The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA), in partnership with Angus Australia and Teys Australia, is proud to announce the selection of 12 passionate and driven young beef professionals (aged 18–40) from across the Northern Territory to take part in the upcoming Northern Beef Supply Chain Tour in Brisbane.
Over four dynamic days, delegates will gain behind-the-scenes access to key sites across the southern beef supply chain, including Teys Condamine, Teys Beenleigh, the Brisbane Port Centralised Distribution Centre, and Teys Head Office. The tour will also include guided visits to major retail and wholesale outlets that connect directly with consumers.
Participants will hear from industry experts, engage with leading processors and marketers, and gain technical insights into each stage of the supply chain, from paddock to finished product. The experience is designed to challenge conventional thinking, foster innovation, and help northern producers identify new ways to add value to cattle in southern markets.
NTCA Southern Regional Director, Jessie Daniels said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to building pathways for the next generation of beef industry leaders. “Programs like this help strengthen understanding between northern production systems and southern processing and retail sectors, ultimately benefiting the entire beef value chain,” she said.
Read what each participant hopes to gain from the experience:
Annabel Hetherington: I want to continue to pursue my career within the beef industry, with a strong focus on personal and professional development. I aspire to become a proactive leader, dedicated not only to my own growth but also to the success of the business and the development of my colleagues. My goal is to broaden my horizons by exploring diverse career paths and opportunities within the industry, with a particular interest in stepping into a leadership role where I can make a significant impact. I am committed to continuous learning and aim to contribute to innovation and excellence in every endeavour, driving positive change.
Ellen Easy: Born and raised in Alice Springs, I have worked in the agricultural industry for the past 14 years and have developed a strong passion and love for livestock. I am a community-spirited person, which is reflected in my involvement on three committees where I hold active roles. I am also a proud mother of three young boys and enjoy teaching them the ways of the land. When I am not working, I can usually be found with my horses in the paddock or spending quality time with our family on the station.
Timothy Weir: My name is Timothy Weir, I am a 23 year old born and raised on Allambi Station in south east Central Australia. Educated at School of the Air for primary school, St Peters in Adelaide for high school and completed an Associate Degree in Agribusiness through Curtin University, WA. My partner Kate Addison, a West Aussie I met through uni, and I look after Mt Skinner Station, a 3000km2 station 200km northeast of Alice Springs running Poll Hereford cattle on behalf of Todd River Pastoral, my family company.
Sam Smith: I aspire to be a leader in the beef industry and have a commitment to building a long-term career in agriculture. Over the last decade in the beef industry, I have developed a passion for animal welfare, sustainable land use, and strengthening rural communities. I am focused on expanding my skills in agribusiness and leadership, with the goal of contributing to the growth and resilience of the beef sector. I am passionate about creating a sustainable link between our stations and our domestic markets to ensure we have the knowledge and skills to continue providing our country with the best quality beef.
Brandon Andrews: I am 23 years old I come from a small family farm from the New England region of NSW where we also run beef cattle. Once completing my apprenticeship as a boilermaker last year I decided I wanted to chase my passion within the beef industry. I got a job with Lyndavale Cattle Company this year and have loved every minute of it, trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible about this area and this industry.
Katie Prowd: Originally from Victoria, I have spent the past 4 and a half years working with AACo and currently work role as Livestock Systems Support at Brunette Downs. In this position, I work closely with Head Stockmen and Managers across the NT and QLD to ensure accurate livestock data and strengthen lifetime traceability. I am passionate about bridging the gap between northern production and southern markets and developing a deeper understanding of the journey of the cattle through the beef supply chain.
Kaitlin Townsend: I am an Agribusiness professional based in Northern Territory, having worked within the Banking and Finance sector for the last 10 years across many different channels such as International Trade, Importing and Exporting, tailoring Working Capital solutions. I am now an Agribusiness Manager for pastoralists and farmers in the NT. I joined YLEN in 2024 to enhance my networking skillset, whilst also developing a deeper understanding of the grass-fed beef industry. YLEN has created many opportunities to connect with key stakeholders in the Live Export industry thus far, demonstrating its ability to support young professionals seeking to thrive in the pastoral industry in Northern Australia.
Claire Harcourt Smith: I grew up on my family’s mixed beef and grain property in WA’s southwest. After starting a vet science degree, a gap year ringing in the Kimberley shifted my interest to cattle production systems. So instead, I completed an animal health/science degree and returned north, working in the QLD Gulf and later in Harvest Road’s vertically integrated supply chain. I spent 2023/24 overseas working and travelling and am now based in the NT, and loving being back in the northern beef industry. I’m energised by collaborating with others and problem solving and am excited to explore the opportunities and insights offered by the Production Tour.
Jade Fogarty: I’m currently managing Palmer Valley Station near Alice Springs with my partner. I’ve worked in the Northern Territory cattle industry since I was 18, gaining hands-on experience across a range of station roles and developing a deep passion for beef production. Our operation supplies mainly to southern markets through Teys, giving me a strong interest in how we can continue improving our cattle to meet market demands. I’m committed to the long-term sustainability of our industry and love being part of a community that values hard work, innovation, and supporting the next generation of producers.
Regan Hayes-White: I’ve been working as a cattle station hand at Undoolya Station for the past seven years. Whether I’m on the station, on the sports field, or at home, I’m committed to giving my best and enjoying life with the people who matter most.
Jack Ford: I am 34 years old and the founder of 3Wayz Helicopters, operating across the Northern Territory. I’m also part of the Ford family, who own and operate multiple cattle stations throughout Queensland and the NT where we have a strong focus on sustainability and securing a brighter future for the next generation. I have a strong foundation in both the cattle and aviation industries and I’m passionate about strengthening Northern Australia’s beef sector, especially through direct-to-market opportunities and supply chain innovation.
Shelby Hunt: I’m 21 year old Station Hand at Brunette Downs Station in the Barkly region of the NT. With 6 years experience in the northern beef industry, I’m passionate about the work and the direction the industry is moving. I’m eager to expand my knowledge of the southern beef supply chain. I’m particularly interested in growing my knowledge by learning about production, quality control, and logistics and how this can help to help improve our operations.
More than just a tour, this initiative represents a significant investment in the future of Northern Australia’s beef industry. Delegates will develop professional skills, build lasting networks, and gain a deeper understanding of how their cattle reach domestic and international markets.
All accommodation, meals, and local transport are provided, with participants arranging their own travel to and from Brisbane.
