Future Farmers Network (FFN) hosted the two-day conference focused on providing educational, networking and capacity-building opportunities for under-40-year-olds with an interest in the beef industry in Roma last week.

Tamworth-based FFN executive officer Toby Locke, who helped coordinate the conference alongside a local steering committee, said the future of the beef industry was in good hands with delegates coming from all corners of the country. 

The theme of the 13^th YBPF was Realise Your Opportunities, and was developed for young producers, by young producers.

It featured a raft of high-profile guest speakers, as well as a property tour of Australian Country Choice’s Brindley Park.

Mr Locke said a highlight from the conference was FFN announcing two $1000 bursaries to attend Beef Week in Rockhampton in May next year.

“It’s again about supporting young people further their studies or career in the agricultural industry, and it coincided with the Young Beef Producers Forum,” Mr Locke said.

FFN also announced at the conference that all FFN members would receive one month’s free access to Agrihive, a new start-up that develops financial literacy, by enabling people to mke better decisions based on understanding their future state. 

Mr Locke said that partnership came on the back of the recent FFN survey, which found members wanted to improve their financial knowledge.

“It’s one of the biggest forums we’ve had,” Mr Locke said.

“We had over 240 people attend the YBPF, with 185 delegates.

“They came from every state except for South Australia, with 10 per cent coming from NSW and 55 per cent female.

“Nearly 80 per cent of the delegates were under the age of 30, which is a really great sign for the future of Australian beef industry.”

Mr Locke said a highlight from the two-day forum in Roma were the guest speakers.

FFN also held its annual general meeting at the YBPF, where Tamworth’s Geoff Birchnell was elected as one of 11 directors.