Business Feature
The 2017 NQ Dry Tropics Northern Beef Producers Expo is gathering steam with the third annual event taking place at the Charters Towers Showgrounds on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4.
The theme of this years expo will be “The Next Generation” and Northern Beef Producers Inc. committee President Martin Holzwart said the two days will be “jam packed with live demonstrations, a large scale trade exhibition, stud cattle displays, children’s entertainment and an impressive line-up of guest speakers”.
Mr Holzwart said he’s excited about the future prospects of the expo with trade exhibitor numbers expected to rise again this year, and event sponsorship remaining solid.
“At the inaugural expo in 2015 we had 50 exhibitors on-site, last year we had 80, and we believe that we’ll see even more this year,” he said.
Beef producer Henry Hinds from Dukes Plain, Theodore, and League legend, sports presenter and Queensland Safety ambassador Shane Webcke will be the keynote speakers during the first day of the expo.
● Henry and Anna Hinds and their two young daughters manage an organic certified beef property. They’ve overcome a number of challenges in recent years and are now successfully managing a sustainable, profitable beef business with a bright future.
● Shane Webcke has a strong connection and commitment to work safety after his father was killed in a workplace incident. He’ll be sharing the story of how his father's death impacted his family, and will offer his advice to workers and businesses about the importance of staying safe at work and creating a strong safety culture. Mr Webcke’s presentation is being sponsored by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
The line-up of speakers for Saturday will include Agersens managing director Ian Reilly, Red Meat Advisory Council chair Don Mackay and Charters Towers grazier and Beef Co-Op Project founder Emma Robinson.
● Ian Reilly is passionate about technology and will be sharing information on eShepherd virtual fencing – an automated grazing control tool enabling farmers to fence, move or monitor their livestock using their smartphone or tablet.
● Don Mackay will be discussing new market opportunities and the future of existing markets for Northern beef producers.
● Emma Robinson will be discussing opportunities for graziers to collaborate in the beef supply chain to improve profitability.”
Several live demonstrations will also be held over both days of the expo.
● Adam Sibson from Shadowvale Working Dogs will be showcasing the effectiveness and labour saving efficiencies of working dogs in the northern beef industry.
● Matteo Salerno from Drones iView will give a live demonstration and presentation on how drones can be used in northern grazing businesses.
● Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation’s (QAAFI) Geoffry Fordyce will give a demonstration on cow ovarian scanning with ultrasound technology.
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Mr Holzwart said the stud cattle display is a new addition to this years expo and will provide a great place to promote the accomplishments beef producers are making in their businesses.
“We still have places available for the exhibit so please contact the committee if you’re interested in showing your cattle.”
The Northern Beef Producers Inc expo committee is comprised of 15 young Charters Towers beef producers who are choosing to volunteer their time and share their passion for strengthening the northern beef industry.
“We’re a stand-alone, not-for-profit organisation which was created in 2015 to run great events and keep bringing new information to graziers in the region. Big events like these also give the town a boost so we encourage everyone to get behind it”.
Mr Holzwart said the newly named NBPE bar “The Trough” will be operating until late on the Friday night. There are no formalities, just a chance for mates to catch up over a few cold drinks.
“We’ll have live music by local band Homegrown which I’m sure will keep expo guests entertained.
“Younger expo visitors will also have plenty to do; we’ll have a rock climbing wall, face painting, a jumping castle and many other activities to keep them occupied.”
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The Showgrounds gates will open at 9am for each day of the expo, with a gold coin donation covering the cost of entry and proceeds going to the Charters Towers Show Society.
For further information please visit the expo website at www.nbpe.com.au or by visiting the Northern Beef Producers Expo Facebook page which is being frequently updated with exhibitor information and other events and activities taking place during the event.
