The 2024 Georgina Pastoral Future NTCA Industry Tour kicked off in November, starting in Alice Springs, the future leaders visited Yambah, Curtin Springs, and Undoolya Stations, where they explored key aspects of sustainability, diversification, leadership, and the value of fostering enduring relationships.
Showcasing advanced automated stockyards to water trap yard management systems, genetic enhancements improving production and market access through to capitalising on what the environment has to offer including feral animal harvesting, tourism and creating paper from native grasses, these visits showcased the creativity and dedication of Central Australian producers who manage successful, innovative enterprises in an incredibly challenging environment.
The second leg of the tour took us to South Australia, where the future leaders gained valuable insights into the domestic supply chain post our station gates.
The tour visited state-of-the-art facilities, including TFI’s meat processing plant and cattle feedlot.
Touring these operations revealed the scale, precision, and care that go into modern meat production, leaving the future leaders inspired by the high standards of livestock management and the safeguards in place to protect our market access.
Tours continued into a range of mixed farming enterprises and innovative feedlot operations showcasing how modern practices in efficiency and innovation plays a vital part in utilising land to its full potential to create dynamic income streams, ensuring consistent production through varying seasons and market trends. Genetic improvements and risk mitigation through artificial insemination were common practices across the operations we visited, and the production improvements achieved through this process were remarkable.
Industry experts generously shared their time and knowledge, leading discussions on critical topics such as leadership, staff management, global drivers like carbon reduction, public perceptions, and the integration of technology and data to enhance profitability and sustainability.
These conversations challenged participants to think critically about agriculture’s future on both domestic and global scales.
The generosity of producers and industry professionals stood out throughout the tour, reflecting the collaborative spirit that defines the agricultural community. Stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership from hosts provided invaluable lessons, while their passion for producing sustainable, high-quality food and fibre left a lasting impression.
The tour not only equipped participants with practical knowledge to take back to their own operations and careers but also instilled a deep sense of pride in the future of Australia’s livestock industry.
-NTCA