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2025-26 National Beef Leaders announced at Cattle Connect

2025-26 National Beef Leaders announced at Cattle Connect.

11 November 2025

Cattle Australia (CA) has announced its 2025-26 National Beef Leaders (NBL) participants, who have been chosen for their potential to become future champions of the industry.

The seven recipients who will partake in the customised skills and leadership development program, were selected from a suite of outstanding applicants from across Australia.

The program finalists were officially announced today as part of CA’s producer and industry event, Cattle Connect 2025, held at the Dalby Showgrounds, Qld.

CA Chief Executive Officer, Will Evans, said the NBL program was designed to attract and retain exceptional people and empower them to become leaders in their chosen fields within the industry.

“The calibre of applicants which our panels were challenged to choose from shows the incredible depth of talent and passion for the industry among the young people or rural and regional Australia,” Mr Evans said.

“Those selected have already proven they are capable, focused and committed to the beef industry; the NBL program will help them take their careers to the next level through a series of face-to-face training workshops covering leadership, policy development, corporate governance and media engagement.”

The seven NBL program participants will also join in CA activities, including meeting with Ministers and Government officials at Parliament House and mentoring to connect them to leading figures along the beef supply chain.

The 2025 National Beef Leaders are:

  • Lewis Crothers, owner/director of Crothers Cattle Company, Matheson, NSW
  • Liam Mowbray, research scientist at Angus Australia, cattle veterinarian and owner of Marlea Angus, Barrington, NSW.
  • Tyla Comerford, central sales representative with StockLive, Dubbo, NSW
  • Teagan Lawrence, extension officer (carbon) in Extensive Livestock Systems team at the Department of Primary Industries, Charters Towers, Qld
  • Mia Doering, safety and welfare business partner, Consolidated Pastoral Company, Tansey, Qld
  • Larry Farquhar, director and manager of Calco Qld, and manager of Eljay Droughtmasters stud and associated commercial herds, Rolleston, Qld
  • Ben Reardon, station manager, Cloncurry, Qld

The NBL program is CA’s flagship leadership initiative and is designed for people aged between 21 and 35 years who are established in their careers and ready to take the next step in leadership and advocacy.

“By developing the skills of these innovative young leaders, who will bring a fresh attitude to new challenges, CA is securing a strong and sustainable future for the beef industry,” Mr Evans said.

Applicants were judged on the following criteria:

  • Capacity to represent the Australian beef industry
  • Leadership capacity, in presentation and in conduct, over the course of the program
  • Beef industry knowledge
  • Presentation skills

More information on the NBL program is available at www.cattleaustralia.com.au 

2025-26 NBL Participants

Tyla Comerford, Dubbo, NSW

Tyla Comerford has built a diverse career within the Australian and international beef industry, with experience spanning the seedstock sector, beef export trade, pastoral operations, and the broader beef supply chain. After graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing, she commenced her career with an organic export beef and lamb operation before transitioning into the corporate agency sector. Driven to broaden her knowledge, Tyla worked across Canada and the United States, gaining hands-on experience as a lab technician and semen analyst at a bull collection centre, as well as in feedlot and backgrounding systems. Now back in Australia, Tyla is enthusiastic about contributing to the seedstock industry and supporting the next generation through her involvement in youth and agricultural events. Currently working as the Central Sales Representative at StockLive, she is dedicated to personal growth, learning from those in industry and working for a more sustainable industry for generations to come.

Teagan Lawrence, Charters Towers, Qld

Teagan Lawrence is an extension officer (carbon) in the Department of Primary Industries’ Extensive Livestock Systems team. She supports beef producers across North Queensland to understand emissions reduction, sustainability and carbon markets. Teagan has worked across Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland, gaining valuable practical insight into the challenges and opportunities of beef production in different environments. She holds a Bachelor of Agriculture and Business from the University of New England and combines this knowledge with her practical experience to support graziers in identifying opportunities to improve productivity, reduce emissions and remain competitive amid evolving market and regulatory expectations. Teagan is particularly interested in how policy and extension can align to ensure sustainability frameworks are practical and achievable at the farm level, supporting long-term outcomes for producers and the broader beef industry through improved knowledge, efficiency and resilience.

Liam Mowbray, Barrington, NSW

Liam Mowbray is a cattle veterinarian, Angus breeder, and Research & Development Specialist at Angus Australia. Based in the Barrington region of New South Wales, Liam works with producers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to deliver genetic research outcomes and guide national breed improvement strategies. He also facilitates the Angus Sire Benchmarking and Genetic Evaluation Consultative Committees, helping shape the direction of genetic R&D across the beef industry. Alongside his professional role, Liam operates Marlea Angus, a growing beef breeding business spanning three properties in the foothills of the Barrington Tops, focused on producing resilient, high-performing Angus cattle with exceptional eating quality. Driven by a passion for genetics, fertility, and cattle health, Liam has built his business from the ground up, and is committed to helping others see a future in the beef industry. He aims to grow as a communicator and advocate, contributing to an efficient and sustainable Australian beef sector.

Mia Doering, Tansey, Qld

Mia Doering is the Safety and Welfare Business Partner at Consolidated Pastoral Company, which owns and operates a portfolio of 10 station aggregations across northern Australia and two feedlots in Indonesia. Based in Brisbane and maintaining close ties to her family’s Santa Gertrudis stud at Tansey, Qld, Mia has a strong appreciation for both family and corporate agriculture. She spent four years in the Kimberley working on cattle stations and in contracting camps while completing her degree in Agribusiness and Sustainable Agriculture remotely. In 2024, Mia was awarded the RJ Kleberg Scholarship as the Santa Gertrudis Youth Ambassador, spending nine weeks at King Ranch in the United States exploring global beef production systems and the origins of Santa Gertrudis cattle. As Vice Chair of the Young Livestock Exporters Network and an MLA Red Meat Ambassador, Mia is committed to driving positive change, bridging the gap between producers and consumers, and supporting the next generation of leaders across northern Australia’s beef industry.

Lewis Crothers, Matheson, NSW

Lew Crothers is a driven agriculturalist with a passion for the production and genetic development of high-quality cattle, fodder crops and pastures. He has experience across the commercial cattle industry operating both breeding and trading enterprises on owned and leased country throughout the Northern New England of NSW. After a short secondment to one of Australia’s largest and most successful seedstock cattle producers, he now values the importance of data-driven decision-making to enhance productivity. Lew was born and raised on the land, however at 18 enlisted into the Australian Army, where he spent almost 15 years leading some of the finest soldiers in the world. This career shaped his leadership and problem-solving skills which are now qualities applied to help manage and grow his family farming business within the ever-evolving agricultural industry. Lew is married to Kirsten, an AgriBanker, and together they have two young daughters, Matilda and Ivy.

Larry Farquhar, Rolleston, Qld

Larry is a fifth-generation grazier based north-east of Rolleston in Central Queensland. His family has operated a breeding and backgrounding enterprise on their property, ‘Katrina’, for 49 years across three generations. They run between 850 and 1,050 breeding females, with surplus progeny turned off primarily at feeder weight. In 2015, Larry and his family registered a nucleus herd of seedstock Droughtmaster females. Following the recent purchase of an established Droughtmaster stud herd, they now manage 240 registered breeding females and market auction sale bulls through multi-vendor sales in Rolleston and Clermont. Larry was recently elected as the Central Zone Director for the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders Society and is proud to serve as an active and passionate board member. Through the National Beef Leaders program, Larry looks forward to making connections, embracing new challenges and learning as much as he can.

Ben Reardon, Alice Springs, NT

Ben Reardon is an emerging beef industry professional with extensive experience in pastoral management, livestock production and station operations across Northern and Central Australia. He currently serves as a station manager in Cloncurry, Qld. Ben has developed a broad skill set in herd management, data systems, animal welfare and team leadership through years of hands-on experience across diverse pastoral environments. Holding formal qualifications in agriculture, he is committed to continuous professional development and the adoption of innovative, sustainable practices within the beef industry. Ben is passionate about driving productivity within pastoral environments, fostering capabilities within rural teams, and contributing to the ongoing strength and resilience of Australia’s cattle sector.

ENDS

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Stacey Wordsworth
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillagency.com.au
0438 394 371

Michael Thomson
michael.thomson@bluehillagency.com.au
0408 819 666

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Will Evans

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Will Evans brings extensive leadership, advocacy and policy experience to the role of Cattle Australia CEO. 

Prior to joining CA in July 2025, he held the role of CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association.

Prior to leading the NTCA, Will held industry positions in the areas of policy development with the former Cattle Council of Australia and for the Northern Territory Live Exporters Association.

Garry Edwards

Managing Director and CEO, Maureen Pastoral Company

Garry was born and raised on a commercial beef cattle property south of Gloucester in New South Wales. Garry has personal cattle production interests in this region today as well as his corporate role as the Managing Director and CEO of AAM, a business that has a significant focus in continuing to expand beyond our cattle production interests in Central West NSW, near Forbes and Bective Station near Tamworth, NSW.

Garry has over 25 years’ experience in large scale livestock production management within the Australian agribusiness sector. His experience spans across a vast array of areas of the agricultural supply chain and includes managing businesses involved in livestock breeding, growing and finishing, financing of agricultural projects, implementation of precision agriculture practices, investigation and implementation of sustainability and innovation initiatives and developing and operating integrated agricultural businesses.

In 2007, Garry founded the company that today is AAM, commencing the development, operation and management of a portfolio of agricultural assets valued at $887 million and he remains the major shareholder of AAM.

Garry has a unique skill set across multiple facets of the grass-fed cattle production supply chain, from production through to finishing, as well as a unique perspective of the challenges facing all grass-fed producers within Australia through his involvement in the modernisation and development of livestock marketing facilities throughout Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

George King

Managing Director, The Whitney Pastoral Co and Manager, "Coombing Park"
George is a seventh generation Australian farmer, currently managing his family property which they have held since 1880. George operates an Angus breeding and finishing operation joining 1,500 cows per year, with a low-cost model turning off steers at feeder weights and direct sales of females.

George has long been on a regenerative agriculture path as it was the only way he could see to renovate their property 25 years ago without employed equity or working capital, which at the time they didn’t have. He continues with this model as it provides outstanding cost containments, continued production and profitability.

George is married with four (4) children, Harry 24, Emma 22, Dave 15 and Tom 13. He also enjoys flying and has his pilot’s license.

George is also a Founding Director of The Wellness House and a Founding Director of ONFARM CO. He has a strong voluntary involvement with his community including as the NSW Rural Fire Services Senior Dept Capt. and Chairman of St Paul’s Carcoar.

Bryce Camm

Grazier, camm agricultual group

Bryce Camm hails from Dalby in Queensland’s Darling Downs region where he oversees his family’s company Camm Agricultural Group; an integrated beef and cropping enterprise with interests across Queensland.

Bryce has been CEO of the group for the past eight years. Prior to that he was the Manager of the group’s award winning Wonga Plains Feedlot for eight years where he oversaw the operation triple in size. Growing up on “Natal Downs” Station in north Queensland Bryce undertook a dual degree in Business Administration and Communications at Bond University and is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program as well as the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.

Bryce is currently the Chairman of Beef Australia Ltd and the Immediate Past President of the Australian Lot Feeders Council, as well as a previous Director of the Red Meat Advisory Council. 

Elke Cleverdon

FAICD, FCPA, MBA

Elke Cleverdon is an experienced non-executive director and long-term cattle producer from Harden in regional NSW. 

As Joint Owner & Director of Cleverdon Agriculture since 1993, she has managed a self-replacing Black Angus herd, raising and trading cattle with her family. Her deep connection to the land ensures she brings a genuine producer perspective to national industry leadership.

Elke has chaired Cattle Australia’s Audit & Risk Committee for the past three years, strengthening governance, financial accountability, and member confidence during a critical stage of the organisation’s development. She is passionate about ensuring producers have a strong, credible voice and that their interests are advanced in a fair, profitable, and sustainable supply chain.

Her professional background includes more than 16 years in executive leadership in customer-owned banking and eight years as a rural financial coach, supporting farming businesses across NSW. She has also been recognised nationally through the National Farmers’ Federation Diversity in Ag Leadership program.

Elke currently serves as a non-executive director with Horticulture Innovation Australia, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (NSW Health), and SWS Bank. She is a Fellow CPA, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Master of Business Administration.

Elke brings critical thinking, strong financial and risk management skills, and a passion for strategy and sustainability. She is committed to advancing the long-term interests of Australia’s cattle producers by ensuring Cattle Australia remains a trusted, effective, and transparent advocate for the industry.

David Foote

Director - Tandarra Partners

Nominated by: Peter Hall, Troy Setter, Bryce Camm, David Hill, Adam Coffey 

For the past 45 years, David has held rural property management, executive and senior management positions across all mainland states in areas of; beef cattle & sheep breeding, growing and lot feeding, meat retailing, small seed growing, irrigated fodder, and the further processing and exporting of primary products such as meat, grain and fodder.

His export experiences which started in 1989 included a role with Stanbroke Pastoral Company to help develop Stanbroke’ s Live cattle export program. Additionally, David managed the integration of Bottle Tree feedlot grain feeding in the production system while developing and launching their now globally recognised Diamantina beef brand.

David has been in a leadership role at the Lee Family’s, Australian Country Choice group of Companies since 1999 and progressed in that time from General Manager Properties & Livestock to Group Managing Director until stepping back in December 2020 from a full time role to a strategic advisory and board role.

Headquartered in Brisbane and employing over 1,400 staff across 42 operations, Australian Country Choice (ACC) operates Australia’s largest vertically integrated beef supply chain; encompassing cattle breeding, cattle growing and feedlotting to supply its integrated food processing facility in Brisbane that incorporates beef slaughter, beef boning, value-adding and case ready beef packing.

ACC’s cattle property portfolio of around 4 million acres in Queensland & NSW encompasses operations from the Barkly Tableland, CQ coalfields, Carnarvon ranges, Augathella, Blackall, Roma, and Moonie districts of Queensland, with a carrying capacity of 300,000 head. of cattle to support the Company’s 3 feedlots.

Additionally, David represents Agricultural & Cattle industry interests in his role as; Non-Government member Australia­ Indonesia Red Meat & Cattle Partnership, member SmartSat CRC, member Cattle Australia -Policy Council, member Australian Meat Industry Council -China & Halal Trade Groups, Chair Workplace Health & Safety Queensland -Rural Industry Sector Standing Committee, Deputy Chair Laguna Bay Pastoral investment committee and Board Member lnventia Genetic Technologies (IGT). 

Away from work David has a small cattle property in the Mt Kilcoy (Qld) district running Charolais & Charbray breeders to the delight of his four grandchildren.

David wishes to continue into a second term to help build a strong and successful Cattle Australia to represent the interest of all cattle producers