Beef forum draws industry leaders

Some of the biggest names in the WA beef industry are coming to Busselton this week.

The WAFarmers Beef Forum will be held at Abbey Beach Resort from 10am tomorrow.

Meat and Livestock Australia chairman Richard Norton and Minderoo Group investments manager John Hartman are among the big names attending.

WAFarmers Vasse zone president Simon Brown said it was a coup for Busselton.

“I can’t recall ever having such senior industry figures in Busselton before, ” he said.

“We’ve just had the deal with V & V Walsh and Grand Farm, and with the recent investment with Harvey Beef we’re very interested in what John Hartman says.”

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture Senator Richard Colbeck will also attend the forum to speak about live cattle exports and the implications of recently secured free trade agreements.

Agricultural Connections Australia director Steve Meerwald will talk about market integration, and how farmers can connect with the processors and marketers to sell their product.

"The timing seems to be right, ” Mr Brown said.

“It’s not just beef farmers who can benefit (from the forum).

“It’s also the allied industries such as agriculture suppliers from accountants to bankers.”

MLA director Peter Trefort will act as master of ceremonies and the audience will have the chance to ask questions during a panel discussion.

Busselton beef farmer Ken Sue said he would attend to see what the future held for the beef industry.

“Prices are fairly stagnant … it’s not too bad at the moment but it could be better, ” he said.

“If we can get prices up to around $5 a kilo we’ll come out of it all right.”

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