The Young Beef Producers’ Forum in Roma brought together emerging leaders from across the beef industry for two days of learning, connection and inspiration, and Elders was proud to support the event again this year.
April Brett and Chloe Taylor at the Young Beef Producers Forum recently held in Roma.
With staff attending as both supporters and participants, Elders contributed to the forum’s Paddock to Possibility theme by engaging with young producers, sharing career insights and helping raise valuable funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The forum is designed to build skills, networks and confidence among people under 40 with a passion for the beef industry. Created by young producers for young producers, the forum continues to be a drawcard for those looking to learn, connect and broaden their industry horizons.
Elders Livestock Trainee Chloe Taylor had heard lots of positive feedback about the forum and was eager to experience it herself.
“I had heard a lot of good things about past forums, so it was something I really wanted to be part of,” she said.
“It’s a valuable event for anyone in our industry. Networking is everything in the beef world; talking to people and learning from others at different stages of their careers. It’s a great way to get inspired, and it really showed me how much value there is in stepping outside your usual circle.”
Elders Longreach Rural Products Sales Representative April Brett shared similar enthusiasm, saying she was keen to connect with new people from across the beef sector.
“I wanted the chance to meet people from different parts of the industry,” she said.
She also saw strong alignment between the forum and her role, in rural product sales.
“Opportunities like this help show that you don’t need to work on a station to be part of the beef industry. There are so many ways to be involved through different career paths in agriculture.”
Both Chloe and April valued the chance to learn about other career pathways and to share insights into opportunities available at Elders. Chloe was particularly encouraged by the interest shown in the Elders Livestock Career Development Program.
“It was great to see how many people were genuinely curious about the program. People already established in the industry were considering it as their next step, as well as others in the same position I’d been in after finishing tertiary study. It made for some really meaningful conversations,” Chloe said.
Reflecting on the experience, Chloe encouraged any young person in the industry to mark it in their 2026 calendar.
“It’s such an important event because it pushes you outside your usual network. When you’re busy in your day-to-day role, you tend to stay within your circle. Events like this give you the chance to meet people you wouldn’t normally cross paths with and to reflect on how you’re going in your own journey. I’m grateful Elders offered me the opportunity to be involved. If you’re thinking about attending in 2026, just do it. Every year is different and there is always something new to learn.”
April also encouraged future attendees.
“It’s a great opportunity to broaden your perspective and hear how people reached the roles they’re in today; hearing about the steps they took and the challenges along the way, is really valuable.”
Elders also supported the forum’s charity auction, which raised more than $24,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Dalby Territory Sales Manager Jack Dougherty took the lead as auctioneer, backed by spotters Arron Brims, Dalby Territory Sales Manager, and Bennett Ladbrook, Roma Territory Sales Manager, as well was Chloe and April.
The Young Beef Producers’ Forum remains a standout opportunity for young people in the beef industry to connect and grow. Elders looks forward to being part of the event again next year.
