistics, sales and compliance for export beef; to nearly every role in an export beef processing facility.

Madelaine is now mostly in the office at Signature Onfarm, handling administration and finance across the Angus’s group of companies. She is passionate about connecting with consumers and utilising the whole carcase to its full potential.

PRODUCER - DIGGERS CATTLE COMPANY - NSW

Jack is a cattle producer and founder of Diggers Cattle Company, a direct-to-consumer beef business in the Northern Rivers NSW. He brings experience across stud, commercial, and direct-to-consumer operations, providing a broad understanding of the beef supply chain.

Jack focuses on building a profitable, scalable business through regenerative practices and strong customer relationships. His model centres on value-adding and supply chain control from paddock to plate, while identifying markets aligned with core values, including partnerships with veteran and RSL communities. Jack is committed to improving producer margins and developing his leadership within the Australian beef industry.

BEEF & CANE PRODUCER - NORTH QUEENSLAND - QLD

Barb breeds Wagyu cattle and grows sugar cane with her husband. She's dedicated to improving productivity and resilience for grassroots producers, focusing on practical farm solutions. Barb promotes continuous learning, collaboration, and data-driven decisions.

She holds a Bachelor of Business and has completed many industry courses supporting best-practice management and applying these learnings on farm. Previously, she worked with NRM groups, overseeing monitoring and evaluation of biophysical, social, and economic data among landholders, industry, and researchers.

MANAGER - ALCOOTA STATION - NT

Ellen has been involved in the cattle industry for over 15 years, building experience across a range of roles in Central Australia. Alongside her husband, she operated a contract mustering business for six years, working across multiple stations and gaining a strong foundation in practical livestock management and operations.

For the past three years, Ellen and her husband have managed Alcoota Station for Alcoota Aboriginal Cattle Company, located just outside of Alice Springs. In this role, they are responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, with a focus on productivity, animal performance, and sustainable station management in a challenging pastoral environment.

Ellen is a passionate pastoralist with a strong interest in the future of the beef industry in Central Australia.

RELATIONSHIP ANALYST - RABOBANK AUSTRALIA - NSW

Jemima is a young agribusiness professional who is passionate about building relationships across rural areas and industries. As the daughter of a cattle vet, she has always had an appreciation and awe for all aspects of the beef industry. Before stepping into agribusiness banking, Jemima spent a couple of years working across rural regions of NSW as a nurse and midwife, developing a deep understanding of the needs of communities and people within the ag industry.

Jemima is the Vice President of Central West Young Aggies, a professional networking organisation that aims to connect and inspire young individuals working across the broad spectrum of the ag industry - from primary producers, agri professionals, teachers and nurses to tradespeople.

BEEF EXTENSION OFFICER - DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, CLONCURRY - QLD

Jane 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.

LEADING HAND - IRONBARK HEREFORDS - NSW

Kiara grew up on a small property in the Snowy Mountains, where she developed a love for cattle from a young age. After a stint working in the Thoroughbred industry, Kiara’s career in agriculture began as a station hand in Far North Queensland, followed by a role as a leading stud hand at Ironbark Herefords, and eventually leading into her current position overseeing feedlot livestock operations at Ironbark Premium Beef.

A Business degree through Marcus Oldham, and formal Artificial Insemination training complements her practical experience. Kiara is passionate about producing a healthy and holistically sustainable food source, with a strong focus on innovation and efficiency in beef production.

GRAZIER/PRODUCER - BOONDOCK, ST GEORGE - QLD

Joe is a first generation farmer and he manages a Droughtmaster and Angus influenced breeder herd in the southern Maranoa with his wife and his in-laws. Joe uses Angus and Composite bulls over Droughtmaster cross cows and retains most of the steers through to feeder weight. He and his family also run rangeland goats.

Previously, Joe spent time working in earthmoving, landscaping and logistics while completing a Bachelor of Accounting via distance through CQU. He is passionate about improving the genetics of his herd and understanding the psychological effects we have on our animals.

PASTORAL EXTENSION OFFICER - NT DAF KATHERINE - NT

Stacey began her role as an Extension Officer with NT DAF in 2022, working across livestock and rangelands projects primarily in the Katherine and Barkly regions. Stacey grew up in eastern Victoria and prior to moving to the NT, worked as a station hand in the Pilbara, then completed her Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Charles Sturt Uni in Wagga Wagga.

In her current role, Stacey delivers extension activities across a broad range of topics and projects, including delivering the NT Rangeland Management Course, organising NT DAF field days, and working on FutureBeef. She is also the secretary of the Katherine Pastoral Industry Advisory Committee. Stacey is passionate about working with people; understanding drivers of change; and designing extension activities that are valuable to her audience.

LIVESTOCK AND PASTURE MANAGEMENT. BALCOMBA - QLD

Alex works with the McTaggart Family on Balcomba, in Central Queensland. The operation is comprised of a composite self-replacing beef herd, being managed through a cell grazing system. Non-replacement progeny is backgrounded on an adjacent property before being sold at feeder weight.

Alex’s background includes working as a technician at John Deere, completing tertiary education at Marcus Oldham, and experiencing beef production in many different regions across Australia. Alex has called South Australian coastal and pastoral regions home, as well as the New England and Southern Victoria. Alex has a special interest in utilising genetics and grazing management to maximise output and sustainability in a beef production system.

PRODUCER - HILLSIDE STATION, PILBARA - WA

Tahree is a third-generation Pilbara pastoralist and part of the management team at Hillside Station in Western Australia. She is responsible for station administration and leads operations in the home yards, managing staff and overseeing cattle work.

Tahree is actively involved in producer-led research through the Pilbara Extension Network and Pilbara Innovation Partnership, focusing on early weaning, reproductive health, and practical adoption in extensive systems. She is passionate about people, community, and building confidence within the industry, and is driven to contribute to a more connected and progressive northern beef sector.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FACILITATOR - NQ DRY TROPICS - QLD

Ashleigh is passionate about supporting northern Australian beef producers in sustainable land management and stewardship to build business resilience and strong regional communities.

With experience as a stationhand and in extension, facilitation and project management, alongside a background in meat science research, she works closely with producers to connect land condition, livestock performance and business outcomes. Ashleigh currently facilitates the Landholders Driving Change Advisory Panel in North Queensland and is a founding member of the Bowen Collinsville Rural Women’s Network.

LIVESTOCK COORDINATOR - WONGA PLAINS FEEDLOT, DALBY - QLD

Jessie is a fifth-generation grazier who grew up on a mixed cattle and cropping property north of Wallumbilla. She completed a Bachelor of Agribusiness at UQ Gatton and currently works as a Livestock Coordinator at Wonga Plains Feedlot near Dalby, Queensland.

Alongside her professional role, Jessie contributes to her family’s operation when time allows, while also managing her own small enterprise trading steers and maintaining a cow herd. She is passionate about improving productivity and profitability through practical management strategies. Jessie is excited to be part of the ABL program and values the opportunity to expand her knowledge and connect with likeminded industry participants.

THIRD GENERATION GRAZIER - FOUNDER, RURALADYS LEGACIES - QLD

Alice is a third-generation grazier, part of a family-run mixed Brahman cattle and dryland cropping enterprise across Northern and Central Qld. Growing up in the beef industry gave her a strong understanding of both the opportunities and challenges within agriculture, along with a deep appreciation for the people who drive the industry forward. Through hands-on experience across a variety of roles throughout Qld and the NT, Alice identified a need for stronger support systems for the next generation entering agriculture. This led to the development of Rural Ladys Legacies, an initiative delivering personal development, leadership and mindset services to people entering and emerging in the agricultural industry across Australia. Her work is centred on improving mental wellbeing, self-awareness, communication and confidence - helping young people enter ag and build sustainable careers and long-term legacies.

PASTORAL ADMINISTRATOR - CAMM AGRICULTURAL GROUP - QLD

Ella has developed broad experience across the beef supply chain and brings a positive, practical passion for the red meat industry. With a strong focus on productivity, animal welfare and the end consumer experience, she is committed to helping build trust and understanding between producers and consumers.

Her background in red meat research strengthened her interest in consumer perception and industry confidence, while her work on northern stations developed hands-on skills in extensive grazing, data collection, animal health, nutrition and team leadership.

Ella currently manages cattle data and reporting across breeder and backgrounding operations, using accurate information to support better decision-making and stronger production outcomes.

MANAGER - PRODUCER - CONTRACTOR, CASINO, NORTHERN RIVERS - NSW

Marshall manages a commercial beef property near Casino in NSW. The property is third generation in his family and runs a mix of crossbred Santa Gertrudis with Yugilbar genetics.

Since taking on the management role, there has been a 40 head increase in breeding cows, with an intent to also breed F1 Santa x Angus.

Coming from a background of Australia Post, transport and retail, he has a large range of skills, from admin, analytics, people management, scheduling and leadership. With a passion for agriculture, Marshall is heavily involved with NSW Farmers Young Farmers and is passionate about next-gen in both the beef industry and agriculture overall.

GRAZIER - PRODUCER - MT MCCONNEL STATION, COLLINSVILLE - QLD

John has managed his family cattle property in North Queensland since he was 25. Often on his own, John learnt how to work and problem solve challenges presented by a remote station. John is passionate about the beef industry and regenerative agriculture.

After witnessing the devastation of drought, John has implemented different grazing strategies to help the land become more sustainable.

By serving on local sporting and community groups, he realises the importance of contribution and feeling like you are part of something bigger than yourself. John embraces any opportunity to improve as a grazier, communicator and leader.

BUSINESS ANALYST - AAM INVESTMENT GROUP - QLD

Harriet supports strategic decision-making across a diverse agricultural portfolio spanning northern and southern beef, poultry, and timber processing. Her work centres on financial modelling, data analysis, and investment opportunity assessment bringing a commercial lens to Australian production systems.

Growing up on her family's grazing property near Wellington NSW, and working on a Cattle Station in the Northern Territory, has given Harriet a strong practical foundation in livestock operations that continues to inform her commercial work today. She is actively involved in her family's enterprise, contributing to business strategy analytics and communications. Harriet's involvement with Intercollegiate Meat Judging, including her participation in the South East Asian red meat supply chain tour, has deepened her appreciation for the beef supply chain, and grown her passion for cross-industry collaboration.

BEEF PRODUCER, MARANOA - QLD

Ricky lives and works on the Maranoa in south west Queensland with his partner, working within a family-run beef operation while running his own cattle enterprise. Ricky joined the family company board, building his knowledge of the business.

Alongside life on the land, Ricky co-owns a catering business servicing regional events and private functions.

He brings a hands-on, solutions-focused approach to both, with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, and supporting rural communities.

He is passionate about building a productive, resilient herd, with a focus on pasture management and practical decision-making that supports long-term sustainability.

PHD CANDIDATE - UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND, GATTON - QLD

Ella is passionate about beef industry communications, particularly bridging the gap between academics and producers. Ella’s career has ranged from ecological consultancy in Queensland, station hand roles in central Australia and Victoria, and casual academic appointments at UQ.

Through her PhD, using detection dogs to pregnancy test cattle, Ella aims to improve welfare and productivity for beef producers meanwhile gaining on the ground knowledge of current and forecasted opportunities and challenges in the livestock sector. Through the ABL Program, Ella aspires to elevate her industry knowledge, create and strengthen her support networks, and challenge her current idea of leadership.

HEAD STOCKWOMAN - NAPIER DOWNS, KIMBERLEY - WA

D’Arne is Head Stockwoman at Napier Downs, a large-scale cattle enterprise in the Kimberley. She has over ten years of industry experience across feedlots, mixed farming, stations in the Pilbara and the Kimberley, where she leads the progressive horsemanship program.

The granddaughter of farming pioneers, D’Arne is a self-taught horsewoman who has trained thoroughbreds for the Magic Millions sales.

She is passionate about the relationship between people, livestock and country and building systems that make all three thrive. Outside of work she is fascinated by all aspects of horsemanship, from anatomy and training to behaviour and breeding.