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30/05/2024
Mark and Katrina Brown at the Rabobank breakfast at Beef 2024.
Beef 2024 was a triumphant celebration, and Queensland Brangus breeders Mark and Katrina Brown exemplified the energy and dedication that underpins Australia’s vibrant beef industry.
The couple, from Lancen Creek at Dululu hit the ground running – displaying cattle in the female sale, Mark chief steward in the Brangus show ring for a day, and absorbing as much knowledge as possible amongst their busy program.
RaboResearch breakfast proves valuable
One opportunity Mark and Katrina found particularly valuable was Rabobank’s knowledge-sharing breakfast entitled ‘Staring down the barrel of a beef demand tsunami. How the US will shape global and Australian beef prices in the years to come?’
Leveraging the combined global and local expertise of US RaboResearch Animal Proteins Analyst, Lance Zimmerman and Australian Senior Proteins Analyst, Angus Gidley-Baird the pair provided first-hand insights into international markets and trends impacting the local industry.
Learning about the key challenges the US industry currently faces, and what that means for Australian producers on the ground, was particularly pertinent, Mark said.
“I gained an understanding of the young cattle numbers in the US going onto feed, and how this may contribute to shortages going forward as the industry rebuilds,” he explains. “I was vaguely aware of these issues from the papers and online, but having Lance interpret and deliver the information directly had a lot more impact.”
Understanding the trigger points Australian producers should be aware of was also welcome intel.
“We can’t do anything about the current commercial herd prices, so it’s business as usual for the meantime, but Lance has provided comprehensive tips to look out for over the next 12 months.”
“We’ll be waiting and watching for those trigger points, at which time we can start anticipating a potential rise in our domestic beef prices.”
Rabo marquee Beef’s networking hub
While Mark and Katrina’s ring side commitments limited their free time at Beef 2024, the couple made a point of calling into the Rabo Marquee, and admit it was hard to miss.
“The bright, open plan layout was really inviting, and access to all the Rabobank staff was easy – I even had my photo up on the wall with our manager Michael Fletcher which was a bit of a surprise!”
Mark with Rabobank Area Manager, Michael Fletcher.
“The interactive fun-fact wall was keeping visitors to the marquee engaged, and the Rabo coffee pop-up was another nice touch.”
Mark said the vibrant and hands-on space was reflective of his Rabobank client experience.
“Rabobank feels like so much more than a bank, everything it does seems to be above and beyond, with genuine consideration for clients, and our rural communities.”
While the Browns were disappointed to miss the daily ‘Beef Bites” sessions in the Rabo Marquee, they’ve taken advantage of Rabo Client Council Financial Skills Workshops, and various upskilling and networking events in the past.
“If you’re willing to learn, Rabobank’s support is endless – there’s always something on offer that you can apply to help strengthen your business, and these initiatives are usually delivered locally which is even better.”
A bigger and better Beef 2024
Regular visitors to Beef Australia, Mark thought this year’s event was superior to previous years, with the show ring crowds, and beef quality, exceptional.
In conjunction with their commercial herd, the couple also run a Brangus stud, M1B Brangus, and were thrilled to sell two females for an average of $7,000.
The highlight of the week, however, was the quality of cattle on offer.
“It was terrific to see such a high standard amongst every breed, and people travelling from across the country to help promote the beef industry in such a positive, collective atmosphere, we’ve certainly come home with renewed enthusiasm – although a little exhausted!”