Auctioneer, licensed livestock valuer, real estate agent, business builder, branch manager, industry advocate and trusted adviser to producers across Queensland and beyond. Chris Todd has worn many hats throughout his career, but they all point to one thing: a lifelong commitment to the Australian beef industry.
Chris Todd (second from right) pictured with others in the Queensland/Northern Territory team. Left to right: Geoff Sutton, Elders Mackay Branch Manager, Beau White, Elders Charters Towers Stock Agent, Tristan Bartley, Elders Mackay Stock Agent, Hamish Sullivan, Elders Rockhampton Stock Agent, Gabriel Christie, Elders Winton Stock Agent, Chris Todd, CQ Livestock Manager, and Anthony Ball NQ & NT Livestock Manager.
For nearly five decades, Chris has built an extraordinary career around cattle, working across almost every corner of the beef supply chain and developing the relationships that connect people throughout the industry.
It all began with an unexpected conversation at a gathering in early 1977.
"I was at a get together and met a fellow who said to me, 'Why don't you go and do stock and station agency?' I said, 'What's that?' I had no idea."
Looking back, Chris says that willingness to step into unfamiliar territory helped shape an incredibly diverse career.
"I've worked in meatworks, feedlots, livestock agencies, breed societies, rural property and live export," he said.
"I've been very fortunate to experience so many different sides of the industry."
Throughout that journey, he achieved a number of significant milestones, including the sale of a Northern Territory property for $75 million in the late 2000s, a transaction that was a record-breaking result at the time.
Another major part of his career has been his long association with Beef Australia.
"I wasn't involved in the very first event in 1988, but some very good mentors of mine helped start Beef Australia. I've been involved since 1991 and was a director for 12 years," he said.
"It's been fascinating watching it evolve. The events just grow every year, and I’m looking forward to Beef 2027, which will probably be the biggest so far.”
His pride in Beef Australia reflects his broader passion for the industry, and that pride also extends to Elders, which has been part of the Australian agricultural sector for generations.
After retiring, many would have assumed Chris had earned the right to slow down. Instead, when Elders approached him in early 2025 about returning to the business, he saw another opportunity to contribute.
"Elders has been involved in the livestock industry since 1839. It's a very proud company.
"When Elders rang me, I said, 'Yes, I'd love to.' I've always liked challenges, and there was another one for me."
Chris initially returned as branch manager overseeing Rockhampton and Theodore before moving into his current role as Central Queensland livestock manager. The decision was driven not only by the challenge itself, but also by his belief in the industry's future and the important role Elders continues to play within it.
"Central Queensland is the largest cattle-producing region in Australia, stretching from around Gin Gin in the south to Alpha in the west and across to the coast," he said.
"The region is home to millions of cattle and underpins much of Australia's beef production. It's magnificent.”
Looking ahead to Beef 2027, Chris is particularly excited about the opportunity to reconnect with international visitors and strengthen relationships with key export markets.
“The handshake opportunities are probably the best part,” he said.
“We only consume about 30 per cent of what we produce domestically, so those export markets are incredibly important. We have a magnificent product that meets the needs of customers around the world, and I always look forward to catching up with international visitors, explaining our industry and highlighting its importance.”
When asked what advice he would offer to a young person entering agriculture, his response is straightforward.
"Be honest and treat people well."
"I have a philosophy in life that you treat people well, no matter where they come from or where they stand in society.
"If I can help explain something, share some knowledge or help somebody, that's what I want to do."
